Veteran Profile: Jimmy and Dorothy Wiseman, Up for the Adventure
Jimmy and Dorothy Wiseman are each mechanically-inclined in their own way. While Dorothy’s career as an aerospace technical writer made her part of the pioneer engineering team of the C-17 flight simulator, Jimmy’s expertise served him as the lead brake tester for Waste Management’s fleet of trucks. But many years before Jimmy helped deploy these trucks familiar across the country, he repaired Dorothy’s roommate’s truck one fateful day.
“He was a skinny little guy,” Dorothy laughs, reminiscing about their meeting. Both she and Jimmy had previously been married, had children, and begun careers when they crossed paths in their early 40s. As a sometime ballroom dance instructor, Dorothy charmed Jimmy, who offered to pay her to be his dance partner. From there, they learned just how much they had in common. Along with a budding romantic connection, they soon became partners at Jimmy’s mobile mechanic business, with Dorothy providing administration.
Armed Forces Service
In 1975, a young Dorothy had been working at a shopping center in her hometown of Kansas City, KS, when she came across a suite of recruiters. “I happened to walk up to the Army National Guard,” she says, “and that’s where I signed up.” Seeking educational opportunities and some adventure, she went to Fort Jackson, SC, for basic training, then was largely stationed at Fort Reilly, KS, with some service in Michigan. Along with technical writing, she was assigned duties driving vehicles or assisting drivers, such as when she helped guide the Gama Goat, a huge, heavy amphibious vehicle developed for Vietnam-era combat. When the Goat once got stuck between two trees, “they had to just cut them down!”
She also went hang gliding and piloted a converted Cessna T210 plane, reaching 17,500 feet—just 500 feet lower than commercial aircraft. After six years in the Army National Guard, Dorothy settled in California to continue an aerospace career as a civilian, working for the McDonnell Douglas Corporation (part of Boeing since the 1990s).
Meanwhile, Jimmy had joined the Army in 1970, serving in the Vietnam conflict and completing basic training at Fort Ord on the Monterey Bay. He was promoted from E-4 to E-7 so that he could command a bridge tank (a sight for anyone who hasn’t seen one). Serving part of his time in Frankfurt, Germany, Jimmy commanded a tank and served as a helicopter crew chief. While he remembers Vietnam as “a bad time” with some very difficult experiences, he fondly remembers travels through Europe, notably Amsterdam. He marveled at castles and churches and learned a lot about the world’s beauty.
He also remembers small moments of levity, like when his general made him the only soldier allowed near the floor shiner after he proved his aptitude. Decades later, he is still proud of standing out for his care and attention to detail.
Remembering their time in the service, Dorothy says she wishes others “would understand the rigorous training you have to go through” to respond to potential threats. Once servicemembers return to civilian life, the rules change, and they have to adapt to de-escalation, sometimes with little support. Jimmy agrees, and adds that the armed forces are all about following directions. “If you go with what they say, you’ll do fine. If you don’t, you’ll have a bad time.” He adds that he succeeded by remembering “spit-shined boots, and starch and creases in your uniform.”
Life After Service
Meeting as veterans, Dorothy and Jimmy had much in common, including a sense of adventure. In 2004 (they think), the couple set off on a multi-year road trip on an 18-wheel semi truck, visiting the 48 contiguous states. Sometimes, Dorothy would be cooking in their kitchen in the truck while Jimmy drove. They became a fixture among other road warriors, especially those stuck in snow, for offering coffee and hospitality. For decades now, they have lived together, worked together, and traveled together.
Currently, they live in a small town in Missouri, which made it difficult to get the assistive care Jimmy needed. “It is extremely hard to find someone that’s good. I could tell you some horror stories,” Dorothy notes. Thankfully, they found caregivers they love and trust. “I love my girls. They help me a lot,” says Jimmy, with Dorothy adding that she now feels secure leaving Jimmy at home when she runs errands.
Care for Jimmy was made possible through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit, for which he qualified and which the Wisemans accessed with VetAssist’s help. They were also able to access devices like a shower chair and support handle for the bathroom—and, Jimmy’s favorite, a therapeutic massage chair. “Every time I ask for something, they usually give it to me,” says Dorothy.
Thanks to Aid and Attendance, the Wisemans’ life has gotten safer and easier. It’s VetAssist’s privilege to take part in helping amazing veterans like this couple.
When Windstar announced last fall that it would be extending its Mediterranean season to year-round (from spring/summer/autumn), the first thing I wondered was this: How would a cruise in November–early March be different from one during the traditional April–October time frame? How would the new timings materially change the experience?
What I learned, after my recent cruise around the Mediterranean, was that it was equally enjoyable but different. How so? You definitely want to be prepared for the weather (I made the trip with just a carry-on and packed one of anything I could need, such as a sweater, a raincoat, a T-shirt and even a bathing suit). I spent more time in indoor spaces, like museums, restaurants, galleries, food markets and shops, and made some fabulous discoveries that I’d missed on other cruises in the Mediterranean where I’d been more interested in beaches, outdoor cafés and hiking trails. On our visits to Rome, Florence, Nice and Barcelona, the atmosphere was vibrant; we encountered plenty of other travelers but rarely ever a crowd (also rare: other cruise ships!).
Take it from me, an American living in Rome: Winter is the Mediterranean’s secret season.”
Laura Itzkowitz, Conde Nast Traveler
And one key change for cruising at this time of the year is that the itineraries are different. During the Mediterranean spring/summer/fall seasons, the ships tend to call at smaller, more out of the way villages and towns that are basically just open during the mainstream travel season. This time, we spent our time in cities that bustle all year long.
Our weather was mostly quite temperate, yet I do encourage anyone considering a winter cruise to remember that you’ll want to be a bit flexible and a bit adventurous when planning your touring. Some of us onboard even spent time swimming in Star Legend’s pool! And the hot tubs definitely were a boon.
What’s it like to sail around the Mediterranean in winter? Read on.
Coming home
As always, arriving at a Windstar cruise is comforting because, for veterans, you’ll undoubtedly run into amazing crew and staff with whom you’ve already traveled. And if you’re new, it doesn’t take long to warm into the embrace.
Star Legend overnights tonight in Civitavecchia, which as many cruise travelers know (and yet if you’re new-to-cruise, no worries) is about a 1½ hour drive from Rome itself. Rome, like Florence, somewhat unusually for Italy, is a bit far inland to be a true port city. I love that we have an overnight here — and a full day tomorrow — if only because I didn’t have the free time to travel to Rome for a few extra days pre-cruise.
Our trip, should you want to follow along, begins here, moves on to Livorno for Florence (a somewhat similar situation in which Florence itself is inland, as is Lucca and Pisa, other fabulous medieval Tuscan towns that you can access there). After that, the exploration schedule eases a bit. We head to Nice, Marseille and finally Barcelona. We have overnights as well in Nice and Barcelona. And there are no scheduled sea days. It’s going to be a busy cruise.
This trip means so much to me. I have visited all of these amazing cities more than a few times but have not been back since the pandemic. So I can’t wait to share visits to places I’ve loved, and unveil new discoveries, both.
Just a bit of background: I’m a big fan of “relax and absorb.” When we all first visit Rome, the sightseeing list includes the Colosseum, Vatican, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. In Florence you can’t miss the Duomo, and museums like the Uffizi and the Academia. And yet on this trip, I’ve encountered a lot of travelers who have already been to many Mediterranean hotspots. The appeal of this voyage is the more relaxed time of year.
In Rome, I explore favorite, familiar niches and make a new discovery
Rome’s charming neighborhood around the elegant Piazza Farnese/Carolyn Spencer Brown
There were nine of us on the bus bound for the shore excursion “Rome on your own” and I was struck by the fact that everyone onboard had been to Rome before and had very specific ideas on what they were going to do in our destination city. (The other tour offered today was a Vatican-intense experience).
Going to Rome without a plan, whether it’s your first time or multi-time visit, is as crazy as spending a day in Tokyo or Stockholm or Paris. You need a plan. I’ve been to Rome so many times, even had a marriage proposal there, and yet — it’s still overwhelming and there are distances to be covered.
You should allow for time to get lost.
My plan was to revisit neighborhoods that I’ve loved in the past, like the Piazza Navona, Campo De Fiori and Palazzo Farnese, all pretty tightly bunched together in the shadow of the Tiber. I wanted to have a relaxing lunch of Rome’s famed carbonara pasta with a smidge of red wine, and then wander over to the Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps, which is both touristic and utterly fabulous).
Even with some time lost wandering in circles (my memory wasn’t as good as I’d hoped), a few restless moments cursing Google Maps for telling me to go northeast or southwest instead of left or right, and a bonkers recommendation that the best market in town was the seriously touristy one at Campo De Fiori (boy, has that piazza changed since my first visit, when as a callow and poor young traveler, I rented a room at a convent on the square), still, it was a great day. There was a great lunch at a restaurant a block behind Piazza Navona, a café I chose because the strongest scent of garlic wafted out its front door.
Lunching on Rome’s traditional carbonara pasta near Piazza Navona/Carolyn Spencer Brown
My favorite moment — as happens on all great days even if you do plan ahead — was a totally unexpected one, at Rinescenti, Italy’s sort-of fancy department store. This one had been written up by the uber-stylish Wallpaper design magazine, and the thing that intrigued me was its rooftop terrace. It was part of a rather pretentious food hall (selling fancy groceries like 36-euro olive oil flasks for which no info on its value was provided) but wow, the outdoor, rooftop deck offered the most amazing views above the city. You could breathe, rest, reboot, and watch a spectacular storm heading west to east, from the Atlantic to the city itself. And, ironically, on this first week of March, the sun shining on us was really warm (I peeled off a layer of clothes but then layered back up when I got outside, on the street level).
It was nice to meet up with our bus mates for a no-stress trip back to the ship (and a PS, the motorcoach had outlets for charging your devices; just make sure to bring an adapter).
Watching a storm roll in at Rome’s Rinascenti, with its top floor cafe/Carolyn Spencer Brown
Some of our fellow travelers took the train back and forth, and I’ve done that in the past, but opted for the convenience of the “on your own” option and was glad I did. Once we were back onboard, our captain announced that our sail-away would be delayed because a passenger was caught up in a train delay. I thought it was wonderful that the ship waited — but I wouldn’t want to take that chance.
Tonight we sail from Civitavecchia, north to Livorno, which is our gateway to Florence.
Onboard, it feels like we’re traveling in a cocoon
Cozy Cuadro 44 is one of my favorite restaurants on all Windstar yachts/Carolyn Spencer Brown
Star Legend is largely identical to Windstar’s Star Pride and Star Breeze. If you’ve traveled in any of these yachts, you’ll immediately feel at home once you walk up the gangway. I love that I know where my favorite haunts are, that the Yacht Club, the all-day-long coffee bar and deli also serves fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning. There’s the secret hot tub, all the way forward, on deck 5, which you’ll often have all to yourself.
The standard accommodations are all roomy suites, with either picture windows or Juliet balconies, and have the same layout (save for whether the bed is positioned by the window and living room by the door or vice versa). All have the walk-in closet, more movies programmed onto the television network than you’ll have =time to watch, and super comfortable beds with a nautically inspired seating area by the window or the entrance.
