Understanding the Different Types of VA Disability Ratings

Navigating the VA disability rating system can be complex and overwhelming. Understanding the different types of VA disability ratings is crucial for veterans seeking compensation for service-connected disabilities. This blog will provide an in-depth overview of the various types of ratings and how they are determined, helping you make informed decisions about your VA benefits.

Basic VA Disability Ratings

The VA assigns disability ratings in increments of 10%, ranging from 0% to 100%. These ratings are based on the severity of the veteran’s condition and the impact it has on their ability to work and perform daily activities. Let’s break down the basic disability ratings:

0% Rating:
A 0% rating indicates a service-connected condition that does not warrant compensation but may qualify the veteran for other benefits such as healthcare and treatment. While it does not provide financial compensation, it establishes a service connection which can be beneficial if the condition worsens over time.

10% to 40% Ratings:
These ratings are given for disabilities with increasing impairment. Veterans with ratings in this range can usually still work but may experience significant symptoms that impact their daily lives. Here’s a closer look at each level within this range:

• 10% Rating: This is typically assigned for mild symptoms that cause minor inconvenience but do not significantly impact daily activities or work capacity. For example, a veteran with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may receive a 10% rating if the condition is persistent but not severely debilitating.
• 20% Rating: This rating is given for moderate symptoms that may require some adjustments in daily activities or work tasks. A veteran with a knee injury that causes occasional pain and limited range of motion might receive a 20% rating.
• 30% Rating: At this level, symptoms are more pronounced and have a noticeable impact on daily life. Veterans with conditions such as migraines that cause frequent, severe headaches affecting their ability to work or perform household tasks may receive a 30% rating.
• 40% Rating: This rating indicates more severe symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning and work capacity. For instance, a veteran with severe asthma requiring regular medication and causing frequent episodes might be rated at 40%.

50% to 100% Ratings:
Higher ratings reflect more severe disabilities that impact a veteran’s ability to work. Veterans with ratings in this range are often eligible for greater compensation and additional benefits. Let’s explore the different levels:

• 50% Rating: This rating is assigned for conditions that result in considerable impairment. Veterans with PTSD experiencing severe symptoms that affect their work and social interactions may receive a 50% rating.
• 60% Rating: At this level, the condition causes severe limitations in daily activities and work. A veteran with a heart condition causing significant fatigue and limited physical activity might be rated at 60%.
• 70% Rating: This rating indicates very severe symptoms that substantially interfere with work and daily life. Veterans with major depressive disorder experiencing persistent symptoms impacting their ability to function might receive a 70% rating.
• 80% Rating: Conditions rated at 80% cause extremely severe symptoms with significant limitations. A veteran with multiple sclerosis causing major mobility issues and frequent hospitalizations might be rated at 80%.
• 90% Rating: This rating reflects nearly total impairment. Veterans with conditions like severe spinal cord injuries leading to substantial loss of function may receive a 90% rating.
• 100% Rating: The highest rating indicates total disability. Veterans with conditions such as advanced cancer, complete loss of limb function, or severe mental health conditions that prevent any form of employment are rated at 100%. This rating qualifies for the highest level of compensation and additional benefits, such as Dependents’ Educational Assistance and Special Monthly Compensation.

Combined Ratings

Veterans with multiple service-connected disabilities may receive combined ratings. The VA uses a specific formula to calculate the combined rating, which is not a simple sum of individual ratings. This combined rating determines the overall compensation the veteran will receive.

For example, if a veteran has two disabilities rated at 30% and 20%, the combined rating is not 50%. Instead, the VA uses a “whole person” approach, starting with the highest rating and then calculating the additional disability on the remaining “unimpaired” portion. The formula works as follows:

• Start with the highest rating (30% in this case).
• Subtract this rating from 100% to find the remaining unimpaired portion (100% – 30% = 70%).
• Calculate the second rating (20%) on this remaining portion (20% of 70% = 14%).
• Add this to the first rating (30% + 14% = 44%).
• The combined rating is then rounded to the nearest 10% (in this case, 44% rounds to 40%).

This process ensures that the overall impact of multiple disabilities is accurately reflected in the combined rating.

