DeLuca Factors
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
Legal requirement that the VA consider pain, weakness, fatigue, and flare-ups when rating joint and muscle disabilities - not just physical measurements.
Why This Matters
Based on a court case (DeLuca v. Brown), the VA must consider functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, and incoordination. This means your rating should reflect your worst days, not just what the examiner measures on exam day.
Example
Your knee bends to 100 degrees on exam day, but during flare-ups you can barely bend it to 60 degrees. DeLuca factors require the VA to consider that reduced function.