Perhaps my favorite moment so far on this trip occurred on our first night, docked at Civitavecchia. I had an early reservation at Cuadro 44, the cozy Spanish restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Anthony Sasso. It’s become one of my favorite restaurants anywhere at sea; the menu is inventive, the crew and staff make you feel so warmly welcome, and the food is just delicious. This time, I discovered a new dish, the fideos mar y montana (toasted angel hair pasta, confit chicken, chorizo and clams) that joins the lamb chops and churros with chocolate sauce in my own personal “Cuadro Hall of Fame.”
So, on this night, the sun had just set, and I was surprised to see, from inside the cozy restaurant, tucked perfectly at a table along the wall, a flash of light. There was a spectacular show going on outside — a humdinger of a thunder and lightning storm with the rain coming down so hard it was blowing sideways. I may have been the only guest at that point in Cuadro 44 but I was by no means alone — the crew and staff joined me to watch the storm. It ended as abruptly as it began.
In Florence, the culinary arts, 20th century fashion and ancient artifacts
Here’s a great overview of Florence we visited on a toilet stop!/Carolyn Spencer Brown
Today, on our second port call on this Mediterranean-all-year-long cruise on Windstar’s Star Legend, could potentially feel a bit like “Groundhog Day” after yesterday’s visit to Rome from Civitavecchia. As excited as I am to be in Italy for the first time since the pandemic, both of these towns are, as mentioned yesterday, some distance inland (luckily, other ports to come, including Nice, Marseille and Barcelona, are within walking distance of the ship).
There was, on this call at Livorno, an option to sign up for a Florence “on your own” excursion, but it was such a new opportunity from Windstar (not listed pre-cruise as a shore ex option on Windstar’s website, for instance) that I was the only one to sign up. I ended up taking the regular Florence tour, the one that visits the Accademia Galleria to see Michelangelo’s statue of David. I figured I’d revisit the masterpiece and then arrange to meet the tour at the end. And in fact, I wasn’t alone there — several other travelers booked on the shore ex were return visitors to Florence and wanted to do their own thing, too. So, I think there’s potential for more offerings for experienced travelers.
The drive from Livorno to Florence was beautiful as we passed through Chianti country before heading up to a lookout point for an absolutely gorgeous toilet-stop (when was the last time you got those four words together in a sentence?).
Bottom line: Florence is, according to Lucia, our guide (and I believe her), one of the most historic of Italy’s many old cities. And if in my mind, visiting Italy’s famous cities now, as opposed to high season’s summer, would be a cakewalk, well, let’s just say that there may not be many cruise ships in the region, but tourists won’t feel lonely, at least in early March.
There’s definitely a great energy around Florence (a lot of school kids, a sprinkling of Asian visitors, independent Americans) but I do wonder if Florence is becoming the “new Venice,” in the sense of rather overpowering crowds around the Uffizi and the Accademia, and then sprawling beyond, that really transform your experience. One huge plus: If you’re on this tour, your guide gets the tickets in advance. Huge advantage.
And, like Rome, if you’re exploring Florence independently, you will want to plan your day, to make sure you get to see everything on your list. On this trip I wanted to explore the city’s Central Market. The ground floor, even during a rather fallow time of year when there’s not so much freshly grown produce (still no asparagus yet, just a bit early) though plenty of seafood, was, as it’s always, fascinating to see what people are buying.
Florence’s Central Market sells the usual foodstuffs and lots of ready made dishes, too/Carolyn Spencer Brown
And if anyone wonders, “Why, as a guest on a Windstar ship, which has amazing food, are you poking around food stalls,” you will understand when they see all the counters of ready-made dishes (and plenty of cafés, too). On this market’s second floor, it was even better than a food court, with all manner of treats, from chicken roasting right in front of you to decadent pastries, wines and beyond. There was even a cute gift shop that sold kitchen and gourmet packaged food (the requisite 36-euro bottles of olive oil were there aplenty). I kept thinking, in my family, where we all have different tastes, Central Market is a great lunch stop: There’s something for everyone.
Another new discovery in Firenze
Florence’s Gucci Garden celebrates the design house’s fashion in a contemporary way/Carolyn Spencer Brown
Another first in this port, which I had visited before, was a trip to the recently remodeled Gucci Garden. Mind you, I’ve never been particularly intrigued by the Florence-based Gucci’s fashion house, but after my morning in the Accademia, I wanted to experience the city’s more recent culture too. Gucci Garden is an elegant complex incorporating the Gucci Osteria, a boutique and bookstore, and a series of multimedia and visually colorful exhibits. What I loved about the experience was mostly its gallery, where you could ogle themed rooms (one on Gucci’s signature loafers through the decades, another with hundreds of handbags, a third that showcased gowns and tuxes as worn by a blend of celebrities throughout different decades). It definitely transported me into a different period of time and reminded me that Florence has more to offer than ancient artifacts.
My last stop — I packed a lot into the five hours I had to explore — was to head across the Ponte Vecchio, admiring the jewelry, to the other side of the Arno River. Here, on an easy stroll, you’ll find the Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace, and while it definitely was a gorgeous late winter day to embrace its flora and fauna, I just opted to explore the neighborhood of Santo Spirito. It’s an artistic area that feels both steeped in time and absorbed in the present. And there’s nothing like a soul-satisfying local meal in Il Santo Bevitore, a restaurant that was so focused on locals there wasn’t even a menu in English, to cap off an adventurous day.
Two days in Nice, one of the Mediterranean’s most famous winter getaways
Nice’s old port, with Star Legend docked just behind/Carolyn Spencer Brown
Nice itself is a welcoming cultural city with amazing vistas over its old port and the Promenade des Anglais. Much of its draw has to do with its scalloped harbor and beachfront (even now, people were sunbathing though I didn’t see anyone sea bathing), and for its magnetic appeal for artists like Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, both of whom are honored with museums. The farmers market in the old city, lined with restaurants and cafés, is a great place to people-watch and eat traditional Niçoise cooking.
Everything was open. One day I took the train to Monte Carlo to meet friends for lunch at an Italian café on the waterside. On our second day, it was all about rather leisurely exploring of Nice itself, walking from our ship in the old port, around the lovely seaside park that rings Castle Hill. The market in the old city was bustling (a good spot for lunch was Jenny’s Café, right across from the flower-seller). I spent an hour in the Musée de la Photographie, just behind the market, which I learned about from this story on culture in the Mediterranean’s winter; it hosts rotating exhibits. On this visit, I was completely absorbed by “The Manhattan Darkroom,” showcasing the work of Henri Dauman, a Frenchman who ultimately chronicled the lives of celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s. Going back in time there reminded me of my visit to the Gucci Garden in Florence, when you just step out of your life for a bit and come back refreshed.
What’s head-spinning about our visit, even with two full days and an overnight, is how many villages and towns there are to explore and, thanks to a fantastic train system (which, from our ship’s dock in the old port, had a station that was quite walkable). Some of us headed out for Monte Carlo (and in fact Windstar offered a “Monte Carlo on your own” tour on our overnight for those who wanted to dress up and gamble at its famous casino). Eze, the medieval town on top of a rock, fronted the sea between Nice and Monte Carlo, and so did the charming beachfront village of Villefranche-sur-Mer. St. Paul de Vence, a medieval village in the foothills of the Alps, is another option; it, like Nice, has long been a magnet for art and artists.
Midway through our cruise, here’s what I’ve learned
A winter sunset admired from the deck 5 forward whirlpool in Nice/Carolyn Spencer Brown
A couple of thoughts re traveling in the Mediterranean (we can’t even call it the “off” season anymore, just year-round), based on learnings on this wonderful trip.
1. Weather is never a guarantee on any cruise, anywhere. The best you can do is pack accordingly to whichever season you’re in (so far, I’ve got most of the right pieces — a couple of T-shirts, leggings, one sweater, one easily foldable raincoat, a dress for dinner with a couple of takes-no-room silky tops, and one pair of evening shoes). I’ll admit that the Dansko leather pair that’s been my primary footwear is killing my feet. I broke down today in Nice and bought a nice pair of Birkenstocks. They’re like butter — though I have to figure where in my carry-on the flesh-stubborn Danskos will go.
2. We’ve had variable weather but on the whole it’s been quite comfortable, 50s and up, and sunny. Our two days in Nice absolutely lived up to expectations. I think my face is sunburned. And yet tomorrow, just down the Riviera, Marseille is getting a huge storm and we’re skipping that port and going straight to Barcelona, so you never know.
3. I have loved this itinerary and its overnights, particularly in Nice and (anticipating) Barcelona, where the ship docks right in town. In Nice, you can spend one day poking around the city — and another trying to decide between forays to Eze or Monte Carlo or St. Paul de Vence. And for do-it-yourselfers, the public transport is so easy!
4. So far, there’s not as much ship time as I normally like on Windstar (I love the ships) because the ports are so interesting! A rainy day could change that, and you could pivot to the spa, and a nice long lunch, and a comfy day watching movies in bed. Just saying …
A change in plans
In early March, a lovely lazy alfresco lunch on Star Legend on the way to Barcelona/Carolyn Spencer Brown
After Nice, we were scheduled to call at Marseille, a wonderful city that celebrates its nautical heritage. As we were sailing out of Nice, Capt. Mark Symonds informs us that we’re going to skip that port and head straight to Barcelona. Obviously, there was disappointment, but Windstar’s tradition of having captains offer detailed explanations of how decisions are made (complete with persuasive visuals) is such a great touch. By the end of his quite thorough presentation, we all were nodding heads in agreement.
Instead of Marseille, we had half a sea day (which was a real pleasure on this otherwise very port-intensive voyage), and I hightailed it to the spa for a massage and some time in the relaxation room. Oddly enough, since the storm wasn’t all that far from us, skies were sunny, and the sea was calm. And travelers did what they do on a nice day at sea — solving puzzles in the Yacht Club, swimming and sunbathing by the pool, taking restorative naps.
We didn’t have as much “free” time as we anticipated, alas.
Cruises always seem to start off nice and slow, then finish way too fast
An unexpected afternoon in Barcelona’s Port Vell, a lovely waterfront neighborhood just steps from our ship/Carolyn Spencer Brown
When you think about a cruise around the Mediterranean, at any time of the year, weather is always a factor in how you spend your day. On this voyage, the first season of winter cruises that Windstar has offered, we’ve had great luck: Almost every day has been picture-perfect. And yet I’d argue that it’s how you pivot based on atmospheric influences (laughing) that makes a travel experience a wonderful one. In fact, those of us on Star Legend this week finally got our come-uppance.
When we docked, right in town, Barcelona was sunny and warm but here we could see traces of the weather en route to Marseille; scudding clouds were moving away and the pavements were damp.
I’ve been in Barcelona so many times and one thing I have never done, and have wanted to, was to ride the Montjuic aerial tram. This afternoon would have been perfect, but I got busy and it didn’t happen, and I’m thinking, tomorrow, Saturday, our last full day onboard, is another opportunity.
Making a Pivot
Belly up to the bar at Barcelona’s Boqueria and have a fresh snack/Carolyn Spencer Brown
And yet, Saturday, at dawn, it rained so hard it blew sideways. Not a great day for Montjuic, for sure. There were two options: an onboard day, reading, relaxing, watching movies, playing puzzles in the Yacht Club, and perhaps another foray to the spa. Or: bundling up, as I was prepared to do, and diving into Barcelona’s famous Mercado, its Boqueria, its food market. I’ve been before, on fleeting visits. This time, I wandered around leisurely and absorbed the market more fully than I might have done on a sunny day.
