An extraschedular rating is assigned when your disability causes impairment that is not adequately captured by the standard rating criteria. The regular rating schedule is designed to cover the average impairment caused by each condition, but some veterans have unusual symptoms or functional limitations that go beyond what the schedule contemplates. To qualify for an extraschedular rating, three criteria must be met. First, your disability picture must present an exceptional or unusual disability picture. Second, the established schedular criteria must be inadequate to evaluate your condition. Third, the disability must cause marked interference with employment or require frequent hospitalization beyond what is contemplated by the assigned rating. Referral for extraschedular consideration goes through the VA Director of Compensation Service. The regional office first determines whether referral is warranted, and then the Director makes the final decision. If you believe your condition causes impairment that the rating criteria do not capture, raise the issue of extraschedular consideration explicitly. Provide specific examples of how your condition affects you in ways that go beyond the typical symptoms listed in the rating criteria. This might include unusual symptoms, extreme frequency of episodes, or a level of occupational impairment that exceeds what would be expected at your rating level.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).