Understanding the VA Disability Rating System

The process of applying for VA disability benefits can be complicated by red tape, paperwork, and medical documentation. Many veterans wonder why it is so hard to get the benefits they deserve. A major part of this confusion lies in the VA Disability Rating System, a complex framework used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine the level of compensation a veteran is eligible for. Understanding this system is the first step towards securing benefits that veterans have earned through their service.

What is a VA Disability Rating?

Your VA disability rating is a percentage ranging from 0% to 100%. This represents the average reduction in your earning potential due to service-related conditions and directly affects the amount of tax-free monthly compensation you receive. This is not an overall measure of health, but a specific measure of the severity of service-connected disabilities as defined by VA guidelines.

The legal basis for these ratings can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically Title 38, Part 4, which contains a schedule for rating disabilities. This is known as the VA’s “rule book” and it contains criteria for hundreds of different conditions.

How Does the VA Assign a Percentage?

The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities to evaluate the symptoms and functional impact of each service-connected condition. Each condition has its own diagnostic code, and it is rated based on specific criteria within that code.

For example, a knee condition may be rated based on the range of motion, stability or pain, while a mental health condition such as PTSD is rated based on occupational and social impairment. A VA rater will review your medical records and assign a percentage that best represents the severity of your symptoms.

It is important to understand that the VA considers the condition, not the individual, when making a rating. Providing detailed and accurate medical information that meets the specific criteria outlined in the rating schedule is crucial for achieving an accurate rating.

Combining Multiple Disability Ratings

Most veterans have more than one condition related to their service. The VA does not simply add up these percentages. Instead, they use a “combined rating table” that takes into account the specific order of the conditions, starting with the highest-rated condition.

This process can be difficult to understand. Let’s look at a simple example. If you have a 50% disability rating for your back and 30% tinnitus, the VA will not calculate your combined disability as 80%. Instead, they will start with the highest rating, 50%. Then they take 50 percent of your remaining capacity (50%) and multiply it by the next rating (30%), giving 15%. This is added to the initial 50, giving a combined rating of 65. The VA then rounds this up to 70.

Common Rating Levels and Their Impact

While ratings are assigned in 10% increments from 0% to 100%, some thresholds are particularly important:

0% Rating

This means that the VA has recognized your condition as service-connected, but the symptoms are not severe enough to qualify for monthly compensation. A rating of 0% is still valuable, as it qualifies you for other VA benefits, such as healthcare for your condition.

30% to 60% Rating

These ratings provide significant monthly compensation. A key milestone is 30%, as veterans with a rating of 30% or above can include dependents (spouse, children, parents) in their claim for additional monthly payments.

100% Rating

This is the highest possible rating and provides maximum monthly compensation. Veterans can receive a rating of 100%, which is based on a single or combination of conditions. They may also be deemed totally disabled due to individual unemployability, which also pays at a 100% rate. This is because their service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantial gainful employment.

Your Right to Appeal an Incorrect Rating

If you receive a decision from the Veterans Affairs (VA) and believe your disability rating is too low or your condition was incorrectly denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process for the VA is strict and has specific time limits. Some common reasons for appealing include:

• The VA rater may have overlooked or misinterpreted medical evidence related to your condition.
• Your condition may have worsened since the last examination, which could affect the accuracy of the rating.
• The rating may not accurately reflect the severity of your symptoms, as outlined in the VA’s rating schedule.

You have one year from the date of your decision letter to file a notice of disagreement in order to start the appeal process.

Secure the Rating You Deserve

The VA disability system can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. An incorrect rating could mean the difference between financial security and struggle. At Veterans Benefits Law Group, we have the experience and knowledge to help you build a strong case, gather the necessary medical evidence, and navigate the appeals process if the VA made a mistake.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complex process and fight for the benefits that are rightfully yours.