For sure, it’s a touristic market. I would recommend that you start off by taking a lap around the food stalls and then hitching up on a bar stool at one of the handful of cafés that offer freshly prepared seafood and nice pours of whatever you drink (coffee machines were busy, so too were pours of San Miguel beers and simple Spanish wines). The people around you will likely be Americans (at least on this day, even in early March) and the rain is beating down so hard on the Boqueria’s metal roof that the whole place thrums, and it’s cozy and warm and delicious to be here.
Here, I met Tim, from Charleston, South Carolina, whose platters of shrimp and sardines and his glass of rose were his “good night” snacks (he’d partied all night and was heading back to his hotel). I opted for a breakfast of fried calamari, in which the cook plucked the fresh squid just in front of me and threw it into the fryer. The people-watching was so much fun.
And then I went shopping. You can buy fabulous souvenirs (salts and oils to take home and I didn’t spot any of the ridiculous 36-euro carafes of olive oil that were all over Rome and Tuscany), and also wonderful pastries (see photo, in which one baker, working below the market, created delicious sweets. The lemon pie was the best ever). Just follow your nose, garlic in one direction, sugar in another.
These days, I love to bring back gifts like unusual olive oils, teas, and other foodstuffs/Carolyn Spencer Brown
Afterward, missing Star Legend and knowing I’m leaving tomorrow morning, I headed back to the ship for a late lunch. It felt like I was coming home. In my so-comfortable suite, I started organizing my belongings, packing a bag. I hated to think about leaving. I just didn’t want this trip to end and wished I’d planned for a back-to-back that would take me around the Mediterranean back to Rome. Feeling indulgent, I ordered room service lunch (great burger, the first of the trip), switched on the television, and began watching “Roman Holiday,” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
It was the best possible pivot on a rainy day.
If you go:
This quote from Rome-based Laura Itzkowitz, in her story about why cruising in the Mediterranean during winter is a special experience, first intrigued me to check out the possibilities: “Take it from me, an American living in Rome: Winter is the Mediterranean’s secret season.” Last winter, I added coastal Spain to my other “locals season” voyages from Rome to Barcelona and from Venice to Rome.
On a January visit to Venice, well after the festivities of Christmas and the new year, and before the annual celebration of Mardi Gras. I added a four day pre-cruise stay. What did I discover about Venice in “locals” season?
Most people think about inheritance in terms of money.
A house. Investment accounts. Jewelry. A business. Maybe a carefully written will.
But your family typically inherits something far more powerful before inheriting wealth: behaviors.
The way you talk about money. The way you respond to uncertainty. Whether you plan ahead or avoid hard conversations. Whether you spend impulsively or intentionally. Whether you believe the future is something you can shape, or just something that happens to you.
Long before your kids inherit assets, they inherit patterns.
And over time, those patterns compound.
Your Family Is Already Inheriting Your Financial Habits
Think about the financial behaviors you grew up watching. Did money discussions create tension? Did the adults around you plan ahead, or avoid hard conversations until they couldn’t?
Whatever you absorbed, you’re probably passing a version of it forward — even when you don’t realize it.
Some families pass down anxiety around money for generations. Others pass down calm.
Some normalize avoidance: “We’ll figure it out later.” Others normalize planning: “Let’s sit down and think this through.”
Some teach scarcity even in abundance. Others teach confidence without recklessness.
These habits are often invisible because they become part of a family’s emotional operating system. They shape everyday decisions:
How you save
How you spend
How you invest
Whether you ask questions
Whether you believe you can learn
Whether you think long term
Whether you feel in control of your future
Your greatest financial inheritance isn’t necessarily wealth itself. It’s the ability to navigate life with clarity, adaptability, and confidence — and that usually comes from what you watched and practiced growing up.
Why Small Financial Habits Matter More Than Big Wins
A person who invests modestly but consistently often builds more long-term wealth than someone who occasionally makes brilliant financial moves.
But kids usually learn something deeper first: emotional behavior around money.
They notice:
Whether money discussions create tension
Whether planning feels empowering or stressful
Whether financial setbacks create panic
Whether you communicate openly about tradeoffs
Whether people in your home compare themselves constantly to others
Whether spending is used to manage emotions
Whether long-term thinking exists at all
A child raised around thoughtful planning may grow up believing: “I can figure things out.”
A child raised around chaos may internalize: “The future is unpredictable, so why plan?”
These beliefs can shape entire financial lives without anyone ever saying them out loud.
The Habits That Build Long-Term Wealth Aren’t Always About Money
Many of the habits that create long-term financial strength aren’t directly about money. They’re life habits.
Curiosity
People who keep learning tend to adapt better when their financial situation shifts. Whether it’s a new tax law, a market downturn, or an unexpected expense, curiosity is what keeps a plan from going stale.
Patience
Long-term investing, healthy relationships, and meaningful careers all require delayed gratification. It’s also what keeps you from making reactive decisions during a rough market stretch.
Resilience
Every financial life includes setbacks. The ability to recover and adjust your plan rather than abandon it makes an outsized difference over time.
Communication
Open conversations about goals, tradeoffs, caregiving, and retirement priorities reduce costly misunderstandings. They also make planning a shared activity rather than one person’s burden.
Health
Physical and emotional health shape earning ability, spending patterns, retirement timing, and quality of life. Taking care of yourself is part of your financial plan.
Intentionality
People who make deliberate choices about how they want to live often spend and save differently than those reacting to external pressure. The future feels less like something that’s happening to you, and more like something you’re actively shaping.
Financial planning and life planning aren’t separate. They’re deeply connected.
What Planning Teaches Your Kids (Beyond the Numbers)
One of the most powerful things you can model for your kids isn’t financial perfection. It’s engagement.
Simply showing that planning matters changes how the next generation thinks.
When your kids grow up watching you revisit goals, adjust when life changes, discuss tradeoffs openly, prepare for uncertainty, and make thoughtful decisions, they learn that the future isn’t something to fear. It’s something to participate in.
That mindset can become a durable form of wealth.
Financial confidence doesn’t come from controlling everything. Nobody can do that. It comes from the habit of engaging proactively with your future, so that when uncertainty arrives, you have a framework for it — not just a reaction.
What Habits Are You Actually Passing Down?
It’s an uncomfortable question.
If your family inherited only your habits — not your savings or possessions — what would happen over the next generation?
Would they inherit:
calm or stress?
intentionality or avoidance?
optimism or fear?
patience or impulsiveness?
curiosity or rigidity?
openness or silence?
Would those habits help them build a meaningful life?
Or make it harder?
Financial Security and Financial Wisdom Aren’t the Same Thing
Money matters. Deeply.
Financial security creates options, reduces stress, and opens possibilities. Building wealth is worthwhile.
But wealth alone doesn’t automatically create wisdom, resilience, or confidence.
Many families inherit money without the behaviors needed to sustain it. Others inherit strong habits long before significant financial success arrives.
The families that tend to thrive across generations aren’t necessarily the ones with the largest fortunes. They’re the ones that pass down healthy ways of thinking, planning, communicating, and adapting.
Your richest inheritance may not be what you leave behind. It may be the behaviors that keep compounding long after you’re gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids really pick up financial habits from their parents?
Children absorb financial behaviors from their parents long before any formal money lessons begin. They notice whether money discussions create tension or calm, whether planning feels empowering or stressful, and whether the adults around them think ahead or avoid hard decisions. Those emotional patterns tend to become a child’s default relationship with money — often without anyone in the family realizing the transfer is happening.
What’s the difference between teaching kids about money and modeling financial behavior?
Teaching kids about money means explicit instruction: allowances, budgeting exercises, conversations about credit and debt. Modeling financial behavior is what happens when kids watch you make decisions, handle setbacks, and engage with your own financial future over time. Both matter, but modeling tends to shape kids’ financial psychology more durably — because what they observe becomes their emotional baseline, not just their technical knowledge.
What financial habits are most important to model for your kids?
The habits with the most long-term impact aren’t necessarily the most technical. Planning proactively rather than reactively, talking openly about financial tradeoffs, recovering from setbacks without panic, and making deliberate choices about spending and saving — these behaviors, demonstrated consistently over years, tend to shape how your kids relate to money as adults more than any single lesson you teach them directly.
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In this ultimate guide, VA disability expert and bestselling author Brian Reese reveals and explains the 100 most common VA disability claims.
While there are over 1,000 conditions eligible for VA disability benefits, these 100 conditions are among the most commonly claimed and service-connected disabilities for veterans.
Methodology: The updated top 10 list comes from the newly released VBA’s 2025 disability compensation data. The next 40 come from the Top 50 VA Disability Claims list, and the remaining 50 come from our Top 100 Most Common VA Disability Claims guide and rating criteria.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Top 100 Most Common VA Disability Claims
1. Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, humming, roaring, or clicking, without an external sound source. For veterans, tinnitus is commonly associated with military noise exposure from weapons, aircraft, explosions, engines, generators, heavy equipment, flight lines, shipboard noise, and combat environments.
VA rates recurrent tinnitus under 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6260, at 10%. There is no higher schedular rating for tinnitus, and VA assigns only one 10% rating whether the tinnitus is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head. The strongest evidence usually includes a current diagnosis, credible noise exposure history, and a clear statement explaining when the ringing began and how it has continued since service.
2. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
Limitation of flexion of the knee means the veteran cannot bend the knee normally due to pain, stiffness, arthritis, ligament injury, meniscus problems, cartilage damage, overuse, or trauma. This is one of the most common musculoskeletal VA claims because military service is hard on the knees from running, rucking, jumping, kneeling, climbing, and repetitive impact.
VA rates limitation of flexion of the knee under DC 5260 at 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30%. Flexion limited to 60 degrees is 0%, 45 degrees is 10%, 30 degrees is 20%, and 15 degrees is 30%. Veterans should make sure the exam captures painful motion, flare-ups, repeated-use limitations, instability, swelling, difficulty with stairs, and how the knee condition affects work and daily life.
3. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
Sciatica is pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness that travels along the sciatic nerve, often from the low back into the buttock, hip, leg, calf, or foot. It is commonly secondary to lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or other lumbar spine conditions.
VA rates sciatic nerve paralysis under DC 8520 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80%. The rating depends on whether the impairment is mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe with marked muscular atrophy, or complete paralysis. If both legs are affected, VA can rate the right and left lower extremities separately, so the evidence should clearly document symptoms in each leg.
4. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Lumbosacral strain affects the low back, while cervical strain affects the neck. These conditions are extremely common in veterans due to lifting, carrying heavy gear, airborne operations, vehicle accidents, physical training, prolonged sitting in tactical vehicles, and years of military wear and tear.
VA rates lumbosacral or cervical strain under DC 5237 using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Ratings can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%, depending on range of motion, ankylosis, muscle spasm, guarding, abnormal gait, abnormal spinal contour, and functional loss. Associated neurological abnormalities, such as radiculopathy, sciatica, bowel impairment, or bladder impairment, may be rated separately when supported by the evidence.
5. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after trauma, combat, military sexual trauma, serious accidents, fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, or exposure to death, injury, or threatened harm. PTSD can affect sleep, relationships, mood, anger, work performance, concentration, judgment, and the ability to function around other people.
