VA Disability
For many veterans, applying for disability benefits is an important part of securing long-term financial support after their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses a disability rating system to determine how much compensation a veteran may receive. This rating is based on the severity of service-connected conditions and how those conditions affect a veteran’s ability to function in daily life and work.
Knowing how VA disability ratings are determined and how they affect compensation can help veterans make informed decisions as they go through the claims process.
How The Va Assigns A Disability Rating
The VA assigns a disability rating as a percentage ranging from 0% to 100%. Ratings are given in 10% increments and reflect how much the disability decreases the veteran’s overall health and ability to earn a living. A 0% rating means the VA recognizes a condition is service-connected but does not consider it disabling enough to qualify for monthly compensation. Ratings of 10% or more result in monthly payments.
To determine the rating, the VA looks at medical records, evidence from doctors, and any documentation provided during the claim. They also use a schedule of ratings that assigns values to different types of conditions. For example, a back injury that limits mobility might receive a lower rating than a severe mental health condition that prevents full-time employment.
What Happens With Multiple Service-connected Conditions
Many veterans have more than one service-connected condition. When this happens, the VA uses a combined rating table to determine the total rating. However, this isn’t a simple matter of adding percentages together. For example, two 50% ratings don’t equal 100%. Instead, the VA combines them in a way that reflects the veteran’s overall level of disability, always rounding down to the nearest 10%.
Because of this method, reaching a 100% rating can be challenging, even with several serious conditions. In some cases, veterans may qualify for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate even if the combined rating is lower.
How Compensation Is Calculated
The VA updates its compensation tables annually. Payments are based on the disability rating and may be adjusted depending on the number of dependents, including a spouse, children, or dependent parents. A veteran with a 30% rating or higher may be eligible for increased payments if they have dependents listed on their claim.
Higher ratings bring higher monthly compensation. For example, a veteran with a 70% rating receives significantly more than one with a 30% rating. These payments are tax-free and continue as long as the disability remains at the rated level.
Why Accuracy In Your Claim Matters
The initial rating decision can have a lasting impact on a veteran’s financial stability. Submitting strong medical evidence, keeping appointments for compensation and pension exams, and being honest and thorough on forms are all critical steps in supporting the claim. If the VA assigns a lower rating than expected, there’s a formal appeals process available.
Attorneys at Glover Luck LLP can attest to how important it is for veterans to understand the rating system and their rights under it. Our firm has worked with many veterans seeking fair compensation for service-related injuries and health conditions.
If you have questions about a veterans disability rating, a San Antonio TX veterans disability lawyer from our network can connect you with legal support focused on veterans’ rights. Contact us to learn how we can help you take the next step toward securing the benefits you’ve earned.
