The VA disability compensation system determines how much monthly income a veteran receives for conditions connected to their military service. Understanding how ratings are assigned, what standards apply, and what options exist when a rating doesn’t reflect the severity of a condition gives Texas veterans a much clearer framework for approaching the claims process.
What a Disability Rating Measures
The VA assigns percentage ratings to service-connected conditions on a scale from 0% to 100%, typically in 10% increments. The rating is intended to reflect the average reduction in earning capacity caused by the condition based on the severity of symptoms and functional limitations. A 0% rating means the condition is service-connected but not currently severe enough to produce measurable impairment. A 100% rating reflects total disability.
Under 38 CFR Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities assigns specific diagnostic codes to conditions across every body system. Each code has criteria describing the symptoms or functional limitations that correspond to each rating level. The VA examiner compares the veteran’s current clinical presentation against those criteria. When the examiner underestimates severity or applies the wrong diagnostic code, the resulting rating doesn’t reflect the actual condition.
A Texas VA disability compensation lawyer can review an assigned rating against the diagnostic criteria to identify whether the current assessment is accurate.
The Three Elements of a Service-Connected Claim
For any condition to receive a disability rating, three things must be established:
- A current diagnosis of the condition from a medical professional
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, illness, or exposure that could have caused or contributed to the condition
- A medical nexus linking the in-service event to the current diagnosis
The nexus is where many claims encounter the most resistance. VA medical examiners conduct Compensation and Pension examinations to evaluate nexus, and their opinions don’t always favor the veteran. When a C&P examiner provides an inadequate or unfavorable nexus opinion, submitting an independent medical opinion from a private physician can be one of the most effective steps available.
How Monthly Compensation Is Calculated
Monthly compensation amounts are set by Congress and adjusted periodically for cost of living. Veterans rated at 10% or 20% receive a flat monthly rate. Veterans rated at 30% or above receive amounts that increase with the presence of dependents. Certain conditions also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, which provides additional payment above the standard rating amount for conditions involving loss of use of a limb, blindness, or the need for regular aid and attendance.
Options When a Rating Seems Wrong
When a Texas veteran receives a rating that doesn’t reflect the severity of their condition, several options are available:
- Filing a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence, such as an independent medical opinion
- Requesting a Higher-Level Review by a senior VA adjudicator who reviews the existing record for errors
- Appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals when the regional office’s decision is incorrect
Glover Luck LLP focuses exclusively on veterans disability law and represents Texas veterans from initial claims through appeals, with particular attention to identifying rating errors and building the evidence needed to correct them.
If your current VA rating doesn’t reflect the severity of your service-connected conditions, speaking with a Texas VA disability compensation lawyer can help you understand what a realistic path to a higher rating looks like and where to start.