VA rates PTSD under DC 9411 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. VA evaluates the level of occupational and social impairment, along with the frequency, severity, duration, and functional impact of symptoms. Strong PTSD claims document the stressor, diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and real-world impairment at work, home, and socially.
6. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is reduced ability to hear speech, sounds, or certain frequencies. Veterans commonly develop hearing loss from acoustic trauma, including weapons fire, aircraft, machinery, explosions, engines, shipboard noise, and other hazardous military noise exposure.
VA rates hearing loss under DC 6100 from 0% to 100% using a mechanical formula based on puretone threshold averages and Maryland CNC speech discrimination testing performed by a state-licensed audiologist. Many veterans are service connected for hearing loss at 0%, which still matters because it establishes service connection and allows the veteran to file for an increase if hearing worsens later.
7. Limitation of Motion of the Arm
Limitation of motion of the arm most often involves the shoulder, although different diagnostic codes apply to the elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers. Shoulder limitation is common in veterans due to rotator cuff injuries, dislocations, arthritis, labral tears, repetitive lifting, push-ups, pull-ups, overhead work, and trauma.
VA commonly rates shoulder limitation of motion under DC 5201. Ratings generally range from 20% to 40% for the major arm and 20% to 30% for the minor arm, depending on whether flexion or abduction is limited to shoulder level, midway between the side and shoulder level, or 25 degrees from the side. The evidence should document painful motion, weakness, flare-ups, repeated-use loss, and limitations with lifting, reaching, dressing, and overhead activity.
8. Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
Burn scars can result from thermal burns, chemical burns, explosions, electrical injuries, fires, surgeries, or traumatic injuries during service. VA evaluates scars based on location, size, pain, instability, tissue damage, disfigurement, and whether the scar causes limitation of function.
VA rates burn scars under the applicable scar codes, including DC 7800, 7801, 7802, 7804, and 7805. Ratings can range from 0% to 80%, depending on whether the scar affects the head, face, or neck, is deep or associated with underlying soft tissue damage, covers a large area, is painful or unstable, or causes functional impairment. Painful or unstable scars under DC 7804 can be rated 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending on the number of qualifying scars.
9. Migraines (Headaches)
Migraines are a neurological condition involving recurrent headaches that can become severe enough to force a veteran to lie down, stop working, avoid light or sound, or miss daily activities. Migraines can be claimed directly, secondarily, or as residuals of TBI, tinnitus, neck conditions, sleep problems, mental health conditions, or medication side effects.
VA rates migraines under DC 8100 at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%. The rating depends on characteristic prostrating attacks, frequency, duration, and whether the migraines are productive of severe economic inadaptability. A migraine log is powerful evidence because it can document frequency, severity, duration, medication use, missed work, reduced productivity, and whether the veteran had to lie down in a dark or quiet room.
10. Limitation of Motion of the Ankle
Limitation of motion of the ankle means the ankle cannot move normally because of pain, stiffness, arthritis, sprain residuals, fracture residuals, tendon problems, instability, or other injury. Ankle claims are common because military service involves running, marching, jumping, uneven terrain, boots, load carriage, and repetitive stress.
VA rates limitation of motion of the ankle under DC 5271 at 10% for moderate limitation and 20% for marked limitation. Current criteria define moderate limitation as less than 15 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 30 degrees plantar flexion, and marked limitation as less than 5 degrees dorsiflexion or less than 10 degrees plantar flexion. Ankle ankylosis under DC 5270 can rate 20%, 30%, or 40%, depending on position and severity.
11. Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Degenerative arthritis of the spine is wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. It can cause pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, limited motion, abnormal gait, and nerve symptoms when arthritis contributes to foraminal narrowing or nerve irritation.
VA usually rates degenerative arthritis of the spine under DC 5242 using the General Rating Formula for the Spine, with possible ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. If the spine condition causes neurological symptoms, such as radiculopathy, sciatica, bowel impairment, or bladder impairment, those residuals may be evaluated separately. The key evidence is range of motion, pain, flare-ups, abnormal gait, and any separately diagnosable nerve involvement.
12. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder where breathing repeatedly stops, decreases, or becomes obstructed during sleep. Veterans often claim sleep apnea directly or secondarily to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, PTSD, weight gain caused by service-connected conditions, medications, or other disabilities.
VA rates sleep apnea under DC 6847 at 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%. A 0% rating applies when sleep apnea is documented but asymptomatic; 30% is for persistent daytime hypersomnolence; 50% is for required use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP; and 100% is for chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or when a tracheostomy is required. The sleep study proves the diagnosis, but the nexus usually wins the claim.
13. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow, blast, fall, vehicle accident, explosion, impact, or other trauma to the head. TBI residuals may include cognitive problems, headaches, dizziness, balance problems, irritability, sleep issues, memory problems, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and neurological symptoms.
VA rates TBI under DC 8045 using the table for cognitive impairment and other residuals, with overall evaluations that can result in 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, or 100%. Separate ratings may apply for distinct diagnoses such as migraines, seizures, vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, neurogenic bladder, smell or taste loss, or a diagnosed mental health condition, but VA cannot rate the same symptom twice. Strong TBI claims identify each residual clearly and avoid pyramiding.
14. Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is a mental health condition involving persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, low motivation, sleep impairment, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness, and social withdrawal. It can be directly related to service or secondary to chronic pain, tinnitus, cancer, medical conditions, or other service-connected disabilities.
VA rates major depressive disorder under DC 9434 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. VA evaluates occupational and social impairment, including how symptoms affect work, relationships, judgment, mood, reliability, productivity, and daily functioning. The diagnosis matters, but the rating is driven by severity and functional impairment.
15. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition involving airway inflammation and narrowing, which can make breathing difficult. Veterans may develop asthma or worsening asthma due to burn pits, dust, smoke, chemicals, environmental exposures, respiratory infections, exercise, or other service-related triggers.
VA rates bronchial asthma under DC 6602 at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on pulmonary function tests, use of inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, inhalational anti-inflammatory medication, systemic corticosteroid use, physician visits for exacerbations, attacks with respiratory failure, and immunosuppressive medication. Medication records, pulmonary function testing, ER visits, and pulmonology notes can strongly support the rating.
16. Diabetes Type 2
Diabetes Type 2 is a chronic metabolic condition where the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar. It is commonly associated with Agent Orange exposure and can also produce secondary complications involving the nerves, kidneys, eyes, heart, feet, skin, and reproductive system.
VA rates diabetes mellitus under DC 7913 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100%. A 10% rating generally involves restricted diet; 20% involves insulin and restricted diet or oral hypoglycemic medication and restricted diet; 40% adds regulation of activities; and higher ratings involve more severe treatment, hospitalizations, frequent diabetic care, weight or strength loss, and complications. Complications such as peripheral neuropathy, kidney disease, eye disease, and erectile dysfunction may be separately rated if compensable.
17. Cancer
Cancer refers to malignant growths in the body, and VA ratings depend on the specific cancer, body system affected, whether the cancer is active, whether treatment is ongoing, and what residuals remain after treatment. Many veterans claim cancer based on toxic exposure, radiation exposure, Agent Orange exposure, burn pit exposure, or other service-related risk factors.
VA typically rates active malignant neoplasms at 100% under the body-system code for the specific cancer during active disease or treatment. After treatment ends, VA usually schedules a mandatory review and then rates residuals if there is no recurrence or metastasis. Residuals can include fatigue, neuropathy, organ damage, urinary issues, bowel problems, scars, endocrine problems, sexual dysfunction, and mental health symptoms.
18. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry, fear, tension, restlessness, irritability, poor concentration, muscle tension, panic symptoms, avoidance, and sleep impairment. It can be directly related to military service or secondary to tinnitus, chronic pain, PTSD, medical conditions, medications, or other service-connected disabilities.
VA rates generalized anxiety disorder under DC 9400 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. VA evaluates the frequency, severity, duration, and functional impact of symptoms, along with occupational and social impairment. Veterans should describe how anxiety affects work, relationships, sleep, decision-making, reliability, and ability to function around others.
19. Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
Pes planus, commonly called flat feet, occurs when the arches of the feet collapse or flatten. It can be caused or aggravated by military boots, marching, running, prolonged standing, carrying heavy loads, or service aggravation of preexisting flat feet.
VA rates pes planus under DC 5276 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50%. Mild symptoms relieved by arch supports are 0%; moderate unilateral or bilateral flat feet can rate 10%; severe unilateral can rate 20%; severe bilateral can rate 30%; pronounced unilateral can rate 30%; and pronounced bilateral can rate 50%. Key evidence includes pain on use, swelling, callosities, deformity, pronation, Achilles tendon alignment, and whether orthotics help.
20. Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed, irritated, or damaged, often due to a cervical or lumbar spine condition. It can cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, reduced reflexes, and symptoms traveling from the spine into an arm or leg.
VA rates radiculopathy under the affected nerve or radicular group. Lower extremity radiculopathy is often rated under the sciatic nerve at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80%, or under the femoral nerve at 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%, depending on severity. Upper extremity radiculopathy may be rated under radicular group or specific nerve codes. The evidence should identify the affected nerve, side, severity, sensory loss, motor loss, reflex changes, and functional impact.
21. Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when a person has difficulty coping with a stressful life event, trauma, transition, injury, medical condition, or major change. Veterans may develop adjustment disorder due to military stress, deployments, transition out of service, chronic pain, family stress, injury, or service-connected health problems.
VA rates adjustment disorder under DC 9440 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. The diagnosis alone does not determine the rating; occupational and social impairment does. Evidence should document mood symptoms, anxiety, sleep problems, anger, motivation issues, concentration problems, relationship strain, and impact on work and daily functioning.
Somatic symptom disorder involves distress, anxiety, or impairment related to physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, dizziness, or other persistent symptoms. Veterans may develop this condition when service-connected physical conditions create ongoing pain, fear, functional loss, and emotional distress.
VA rates somatic symptom disorder under DC 9421 using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. VA generally evaluates mental health symptoms together when they overlap, so the key is to ensure all symptoms and functional impairment are captured in the overall mental health evaluation. Evidence should connect the symptoms to service or to a service-connected condition and document how they affect work and daily life.
23. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a digestive condition where stomach acid or contents flow back into the esophagus, causing reflux, heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, coughing, hoarseness, nausea, and swallowing problems. It can be linked to medications, NSAID use, weight gain, hiatal hernia, mental health conditions, or other service-connected disabilities.
Under current VA rules, GERD is rated under DC 7206 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, or 80%. The rating criteria focus heavily on documented esophageal stricture history, dysphagia, daily medication, dilation, steroid dilation, stent placement, aspiration, undernutrition, substantial weight loss, PEG tube, or surgical correction. Evidence such as endoscopy, barium swallow, CT, medication history, and documented swallowing problems is especially important.
24. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder involving abdominal pain related to bowel movements and changes in bowel habits. It is common among Gulf War veterans and may also be linked to stress, mental health conditions, medications, or other service-connected disabilities.
VA rates IBS under DC 7319 at 10%, 20%, or 30%, with a 0% possible when compensable criteria are not met. Ratings are based on abdominal pain related to defecation and bowel symptoms such as changed stool frequency, changed stool form, urgency, straining, mucus, bloating, or distension. A bowel symptom log can help document frequency, urgency, accidents, pain, and impact on work or daily life.
25. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It is commonly secondary to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, prostate conditions, PTSD, depression, anxiety, medications, back injuries, nerve conditions, or other service-connected disabilities.
Under current VA rules, erectile dysfunction with or without penile deformity is rated under DC 7522 at 0% schedularly. However, VA should consider Special Monthly Compensation for loss of use of a creative organ when supported by the evidence. The key is documenting the diagnosis, cause or aggravation, medication history, and relationship to service or a service-connected disability.
26. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Veterans often develop plantar fasciitis from running, rucking, marching, boots, prolonged standing, hard surfaces, and repetitive military training.
VA rates plantar fasciitis under DC 5269 at 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%. A 10% rating applies otherwise; 20% applies when unilateral plantar fasciitis has no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment; 30% applies when bilateral plantar fasciitis has no relief from both non-surgical and surgical treatment; and 40% applies with actual loss of use of the foot. Evidence should document heel pain, arch pain, orthotics, injections, physical therapy, surgery, and whether treatment helped.
27. Arthritis
Arthritis is joint inflammation, degeneration, or damage that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, and reduced motion. Veterans commonly develop arthritis from injuries, overuse, airborne operations, physical training, repetitive stress, trauma, and service aggravation.
Degenerative arthritis is usually rated under DC 5003 or the specific joint’s limitation-of-motion diagnostic code. Ratings vary by joint, but DC 5003 can support 10% or 20% in certain x-ray-confirmed multi-joint cases when limitation of motion is otherwise noncompensable. Painful motion, flare-ups, x-ray evidence, functional loss, and repeated-use limitations should be documented.
28. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure. It can be claimed directly, presumptively in certain exposure situations, or secondarily to kidney disease, sleep apnea, PTSD, medication effects, endocrine conditions, or other service-connected disabilities.
VA rates hypertension under DC 7101 at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%. Ratings depend on predominant systolic and diastolic readings and whether there is a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication. VA generally requires blood pressure readings taken two or more times on at least three different days, so multiple readings over time are critical.
29. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Degenerative disc disease is a spine condition where spinal discs lose height, bulge, herniate, or degenerate, often causing back or neck pain and sometimes nerve compression. DDD is common in veterans due to years of military wear and tear, lifting, impact, vehicle vibration, trauma, and repetitive load-bearing.
VA usually rates DDD under DC 5242 using the General Rating Formula for the Spine unless intervertebral disc syndrome applies under DC 5243. Spine ratings can range from 10% to 100%, while IVDS can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% based on physician-prescribed bed rest for incapacitating episodes. Separate ratings may apply for radiculopathy or other neurological abnormalities.
30. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Veterans may develop CTS from repetitive gripping, typing, maintenance work, mechanical work, weapons handling, vibration tools, or other repetitive hand and wrist activities.
VA usually rates carpal tunnel syndrome under median nerve impairment, DC 8515. Ratings can range from 10% to 70%, depending on mild, moderate, severe, or complete paralysis and whether the major or minor hand is affected. Evidence should document numbness, tingling, weakness, dropping objects, grip problems, EMG or nerve conduction findings, and functional limitations.
31. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition involving persistent, debilitating fatigue that is not substantially relieved by rest and is not fully explained by another condition. It is commonly associated with Gulf War service and may involve cognitive impairment, post-exertional worsening, headaches, sleep disturbance, and widespread pain.
VA rates CFS under DC 6354 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairment, restriction of routine daily activities compared to pre-illness levels, medication control, and periods of incapacitation. Strong evidence should show how fatigue limits daily life, work, exercise, concentration, and routine activities.
32. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition involving widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points, often with fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, headaches, IBS symptoms, depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems. It is a common Gulf War-related claim and can significantly affect daily function.
VA rates fibromyalgia under DC 5025 at 10%, 20%, or 40%. Ratings depend on widespread pain and tender points, associated symptoms, whether continuous medication is required, frequency of exacerbations, and whether symptoms are constant or nearly constant and refractory to therapy. The maximum schedular rating for fibromyalgia is 40%, but distinct secondary or separate conditions may also matter if not duplicative.
33. Eczema
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchy, red, dry, cracked, scaly, or inflamed skin. Veterans may develop eczema from environmental exposures, chemicals, uniforms, stress, heat, sweat, deployment conditions, or allergic triggers.
VA rates eczema under DC 7806 using the General Rating Formula for the Skin at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60%. Ratings are based on the percentage of the entire body or exposed areas affected and the type and duration of therapy, including topical or systemic treatment. Photos during flare-ups, dermatology records, prescription history, and evidence of systemic therapy are important.
34. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens or irritants. Veterans may develop or aggravate rhinitis from dust, burn pits, smoke, chemicals, sand, pollen, environmental hazards, or other service-related exposures.
VA rates allergic rhinitis under DC 6522 at 10% or 30%, with a 0% possible when compensable criteria are not met. A 10% rating applies without polyps but with greater than 50% obstruction of both nasal passages or complete obstruction on one side, and 30% applies with polyps. ENT records, nasal exams, imaging, and documentation of obstruction or polyps can make the difference.
35. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses and may be acute, recurrent, or chronic. It is common among veterans exposed to burn pits, dust, sand, smoke, chemicals, fumes, and other airborne hazards.
VA rates sinusitis under DC 6510 through DC 6514 at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%. Ratings depend on incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, non-incapacitating episodes with headaches, pain, purulent discharge or crusting, surgery, osteomyelitis, and near-constant symptoms. Veterans should document infections, antibiotic use, headaches, pain, discharge, imaging, and surgeries.
36. Meniere’s Syndrome
Meniere’s syndrome is an inner ear disorder that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing impairment, tinnitus, ear fullness, imbalance, nausea, vomiting, and falls. It can be highly disabling when attacks are frequent or unpredictable.
VA rates Meniere’s syndrome under DC 6205 at 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on hearing impairment, vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and cerebellar gait. VA may alternatively rate hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo separately if that produces a higher combined evaluation, but VA cannot combine separate ratings with a rating under DC 6205 for the same symptoms.
Arteriosclerotic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Veterans may claim it directly, presumptively, or secondarily depending on exposure history, medical history, and service-connected conditions.
VA rates arteriosclerotic heart disease under DC 7005 using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on METs workload, symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, syncope, heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, and medication. Cardiology records, stress tests, echocardiograms, METs estimates, and medication lists are key evidence.
38. Chronic Conjunctivitis
Chronic conjunctivitis is long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. It can be caused by infection, allergies, chemical exposure, irritants, environmental conditions, or eye trauma.
VA rates chronic nontrachomatous conjunctivitis under DC 6018. Active chronic conjunctivitis is evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye with a minimum 10% rating, while inactive conjunctivitis is rated based on residuals such as visual impairment or disfigurement. Eye exams, optometry or ophthalmology records, treatment visits, and photos can support the claim.
39. Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder)
Limited motion of the jaw often involves temporomandibular disorder, jaw trauma, bruxism, malocclusion, or residuals of dental or facial injury. It can interfere with chewing, speaking, yawning, eating, and sleeping.
VA rates limited motion of the temporomandibular articulation under DC 9905 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50%. Ratings are based on interincisal range, lateral excursion, and mechanically required dietary restrictions verified by a physician. Evidence should include jaw measurements, dental or oral surgery records, pain, clicking, locking, chewing difficulty, and medically verified diet restrictions.
40. Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest area. It often produces symptoms that overlap with GERD, including reflux, regurgitation, heartburn, chest discomfort, nausea, coughing, and swallowing difficulty.
Under current VA rules, hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia under DC 7346 are rated as esophageal stricture under DC 7203. Ratings can be 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, or 80%, depending on documented stricture history, dysphagia, medication, dilation, stent placement, aspiration, undernutrition, substantial weight loss, PEG tube, or surgical correction. Endoscopy, barium swallow, CT, and treatment records are especially important.
41. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum and anus. They can cause rectal pain, itching, bleeding, swelling, thrombosis, prolapse, irritation, and discomfort while sitting or during bowel movements.
VA rates hemorrhoids under DC 7336 at 10% or 20%, with a 0% possible when compensable criteria are not met. A 20% rating requires persistent bleeding with anemia or continuously prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with frequent thrombosis. Veterans should document bleeding, anemia, thrombosis, prolapse, flare-ups, treatment, procedures, and frequency of symptoms.
42. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, caused by poor venous circulation. Veterans may develop or aggravate varicose veins from prolonged standing, heavy load carriage, trauma, vascular strain, or service-related activity.
VA rates varicose veins under DC 7120, using the criteria for post-phlebitic syndrome under DC 7121, at 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100% per affected extremity. Ratings are based on aching, fatigue, edema, relief with elevation or compression, stasis pigmentation, eczema, ulceration, subcutaneous induration, and constant pain at rest. Each leg can be evaluated separately when both are affected.
43. Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
Nephrolithiasis means kidney stones. Veterans with kidney stones may experience severe flank pain, blood in urine, painful urination, nausea, vomiting, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, infections, obstruction, and recurrent stone passage.
VA rates kidney stones under DC 7508, generally as hydronephrosis under DC 7509 unless recurrent stone formation supports a 30% rating. Ratings are typically 10%, 20%, or 30%, while severe cases may be rated as renal dysfunction up to 100%. Imaging, ER records, urology notes, procedures, recurrence history, diet therapy, and medication records are important evidence.
44. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, depression, slowed heart rate, brain fog, muscle aches, and reduced energy.
VA rates hypothyroidism under DC 7903. Myxedema can be rated 100% until six months after stabilization of crisis, and hypothyroidism without myxedema is rated 30% for six months after initial diagnosis. After that period, VA rates residuals under the appropriate body system, such as cardiac, mental health, skin, endocrine, or other residual effects.
45. Anemia
Anemia is a blood condition involving reduced red blood cells, hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity. It can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, cold hands or feet, and reduced exercise tolerance.
VA rates anemia based on the specific type, not one generic anemia code. Iron deficiency anemia under DC 7720 can be rated 0%, 10%, or 30%, depending on whether it is asymptomatic or controlled by diet, requires continuous oral supplementation, or requires IV iron infusions. Other anemia types may have different criteria, including higher or temporary ratings depending on severity and residuals.
46. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage affecting the extremities, often causing numbness, tingling, burning pain, electric shock sensations, weakness, balance problems, reduced sensation, and difficulty walking or gripping. It is commonly associated with diabetes, toxic exposure, chemotherapy, radiculopathy, and other neurological conditions.
VA rates peripheral neuropathy under the diagnostic code for the specific affected nerve. Ratings vary widely by nerve and severity; for example, sciatic nerve ratings can range from 10% to 80%, femoral nerve ratings from 10% to 40%, and median nerve ratings from 10% to 70%. The evidence should identify the nerve, side, severity, sensory loss, motor loss, reflex changes, atrophy, and functional impairment.
47. Prostate Gland Injuries
Prostate gland injuries and residuals can include prostatitis, prostate trauma, prostate surgery residuals, bladder outlet obstruction, or other prostate-related conditions. Common symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, leakage, weak stream, nighttime urination, obstruction, infections, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.
VA rates prostate gland injuries, infections, hypertrophy, postoperative residuals, and bladder outlet obstruction under DC 7527 as voiding dysfunction or urinary tract infection, whichever is predominant. Ratings depend on leakage, pad use, urinary frequency, nighttime voiding, obstruction, infections, and renal involvement. The strongest evidence usually documents urinary symptoms in detail.
48. Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease occurs when reduced blood flow to the heart causes chest pain, impaired cardiac function, heart attack, or other heart-related problems. It is one of the major presumptive conditions for certain exposed veterans and may also be claimed directly or secondarily.
VA commonly rates ischemic heart disease under DC 7005 using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on METs, symptoms, medication, cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, heart failure, and functional capacity. Veterans should submit cardiology records, stress testing, echocardiogram results, hospitalizations, stents, bypass history, and medication lists.
49. Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, dizziness, imbalance, or motion when no movement is occurring. It may be related to inner ear disorders, vestibular conditions, TBI, migraines, Meniere’s syndrome, tinnitus, or other service-connected conditions.
VA usually rates vertigo as a peripheral vestibular disorder under DC 6204 at 10% for occasional dizziness and 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering. Objective findings supporting vestibular disequilibrium are required. If Meniere’s syndrome applies, VA may rate under DC 6205 at 30%, 60%, or 100%, depending on the full disability picture.
50. Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. It can result from prostate conditions, neurological disease, spinal cord problems, TBI, diabetes, genitourinary surgery, or other service-connected conditions.
VA rates urinary incontinence as voiding dysfunction under 38 CFR § 4.115a at 20%, 40%, or 60%. Ratings are based on absorbent material use, how often absorbent materials must be changed, or whether an appliance is required. Veterans should document pad use per day, nighttime awakenings, leakage, urgency, accidents, appliance use, and daily impact.
51. Amputation Residuals
Amputation residuals are the ongoing effects after the loss or removal of a limb, finger, toe, hand, foot, or other body part. Residuals may include phantom limb pain, stump pain, prosthetic problems, balance issues, altered gait, weakness, skin breakdown, and difficulty with daily activities.
VA rates amputations under the specific diagnostic code for the affected body part. Ratings vary widely, often from 10% to 100%, depending on the anatomical level, major or minor extremity, loss of use, prosthetic function, and whether Special Monthly Compensation applies. Veterans should make sure VA evaluates not only the amputation but also functional loss, prosthetic limitations, pain, and SMC entitlement.
52. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurological disease that affects motor neurons and causes worsening muscle weakness. It can affect movement, walking, speech, swallowing, breathing, and the ability to perform daily activities.
VA rates ALS under DC 8017 at 100%. VA should also consider Special Monthly Compensation where warranted, including loss of use, aid and attendance, respiratory impairment, and other serious residuals. ALS claims require careful attention to all complications and the veteran’s need for assistance.
53. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a malignant growth in the bladder. Veterans may claim bladder cancer based on direct service connection, toxic exposure, presumptive rules, or other service-related evidence.
VA rates active malignant genitourinary cancer under DC 7528 at 100%. After treatment ends, the 100% rating generally continues until mandatory review, and if there is no recurrence or metastasis, VA rates residuals such as voiding dysfunction or renal dysfunction. Evidence should document active disease, treatment, recurrence monitoring, urinary leakage, frequency, obstruction, infections, and kidney impact.
54. Blindness in One or Both Eyes
Blindness involves severe loss of vision in one or both eyes. It can result from trauma, disease, diabetes, toxic exposure, neurological injury, infection, or complications of another service-connected condition.
VA rates blindness under visual acuity, visual field, and anatomical loss criteria. Ratings can range from 0% to 100%, depending on objective testing, whether one or both eyes are affected, whether there is anatomical loss, and whether Special Monthly Compensation applies. Eye exams, visual field testing, specialist records, and functional evidence are critical.
55. Brain Disease Due to Trauma
Brain disease due to trauma generally refers to residuals of traumatic brain injury or other brain injury caused by head trauma. Symptoms can include memory problems, headaches, dizziness, balance problems, sleep impairment, mood changes, seizures, sensory issues, and cognitive dysfunction.
VA usually rates brain disease due to trauma as TBI under DC 8045. The TBI evaluation uses cognitive, emotional or behavioral, and physical facets, and may result in 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, or 100%. Separate ratings may apply for distinct residual diagnoses, but VA cannot compensate the same symptom twice.
56. Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches are recurrent headaches that may not meet the full diagnostic criteria for migraines but still cause pain, functional impairment, and disruption to daily life. They may be associated with TBI, neck conditions, sinusitis, sleep disorders, tinnitus, stress, or medication side effects.
VA commonly rates chronic headaches by analogy to migraines under DC 8100 at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%. Ratings depend on frequency, severity, prostrating attacks, duration, and economic impact. A headache log is one of the best forms of lay evidence because it can show how often headaches occur and how they affect work and daily activities.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or CIDP, is an immune-mediated neurological disorder that damages peripheral nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, burning pain, balance problems, falls, reduced reflexes, fatigue, and difficulty walking or using the hands.
There is no single universal VA diagnostic code for CIDP. VA rates the condition by the affected peripheral nerve or nerves, and ratings vary based on incomplete or complete paralysis, motor loss, sensory loss, atrophy, and functional impairment. Neurology records, EMG or nerve conduction studies, reflex testing, strength testing, and limb-specific findings are important.
58. Chronic Liver Disease Due to Hepatitis C
Chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C occurs when hepatitis C causes ongoing liver inflammation, damage, or complications. Symptoms can include fatigue, malaise, nausea, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal pain, itching, joint pain, jaundice, and liver enlargement.
VA tracks hepatitis C under DC 7354 and evaluates it using the chronic liver disease criteria. Ratings can include 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100%, depending on severity, treatment, fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, hepatomegaly, pruritus, arthralgia, and medication or therapy requirements. Veterans should submit liver labs, imaging, hepatology records, treatment history, and complications.
59. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult and can include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other airflow limitation. Veterans may claim COPD based on toxic exposure, burn pits, smoke, chemicals, occupational exposure, or aggravation during service.
VA rates COPD under DC 6604 at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based primarily on pulmonary function tests, including FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO, exercise capacity, oxygen therapy, cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and respiratory failure. Pulmonology records and valid PFT results are critical.
60. Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It can cause abdominal or mid-back pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, greasy stools, diarrhea, bloating, maldigestion, malabsorption, and need for pancreatic enzymes.
VA rates chronic pancreatitis under DC 7347 at 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings depend on episodes of abdominal or mid-back pain, hospitalizations, outpatient treatment, complications, maldigestion, malabsorption, dietary restriction, and pancreatic enzyme supplementation. Diagnostic studies, hospital records, GI treatment notes, diet restrictions, and enzyme prescriptions are important evidence.
61. Chronic Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis
Chronic renal failure is severe kidney dysfunction, and regular dialysis indicates a very serious disability picture. Symptoms can include fatigue, swelling, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, reduced urination, itching, confusion, and dialysis dependence.
VA rates chronic renal disease requiring regular dialysis under DC 7530 as renal dysfunction. Regular dialysis supports a 100% rating, while other renal dysfunction levels can be 0%, 30%, 60%, 80%, or 100%, depending on GFR, albuminuria, edema, hypertension, and kidney function. Dialysis records, nephrology notes, labs, GFR results, and complication records should be submitted.
62. Chronic Skin Conditions
Chronic skin conditions include long-term dermatitis, rashes, infections, lesions, inflammatory skin disease, or other recurring skin problems. These conditions may flare due to heat, sweat, shaving, chemicals, uniforms, deployment exposure, environmental irritants, or stress.
VA rates chronic skin conditions under the specific skin diagnostic code, often using the General Rating Formula for the Skin. Common ratings are 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60%, based on body area affected and the type and duration of therapy, including topical or systemic treatment. Photos during flare-ups and treatment records are essential because skin conditions are often underrated when the exam happens on a good day.
63. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins do not return blood properly to the heart. It can cause leg swelling, aching, heaviness, fatigue, visible veins, skin discoloration, eczema, ulcers, and pain that may improve with elevation or compression.
VA usually rates chronic venous insufficiency by analogy to DC 7121 or DC 7120 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100% per affected extremity. Ratings depend on edema, stasis pigmentation, eczema, ulceration, subcutaneous induration, and constant pain at rest. Each leg may be rated separately if both are affected.
64. Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver caused by chronic liver damage. It can result from hepatitis, toxic exposure, alcohol-related disease, fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, or other causes.
VA rates cirrhosis of the liver under DC 7312 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on liver disease severity, MELD score, portal hypertension, ascites, encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, and malaise. Hepatology records, imaging, labs, hospitalizations, MELD scores, and procedure records are important.
65. Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease is another term often used for osteoarthritis or joint degeneration. It commonly affects knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, hands, and the spine, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced motion, crepitus, weakness, instability, and flare-ups with use.
VA usually rates degenerative joint disease under DC 5003 or the specific joint’s limitation-of-motion code. Ratings vary by joint, but x-ray-confirmed arthritis with painful or limited motion can support a compensable evaluation. Evidence should document the specific joint, imaging findings, pain, range of motion, flare-ups, and functional loss.
66. Excessive Tearing of the Eye
Excessive tearing involves dysfunction of the lacrimal apparatus, which produces or drains tears. It can result from trauma, surgery, chronic irritation, nerve problems, eye disease, or environmental exposure.
VA rates disorders of the lacrimal apparatus under DC 6025 at 10% for one eye or 20% for both eyes. Evidence should document whether one or both eyes are affected, chronicity, diagnosis, treatment, and how tearing affects vision, reading, driving, work, or daily activities.
67. Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Female sexual arousal disorder involves impaired sexual arousal or response that causes distress or functional impact. It may be linked to trauma, medications, mental health conditions, neurological conditions, gynecological conditions, or other service-connected disabilities.
VA rates female sexual arousal disorder under DC 7632 at 0% schedularly. VA should review for entitlement to Special Monthly Compensation where applicable. Evidence should document diagnosis, symptoms, cause or aggravation, and the relationship to military service or a service-connected condition.
68. Gulf War Syndrome
Gulf War syndrome is a broad term often used for chronic unexplained symptoms in Gulf War veterans. These symptoms may involve fatigue, headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, skin symptoms, sleep problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms, and cognitive complaints.
There is no single diagnostic code for Gulf War syndrome. VA rates the actual diagnosed or undiagnosed manifestations, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, IBS, headaches, joint pain, skin symptoms, respiratory symptoms, or neurological symptoms. The claim is stronger when each manifestation is clearly documented with chronicity, severity, and functional impairment.
69. Hypertensive Vascular Disease
Hypertensive vascular disease generally refers to disability related to chronic high blood pressure and vascular effects. It may overlap with hypertension or hypertensive heart disease depending on the predominant condition.
VA usually rates hypertensive vascular disease under DC 7101 for hypertension at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%. If the predominant condition is hypertensive heart disease, VA may rate it under DC 7007 using the heart rating formula at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Evidence should clarify whether the disability is primarily blood pressure elevation, heart involvement, or both.
70. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, sweating, heat intolerance, tremors, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and eye symptoms.
VA rates hyperthyroidism under DC 7900 at 30% for six months after initial diagnosis. After that, VA rates residuals such as cardiac, eye, endocrine, or other complications under the appropriate diagnostic code. Veterans should document diagnosis date, treatment, thyroid labs, residuals, and any ongoing heart, eye, weight, or mental health effects.
71. Impaired Vision
Impaired vision includes reduced visual acuity, visual field loss, double vision, eye muscle dysfunction, or other visual impairment. It can result from trauma, disease, diabetes, neurological injury, toxic exposure, or complications of another service-connected condition.
