VA Disability Rating

Topics:

VA Disability Rating
VA Disability Ratings Given to Individual Conditions
The Total Combined VA Disability Rating

VA Disability Rating

A VA Disability Rating is a percentage that the VA’s Rating Authorities assign a Disabled Veteran during the VA Disability Process.

A VA Disability Rating is given for every service-connected condition.

This rating percentage determines the amount of VA Disability Benefits a veteran receives for their service-connected conditions.

The percentage of the rating is meant to reflect the severity of the condition. A 0% rating is given to a condition that doesn’t significantly affect the veteran’s ability to work or perform the Activities of Daily Living, while a 100% rating is given to a condition that makes the veteran unable to satisfactorily work or perform the Activities of Daily Living.

Each rating percentage is rounded off to the nearest ten: 40%, 50%, 60%, etc.

Return to Top

VA Disability Ratings Given to Individual Conditions

Every service-connected condition a veteran has is assigned a rating by the VA during the VA Disability Process.

Each rating is determined based on the laws of the VASRD. You can Find Your Condition on our site to figure out what VA Disability Rating it should receive.

Return to Top

The Total Combined VA Disability Rating

After each of a veteran’s conditions is given a VA Disability Rating, all the ratings are then combined using VA Math to give the veteran a single Total Combined VA Disability Rating. This overall VA Disability Rating is then used to determine the exact amount of VA Disability Benefits the veteran will receive.

Our VA Disability Chart details the monetary amount a veteran will receive for their Total Combined VA Disability Rating. All veterans are given the same amount for each VA Disability Rating, and the amounts are only adjusted when factors like children and spouses are involved.

Return to Top

FAQs

What is a VA Disability Rating?

A VA Disability Rating is a percentage assigned by the VA to a veteran's service-connected conditions. The ratings are meant to reflect the severity of the conditions. The higher the rating percentage, the more compensation the veteran receives for the condition.

Are my conditions eligible for a rating?

Your conditions are eligible to be rated by the VA if they are the result of your military service. You must be able to show proof of service-connection for each condition.

How do I apply to receive my ratings?

To apply, submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.

If my claim is approved, what benefits will I receive?

If the VA approves your claim, you will receive a monthly payment as well as full medical care from the VA for the qualifying conditions.

How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?

Brand new claims usually take 3-6 months to process. Once processed, you will start receiving payments in 1-3 months.

How does the VA assign the rating percentages?

The VA follows the rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to assign rating percentages to conditions. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause.

How much money will my rating get me monthly?

The exact amount you receive monthly will depend on your total combined rating and if you have any dependents. You can find the VA's current rates on our VA Disability Chart page for all percentage levels and options.

How do I increase my rating percentages?

If the VA assigned an incorrect rating, you can appeal their rating decision, providing proof that you qualify for a higher rating. If your conditions have worsened since you last applied and now qualify for a higher rating, you can submit a new claim, checking the box for an increased evaluation.

Return to Top
Scroll to Top