100% VA Disability Rating

A 100% VA Disability Rating is the highest VA Disability Rating that can be given for VA Disability. A 100% Rating is given to Disabled Veterans with extremely severe service-connected conditions that make the veteran unable to satisfactorily work and perform the Activities of Daily Living.

Also known as a Total Rating, a 100% rating can be declared Permanent and Total (P&T) by the VA if the veteran’s conditions are unlikely to improve in the future.

100% VA Disability Rating

A 100% VA Disability Rating can be given for a single severe condition or for a group of conditions whose ratings can be combined using VA Math to equal 100%.

A 100% VA Disability Rating is commonly given to veterans who have two or more limbs paralyzed or amputated, or for active diseases, like tuberculosis or cancer. For these diseases, the veteran will no longer receive the 100% VA Disability Rating once the condition is no longer active, but the VA will reinstate the 100% VA Disability Rating if the condition ever becomes active again.

A 100% VA Disability Rating is also given every time a veteran is admitted to the hospital for any condition that qualifies for VA Disability.  

A veteran with a 100% VA Disability Rating will receive a monthly payment from the VA and full medical care for all of their medical conditions. The exact monetary amount of compensation given for a 100% VA Disability Rating is the same for every veteran, but does change for factors like children, spouses, etc. Our VA Disability Chart details the current monetary amounts give for a 100% VA Disability Rating.

Many veterans with a 100% VA Disability Rating also qualify for additional compensation from the VA called Special Monthly Compensation.

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100% VA Disability Rating FAQs

What is a 100% VA Disability Rating?

A 100% VA Disability Rating is the highest combined rating a veteran can receive for VA Disability. It is also known as a Total Rating.

Do I qualify for a 100% Rating from the VA?

In order to qualify for a 100% VA Disability Rating, your individual condition ratings must combine using VA Math to equal 100% or you must qualify for hospitalization ratings, convalescent ratings, or Individual Unemployability.

What benefits will I receive for a 100% Rating?

For a 100% rating, the VA awards a monthly payment and full medical care for all of your medical conditions.

Is a 100% rating permanent?

No. The VA awards temporary total ratings for veterans whose conditions need additional support for a limited time, like for a 3-month convalescent period after surgery. All 100% ratings are not considered permanent unless it is medically unlikely for the condition to ever improve. In these cases, the VA will declare the condition Permanent and Total (P&T).

Do I have to apply for a total rating?

A 100% rating is awarded through the standard claim process. If you are awarded less than 100% but your conditions worsen to qualify you for a total rating or if you qualify for hospital or convalescent ratings, you can submit a new claim for an increased evaluation. You do have to apply separately for Individual Unemployability.

I qualify for a 100% VA Disability Rating. How much money will I receive monthly?

The exact amount you will receive monthly depends on whether you have dependents and whether you qualify for additional Special Monthly Compensation. See our VA Rating Chart and Special Monthly Compensation pages for details on the current rates.

What do I do if I qualify for a Total Rating but was denied?

You can appeal to have your claim reconsidered. Make sure that the VA has sufficient evidence to refute their reason for denial.

I am rated 100%. Will I still have to go in for VA exams?

Yes, the VA will continue to require periodic exams to track the progress of your conditions unless they declare your conditions Permanent and Total (P&T).

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