Temporary Ratings

In some cases, the VA assigns temporary disability ratings for conditions expected to improve with treatment or over time. These ratings are typically re-evaluated periodically to determine if a permanent rating is warranted.

Convalescent Ratings:
These are assigned to veterans recovering from surgery or severe injury. For example, a veteran recovering from knee replacement surgery might receive a temporary 100% rating during the recovery period. After the convalescence period, the VA will re-evaluate the condition to assign a permanent rating based on the level of residual impairment.

Prestabilization Ratings:
Given to veterans with recently discharged, severe conditions that may improve over time, usually rated at 50% or 100% for a specified period. For instance, a veteran with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may receive a prestabilization rating while undergoing intensive rehabilitation. The VA will later re-evaluate the condition to assign a permanent rating.

Permanent and Total Disability Ratings

Permanent and total disability ratings are assigned to veterans with conditions that are unlikely to improve and are completely disabling. These ratings provide the highest level of compensation and come with additional benefits, such as Dependents’ Educational Assistance and ChampVA healthcare.

Permanent Disability:
A condition is considered permanent if it is not expected to improve significantly over time. The VA may assign a permanent rating if medical evidence supports that the condition is stable and unlikely to change.

Total Disability:
A condition is considered totally disabling if it prevents the veteran from engaging in any substantial gainful employment. This means the veteran is unable to work and earn an income due to the severity of their condition.

Individual Unemployability (IU)

Veterans unable to maintain substantial gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities may qualify for Individual Unemployability (IU). This benefit allows veterans with lower disability ratings to receive compensation at the 100% rate if their disabilities prevent them from working.

Schedular IU:
Granted to veterans with one disability rated at 60% or more, or multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with one disability rated at least 40%. For example, a veteran with a 60% rating for a severe back condition and additional disabilities adding up to a combined rating of 70% might qualify for IU if they are unable to work due to their conditions.

Extra-Schedular IU:
Considered for veterans who do not meet the schedular criteria but are still unable to work due to service-connected disabilities. The VA may grant extra-schedular IU based on the unique circumstances of the veteran’s case, considering the impact of their disabilities on their ability to work.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional benefit for veterans with severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities that warrant higher compensation rates than the regular schedule allows. Examples include:

• Loss of Use of Limbs: Veterans who have lost the use of one or more limbs may qualify for SMC. This includes situations where a limb is paralyzed, severely impaired, or has been amputated.
• Blindness: Veterans who are blind or have severely impaired vision may receive SMC. The amount of compensation depends on the level of visual impairment and whether it affects one or both eyes.
• Aid and Attendance: Veterans who require the regular aid and attendance of another person for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating may qualify for SMC. This benefit provides additional compensation to cover the costs of caregiving.

SMC benefits are designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by veterans with severe disabilities, providing them with the financial support necessary to maintain their quality of life.

Reevaluations and Rating Adjustments

Disability ratings are not always permanent. The VA may schedule re-evaluations to assess changes in the veteran’s condition. Veterans can also request re-evaluations if their condition worsens, potentially leading to higher ratings and increased compensation.

Scheduled Re-Evaluations:
The VA may schedule periodic re-evaluations for conditions that are expected to improve over time. For example, a veteran with a temporary rating for a recovering injury may be re-evaluated to determine the permanent level of disability once the recovery period is complete.

Veteran-Initiated Re-Evaluations:
Veterans can request a re-evaluation if their condition worsens or if they develop new symptoms related to their service-connected disability. For instance, a veteran with PTSD who experiences increased severity of symptoms can request a re-evaluation to potentially increase their disability rating.

Protecting Your Rating:
After a certain period, usually 5 to 20 years, disability ratings become protected, meaning the VA cannot reduce them unless there is evidence of significant improvement. Veterans with conditions that have been rated for a long time should be aware of these protections and seek assistance if they believe their rating is being unjustly reduced.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of VA disability ratings can help veterans navigate the system and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. Whether you have a single service-connected condition or multiple disabilities, knowing how ratings are determined and what options are available can make a significant difference in your compensation and overall quality of life.

At Warrior Allegiance, we are committed to helping veterans achieve higher disability ratings and get the benefits they deserve. If you need assistance with your VA disability claim, contact us today for expert support. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, ensuring that your case is accurately represented and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.