MARINES · JOB CODE 7236
Tactical Air Defense Controller Your military role & VA condition guide
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This guide brings together conditions associated with 7236 (Tactical Air Defense Controller). Start with a topic that relates to your experience, then follow its guide for more detail.
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Conditions are grouped by occupational exposures and physical demands. These are research connections, not statistics about claim frequency or approval.
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Conditions to explore.
Choose a body system, search for a condition, or open a preview. Each full guide explains its rating criteria and evidence in more detail.
8 of 8 conditions
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
A strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments supporting the neck or lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion — often from lifting, impact, or repetitive strain during service.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- C&P or orthopedic exam showing measured loss of range of motion, muscle spasm, or guarding
- Service treatment records documenting the in-service injury, incident, or repetitive strain
- Buddy statements or personnel records corroborating the in-service event (e.g., heavy lifting, vehicle accident, parachute jumps)
Sleep Apnea Syndromes
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep, fragmenting rest and often leading to loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, it's also linked to higher blood pressure and heart strain, which is part of why the VA rates it based on treatment need rather than just the diagnosis.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- A polysomnography (sleep study) confirming the diagnosis - this is the evidence the rating schedule specifically requires.
- A CPAP prescription along with compliance or usage reports, since device use is what supports the 50% tier.
- Medical notes describing sleep-related symptoms like loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Uveitis (Choroiditis/Iritis)
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can cause redness, pain, and vision problems.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Ophthalmology records dating each treatment visit, since the incapacitating-episode tiers are counted in visits over the past 12 months.
- Prescription history for corticosteroids, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, which the formula's Note (2) names as qualifying treatment.
- Records of intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatment or surgery, also named in Note (2).
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, narrowing the field of vision over time. The VA schedule codes it in two forms — open-angle glaucoma (DC 6013) and angle-closure glaucoma (DC 6012) — and gives them word-for-word identical rating instructions.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Optometry records tracking eye pressure and vision over time.
- Visual field tests measuring the extent of any vision loss.
- Ophthalmologist reports documenting the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa — one of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons and muscles where they pass over bone — most often at the shoulder, hip, elbow or knee, causing pain and painful, restricted motion. DC 5019 has no percentages of its own: it is rated as degenerative arthritis, on limitation of motion of the affected joint.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the affected joint — this is the only thing DC 5019 rates, and a compensable evaluation depends on comparing it against that joint's own diagnostic code.
- Examination findings recording objective painful motion, swelling or muscle spasm, which is the confirmation DC 5003 requires before the per-joint 10 percent can be assigned.
- Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) showing bursal thickening or effusion, and any aspiration or injection records, which establish the diagnosis.
Muscle Group VI (Elbow Extensors)
Injury to the muscles that straighten the elbow — the triceps and the anconeus.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- An orthopedic specialist's report documenting the muscle injury.
- Functional use testing assessing strength and coordination.
Median Nerve Paralysis
Damage to the median nerve causing weakness, pain, or paralysis in the hand.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Nerve conduction study results confirming the location and severity of the nerve damage.
- Grip strength comparison between the affected and unaffected hand.
- Evidence of occupational impact, such as difficulty performing fine motor tasks required for work.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is stomach acid and stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation and chest discomfort. DC 7206 has its own criteria table, and what that table measures is not how often heartburn occurs — every step is written around a documented esophageal stricture causing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and the treatment that stricture requires. Note (1) requires the findings to be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- A barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy report confirming the stricture — Note (1) names these three studies specifically.
- Dated procedure records for every dilatation, including any performed using steroids, plus placement or operative reports for an esophageal stent, surgical correction, or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
- Prescription records showing daily medication taken to control dysphagia, which is what the 10 percent row is written around.
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A FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
Questions about the 7236 guide
What do the conditions in this guide represent?
They are conditions grouped with 7236 (Tactical Air Defense Controller) by the role’s occupational exposures and physical demands. Use them as a starting point for research. The list does not rank conditions by claim frequency or VA approval rates.
Where can I find rating levels and evidence guidance?
Open a condition preview for a quick look, or follow its guide link for the published rating criteria, an evidence checklist, and available exam guidance.
What if I served in more than one role?
You can explore a guide for each of your military jobs. Use the military job directory to search another code, job title, or branch, and keep notes on the experiences you want to discuss.
What if my condition is not listed here?
This is a curated starting point. The condition library has additional guides you can search by name, body system, or diagnostic code.
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