VA rates impaired vision under visual acuity, visual field, and muscle function criteria. Ratings can range from 0% to 100%, depending on objective eye testing, whether one or both eyes are service connected, and whether there is anatomical loss or severe impairment. Eye exams, visual field testing, specialist records, and functional evidence are critical.
72. Inflammation of a Nerve or Nerve Group
Inflammation of a nerve or nerve group, often called neuritis, involves irritation or inflammation of a peripheral or cranial nerve. Symptoms may include burning pain, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, reduced reflexes, muscle loss, and functional impairment.
VA rates neuritis under the affected nerve code. Ratings vary by nerve and severity, and VA considers sensory loss, pain, reflex changes, motor loss, atrophy, and whether impairment is mild, moderate, severe, or complete. The evidence should identify the nerve, side, severity, objective findings, and functional limitations.
73. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
Intervertebral disc syndrome involves disc disease that causes acute episodes of symptoms due to herniation, nerve irritation, or spinal pathology. Symptoms may include back pain, neck pain, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and severe flare-ups.
VA rates IVDS under DC 5243 either under the General Rating Formula for the Spine or under the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever results in the higher evaluation. IVDS episode ratings are 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%, based on the total duration of physician-prescribed bed rest during the past 12 months. Self-imposed bed rest does not meet the IVDS definition.
74. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, restless legs, rapid heartbeat, and reduced endurance.
VA rates iron deficiency anemia under DC 7720 at 0%, 10%, or 30%. The rating depends on whether the condition is asymptomatic or controlled by diet, requires continuous oral supplementation, or requires IV iron infusions. Evidence should include CBC results, ferritin, iron studies, oral supplement history, IV infusion records, and the underlying cause.
75. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is inflammation or dysfunction of the inner ear affecting balance and sometimes hearing. Symptoms can include dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, nausea, vomiting, hearing changes, tinnitus, and difficulty walking safely.
VA usually rates labyrinthitis as a peripheral vestibular disorder under DC 6204 at 10% for occasional dizziness and 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering. Hearing impairment or suppuration may be rated separately when appropriate. ENT records, vestibular testing, fall history, and symptom logs can help prove severity.
76. Loss of One Eye
Loss of one eye involves anatomical loss or severe functional impairment of one eye. It can result from trauma, disease, surgery, toxic exposure, infection, or complications of another service-connected condition.
VA rates loss of one eye under visual impairment and anatomical loss criteria. Anatomical loss of one eye may rate from about 40% to 100%, depending on impairment in the other eye and whether Special Monthly Compensation applies. Evidence should document anatomical loss, remaining eye function, prosthetic issues, depth perception problems, safety limitations, and functional impact.
77. Loss of Smell or Taste
Loss of smell or taste can occur after TBI, nasal injury, sinus disease, toxic exposure, neurological injury, infection, or other service-related conditions. It can affect appetite, safety, nutrition, and quality of life.
VA rates complete loss of smell under DC 6275 at 10% and complete loss of taste under DC 6276 at 10%. An anatomical or pathological basis is required. Objective medical evidence and a clear diagnosis are important because partial loss may not meet the compensable rating criteria.
78. Loss of Teeth
Loss of teeth can be compensable when due to loss of substance of the maxilla or mandible from trauma or qualifying disease, not ordinary periodontal disease. This is one of the most misunderstood VA disability claims because missing teeth alone do not automatically equal compensation.
VA rates loss of teeth under DC 9913 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%. Ratings depend on the teeth lost, whether the masticatory surface can be restored by suitable prosthesis, and whether tooth loss is due to loss of substance of the maxilla or mandible. Dental trauma records, imaging, oral surgery records, and prosthetic evidence are important.
79. Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks. Veterans may claim Lyme disease based on field training, outdoor duty, deployments, or service environments where tick exposure occurred.
VA rates active Lyme disease under DC 6319 using the infectious disease formula, generally at 100% when active. After active disease resolves, VA rates residuals such as arthritis, Bell’s palsy, radiculopathy, ocular problems, or cognitive dysfunction under the appropriate body system. Evidence should include diagnosis, treatment, service exposure history, and chronic residuals.
80. Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes and may occur after service in endemic regions. Symptoms can include fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, anemia, and relapse episodes.
VA rates active malaria under DC 6304 at 100%. After active disease resolves, VA rates residuals such as liver, spleen, blood, neurological, or other organ complications under the appropriate body-system code. Diagnosis, deployment history, treatment records, lab confirmation, relapse history, and residual organ complications matter.
81. Malignant Growths of the Genitourinary System
Malignant growths of the genitourinary system include cancers affecting the bladder, prostate, kidney, testes, or other genitourinary structures. Symptoms can include urinary problems, blood in urine, pelvic pain, flank pain, fatigue, weight loss, sexual dysfunction, and treatment side effects.
VA rates active malignant genitourinary neoplasms under DC 7528 at 100%. After treatment and mandatory review, if there is no local recurrence or metastasis, VA rates residuals such as voiding dysfunction or renal dysfunction. Evidence should document diagnosis, active treatment, recurrence status, urinary leakage, frequency, kidney problems, erectile dysfunction, scars, and pain.
82. Malunion of the Lower Jaw
Malunion of the lower jaw occurs when the mandible heals improperly after fracture, trauma, or injury. It can cause jaw pain, open bite, chewing difficulty, malocclusion, clicking, popping, facial pain, and limited jaw function.
VA rates malunion of the mandible under DC 9904 at 0%, 10%, or 20%, based on displacement and open bite severity. Dental records, oral surgery notes, imaging, bite analysis, jaw measurements, and provider statements explaining chewing or speech impairment are important evidence.
83. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms can include weakness, numbness, vision problems, balance issues, tremors, bladder dysfunction, gait problems, fatigue, pain, and cognitive symptoms.
VA rates multiple sclerosis under DC 8018 with a minimum rating of 30%. VA can separately evaluate residuals such as vision impairment, bladder dysfunction, gait disturbance, weakness, fatigue, balance problems, and neurological impairment, which may combine higher, including to 100%. The key is identifying every residual and documenting its severity.
84. Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that can be painful and functionally limiting. They often occur with spine conditions, muscle injuries, nerve irritation, overuse, joint disorders, or chronic musculoskeletal problems.
There is no standalone universal diagnostic code for muscle spasms. VA rates the underlying cause, such as a spine disability, muscle injury, joint condition, or nerve impairment. In spine claims, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour can support a 20% spine rating. Evidence should document frequency, severity, abnormal gait, guarding, and functional loss.
85. Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness. Symptoms often worsen with activity and may include drooping eyelids, double vision, swallowing problems, speech issues, breathing difficulty, fatigue, and limb weakness.
VA rates myasthenia gravis under DC 8025 with a minimum rating of 30%. VA can rate residuals separately, including vision, swallowing, speech, breathing, limb weakness, and fatigue, which can combine higher, including to 100%. The evidence should identify every affected body system and explain how symptoms impair daily function.
86. Neuralgia
Neuralgia is nerve pain caused by irritation or damage to a cranial or peripheral nerve. Symptoms may include sharp pain, burning pain, electric shock sensations, tingling, sensitivity to touch, numbness, and functional limitations.
VA rates neuralgia under the affected nerve’s neuralgia code, usually in the 87xx series. The maximum rating is generally equivalent to moderate incomplete paralysis of the affected nerve, except certain cranial nerve conditions such as tic douloureux may be rated higher. The evidence should identify the nerve and describe the distribution, severity, and functional impact of pain.
87. Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder occurs when nerve problems interfere with bladder control. It can result from spinal cord injury, TBI, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, radiculopathy, or other neurological conditions.
VA rates neurogenic bladder under DC 7542 as voiding dysfunction or urinary tract infection, whichever is predominant. Voiding dysfunction can rate 20%, 40%, or 60%; urinary frequency can rate 10%, 20%, or 40%; and obstructed voiding can rate 0%, 10%, or 30%. Veterans should document leakage, pad use, frequency, nighttime urination, catheter use, infections, and retention.
88. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Veterans may claim it based on direct service connection, Agent Orange exposure, toxic exposure, or other service-related evidence.
VA rates non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma under DC 7715 at 100% when there is active disease, during treatment, or with certain indolent and non-contiguous low-grade disease. After treatment and mandatory review, VA rates residuals. Evidence should document active disease, treatment, remission status, recurrence monitoring, fatigue, neuropathy, immune problems, organ damage, and mental health effects.
89. Paralysis of the Anterior Crural Nerve
Paralysis of the anterior crural nerve, also called the femoral nerve, affects the front of the thigh and quadriceps function. It may result from lumbar spine disease, trauma, surgery, diabetes, neuropathy, or nerve injury.
VA rates femoral or anterior crural nerve paralysis under DC 8526 at 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%. Ratings are based on mild, moderate, severe incomplete paralysis, or complete paralysis of the quadriceps extensor muscles. Evidence should document thigh pain, numbness, weakness, knee extension problems, falls, and difficulty climbing stairs.
90. Paralysis of the Median Nerve
Paralysis of the median nerve affects wrist and hand function and is commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, trauma, cervical radiculopathy, or nerve injury. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, hand weakness, thumb weakness, grip problems, dropping objects, wrist pain, and impaired fine motor skills.
VA rates median nerve paralysis under DC 8515 from 10% to 70%, depending on severity and whether the major or minor hand is affected. Complete paralysis is rated 70% for the major hand and 60% for the minor hand. Evidence should document hand dominance, sensory symptoms, motor weakness, grip strength, EMG findings, and functional loss.
91. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can also cause cognitive, mood, sleep, speech, swallowing, bladder, and balance problems. It is a presumptive condition for certain exposed veterans.
VA rates Parkinson’s disease under DC 8004 with a minimum rating of 30%. VA can rate residuals separately, including tremors, gait impairment, balance problems, speech problems, swallowing issues, cognitive impairment, bladder dysfunction, mental health symptoms, and loss of use, which can combine higher, including to 100%. The 30% minimum is only the starting point.
92. Penile Deformity
Penile deformity may involve anatomical changes, Peyronie’s disease, trauma residuals, deformity associated with erectile dysfunction, or loss or removal of part of the penis under separate codes. Symptoms may include curvature, deformity, pain, erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and emotional distress.
Under current VA rules, erectile dysfunction with or without penile deformity is usually rated under DC 7522 at 0% schedularly, with possible entitlement to Special Monthly Compensation for loss of use of a creative organ. Anatomical loss or removal of part of the penis may be rated under separate diagnostic codes and may rate higher. Evidence should document diagnosis, anatomy, ED, cause, and SMC entitlement.
93. Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a vascular condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, most often to the legs. Symptoms can include leg pain with walking, cramping, cold feet, numbness, slow-healing wounds, ulcers, skin changes, and reduced pulses.
VA rates peripheral artery disease under DC 7114 at 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100% per affected extremity. Ratings are based on objective vascular testing such as ABI, ankle pressure, toe pressure, and transcutaneous oxygen tension, along with functional impact. Vascular studies, surgical records, wound care records, and walking limitation evidence are important.
94. Residuals of Foot Injury
Residuals of foot injury refer to ongoing problems after a foot fracture, crush injury, sprain, strain, surgery, or other trauma. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, weakness, instability, altered gait, difficulty standing, difficulty walking, and reduced weight-bearing.
VA rates residuals of foot injury under DC 5284 at 10% for moderate, 20% for moderately severe, 30% for severe, and 40% with actual loss of use of the foot. The words moderate, moderately severe, and severe should be supported with real-world evidence, including walking limits, assistive devices, gait changes, pain with use, and work impact.
95. Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, heart, and other organs. Pulmonary involvement is common and may cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, skin lesions, eye symptoms, and joint pain.
VA rates sarcoidosis under DC 6846 at 0%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Ratings are based on pulmonary involvement, corticosteroid treatment, cor pulmonale, cardiac involvement, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and progressive disease. VA may also rate sarcoidosis as chronic bronchitis or by residuals when appropriate.
96. General Scars
General scars include surgical scars, laceration scars, trauma scars, and other non-burn scars. VA evaluates scars based on pain, instability, size, depth, location, disfigurement, underlying soft tissue damage, and functional limitation.
VA rates scars under DC 7800, 7801, 7802, 7804, and 7805. Ratings can range from 0% to 80%, depending on whether scars are painful, unstable, disfiguring, deep, large, located on the head, face, or neck, or cause functional impairment. Painful or unstable scars under DC 7804 can rate 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending on the number of qualifying scars.
97. Seizure Disorders
Seizure disorders involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes major or minor seizures. They may be related to TBI, neurological disease, infection, toxic exposure, or other service-connected conditions.
VA rates seizure disorders under DC 8910 through DC 8914 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100%. Ratings are based on the frequency of major and minor seizures, and continuous medication generally supports at least 10%. A seizure log, witness statements, ER records, medication history, and neurologist records are critical evidence.
98. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, rash, fever, photosensitivity, mouth sores, kidney problems, chest pain, anemia, and flare-ups.
VA rates systemic lupus erythematosus under DC 6350 at 10%, 60%, or 100%, or VA may separately rate residuals under the affected body systems if that produces a higher evaluation. Evidence should document flare frequency, systemic symptoms, medications, organ involvement, hospitalizations, and every affected body system.
99. Thigh Conditions
Thigh conditions include hip and thigh limitation of motion, impairment, pain, weakness, injury residuals, and functional limitations affecting walking, standing, sitting, climbing, or squatting. These conditions may result from trauma, arthritis, overuse, muscle injury, nerve problems, or service-connected hip and spine conditions.
VA rates thigh conditions under the specific hip or thigh diagnostic code. Common codes include DC 5251 for extension limited to 5 degrees at 10%, DC 5252 for flexion limitation at 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40%, and DC 5253 for impairment of thigh at 10% or 20%. More severe hip or femur conditions may rate higher under other codes. Range of motion, pain, flare-ups, gait changes, and functional loss should be documented.
100. Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a malignant endocrine neoplasm affecting the thyroid gland. Veterans may claim thyroid cancer based on radiation exposure, toxic exposure, direct service connection, or other service-related evidence.
VA rates active thyroid cancer under DC 7914 at 100%. After treatment and required review, if there is no recurrence or metastasis, VA rates residuals under the appropriate body system. Residuals may include hypothyroidism, voice changes, swallowing problems, scars, fatigue, hormone replacement needs, and other endocrine or surgical effects.
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Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
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Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
I grew up just outside Oxford, and I spent most of my school-age weekends in the city, visiting friends, wandering the stores, and working out which colleges would actually let you in and which ones quietly turned you away at the lodge. I’ve been back many times since, and I still have friends who live…
Ok, am I the only one who loves zucchini season? This super affordable green vegetable can be cooked in so many fun and tasty ways. My neighbor usually has an abundance of zucchini growing in her garden each year and begs me to take some off her hands. I’m always excited because it’s just an easy vegetable to slice and add to stir-frys, chop and roast in the oven, or grate and add to muffins! So, for all my fellow zucchini lovers and anyone growing zucchini this year, I’ve rounded up a list of simple Zucchini Recipes for you to try!
Easy Zucchini Dinners
Make zucchini the star of your next meal with these satisfying dinner ideas. From cheesy stuffed boats to skillet meals and baked pasta, these easy zucchini recipes are hearty, budget-friendly, and a great way to stretch fresh summer produce into dinner.
Our zucchini lasagna layers fresh zucchini slices between a tangy meat and a creamy cheese sauce for a lower-carb, gluten-free dinner that still feels cozy, saucy, and totally satisfying! I love that the zucchini really is the star here, and the quick salting and baking step helps keep the lasagna from turning watery.
Zucchini boats are the perfect mashup for meat and veggie lovers, and they’re such an easy, fun way to switch up your weeknight dinner routine. I stuff them with seasoned Italian sausage, marinara, breadcrumbs, and a layer of gooey mozzarella for a hearty veggie-packed dinner.
These Zucchini Enchiladas are made with strips of zucchini, not tortillas, for a lower-carb, naturally gluten-free twist on the classic enchilada recipe!
These zucchini enchiladas swap tortillas for thin slices of zucchini, then roll everything up with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, green onions, and Monterey Jack cheese. I like this one for a lighter, veggie-forward dinner that still has all the saucy, cheesy enchilada comfort, and it only needs 5 ingredients.
This blackened salmon with zucchini is a great example of how food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. The salmon is coated in Cajun spices, cooked in butter until it forms a dark, flavorful crust, and is paired with simple sautéed zucchini for a dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Speaking of baked pasta, this roasted vegetable baked penne is a great recipe for using zucchini and other roasted vegetables in a cozy casserole. It’s full of colorful veggies, homemade red sauce, and lots of gooey cheese, and the leftovers are awesome for quick lunches or stashing in the freezer.
This ground turkey zucchini skillet is not only budget-friendly, but also made in less than 30 minutes, which is exactly what I need when I’m really short on time. The sweet and savory soy, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce make it taste way more time-consuming than it actually is. I like serving it over rice with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. YUM.
Our sweet corn and zucchini pie is a crustless, cheesy bake with sweet corn, tender zucchini, yellow squash, eggs, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. I’ll happily make this when I want zucchini to feel filling enough for brunch, meal prep, or a light dinner without messing with pie crust!
Baking Recipes
Zucchini brings moisture and subtle sweetness to baked goods, like these muffins and bread! These are the recipes I reach for when I have extra zucchini hanging out in the fridge and want something snacky and easy to grab throughout the week.
If you’ve never tried zucchini muffins, then you’re totally missing out. These muffins are soft, super moist, and another great way to use up extra zucchini. I purposefully chose NOT to squeeze the excess liquid from the grated zucchini because that extra moisture helps keep the muffins tender!
My zucchini bread is made with the simplest ingredients, is perfectly moist, and makes an easy breakfast on the go. I was first introduced to zucchini bread by my mom years ago, and this version with cinnamon, vanilla, applesauce, and optional walnuts is still one of my favorite ways to use up extra zucchini.
Fried or Crispy Bites
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these fried and baked zucchini snacks are impossible to resist. They’re great for dipping, sharing, or turning a few fresh zucchini into something a little more fun.
Let’s start things off with these popular baked zucchini fries! They’re crispy on the outside, creamy and delicious on the inside, and the panko-Parmesan coating helps give high-moisture zucchini that crunchy edge we all want. I love eating them plain, or you can dip them in your favorite pizza or marinara sauce.
Zucchini fritters are another easy way to enjoy summer zucchini, and they’ve been a favorite of mine for years. These lightly pan-fried fritters have crispy brown edges, tender centers, Parmesan and garlic in the mix. Enjoy them by themselves or with some Tzatziki sauce!
Crispy, tender, and ready in minutes, this air fryer zucchini is a versatile side dish that works just as well on a hot summer evening as it does alongside hearty winter meals. I aim for golden on the outside and juicy in the middle, and the quick garlic-mayo-Dijon coating helps the panko and Parmesan stick without much effort.
Fresh Salads
These zucchini salad recipes are perfect for cookouts, light lunches, and easy sides when you want to make the most of seasonal produce!
This Zucchini, Corn, and Toasted Almond Salad with a homemade lemon-mint dressing is a quick, refreshing side dish that celebrates summer’s best produce!
If I’ve got extra garden zucchini piling up, this zucchini, corn, and toasted almond salad is exactly the kind of fresh side I want. The raw shaved zucchini stays crisp and light, the corn adds sweetness, and the toasted almonds, Parmesan, and lemon-mint dressing make every bite taste bright, crunchy, and summery.
This zucchini and orzo salad gives you all the best flavors and colors of summer and can be jazzed up and modified several different ways. I like that the chimichurri works like a bold, herby dressing, and you can use the zucchini raw, grilled, or roasted depending on what you’re already cooking.
If you’re craving a delicious pasta recipe to enjoy with your zucchini this year, then you’ve got to try this pasta primavera. It’s full of fresh vegetables tossed with pasta in a light lemon butter sauce, and I make it when I want something fresh or have a few vegetables in the fridge that need using up.
Fresh sweet corn pairs perfectly with summer zucchini in this charred corn and zucchini salad. The corn and zucchini get charred over high heat for smoky grill-like flavor, then finished with red onion, cilantro, and salty feta for a simple side dish that tastes like summer.
More Tasty Side Dishes
These simple, flavorful sides make the most of in-season zucchini. Roasted, sautéed, grilled, or baked into something cheesy and cozy, they make it easy to add more vegetables to the table without overthinking dinner.
Grilled zucchini is one of those simple recipes that totally over-delivers. I’d make extra because the honey-balsamic marinade and smoky grill marks make it delicious hot off the grill, but the leftovers are also great tucked into wraps, grain bowls, omelets, or salads!
A zucchini slice is similar to a crustless quiche but with a denser, cheesy texture. It’s budget-friendly, great for meal prep, and I like that it can be served hot or cold for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an on-the-go snack.
Ahh, this has to be one of my favorite ways to prepare zucchini. Lemon pepper zucchini is bright, peppery, and ready in about 20 minutes. The key is using a really hot skillet so the zucchini browns quickly instead of getting soft and watery!
This Oven Roasted Ratatouille is packed with layers of fresh veggies, marinara sauce, and melty cheese. A simple, cozy side dish that tastes like comfort!
Can we get a round of applause for this gorgeous and insanely delicious oven roasted ratatouille?! We make it with zucchini and other fresh summer vegetables, a rich red sauce, plenty of herbs, and cheese on top. Seriously, add this one to your dinner list this week!
Roasted summer vegetables are awesome as a simple side dish, but they’re also delicious with pasta salad, tucked inside a sandwich wrap, or used to make baked pasta. I’m all for this basic technique because the oven does most of the work, and the dry heat caramelizes the vegetables so they get sweet, smoky edges.
It’s always good to have an easy go-to side dish recipe like these simple sautéed vegetables in your back pocket. The vegetables cook quickly in a hot skillet, so they stay tender with just enough bite.
Zucchini relish is a smart way to turn extra zucchini into something you can spoon over burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or grilled dinners later. It’s packed with zucchini, onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper for a spicy-sweet condiment. We’ve also included canning, fridge, and freezer storage options depending on how ambitious you’re feeling!
One of the first things you’ll wonder when planning a trip to Central Europe is whether you’ll be welcome in the countries you plan to visit. And if your eye is on Romania and Hungary, you have probably heard conflicting stories about the two countries; that one culture is warmer while the other is more …
