If you’re a veteran applying for VA Disability Compensation Benefits, understanding how ratings work is an important first step. This guide will break it all down for you—the different types of ratings, what they mean, and how they’re decided. We’ll also share examples of how decisions are written so you know what to expect. Let’s dive in!
What Is a VA Disability Rating?
When you apply for VA Disability Compensation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns you a disability rating. This rating is expressed as a percentage, from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10 (e.g., 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and so on). It reflects how much your service-connected disability affects your ability to function and earn a living.
The higher the percentage, the greater the impact—and the higher your monthly compensation. Let’s explore the possible rating decisions you might receive and what they mean.
Types of Rating Decisions
Here are the main types of decisions a rater might make when reviewing your VA claim:
1. 0% Rating (Non-Compensable)
A 0% rating means the VA agrees your condition is service-connected, but it doesn’t significantly affect your daily life or ability to work. While you won’t receive monthly payments, you may still qualify for other benefits like VA healthcare.
Example:
“Service connection for tinnitus is granted with a 0% evaluation. While the veteran reports intermittent ringing in the ears, it does not meet the threshold for compensable impairment.”
2. 10% to 40% Ratings (Mild to Moderate Impairments)
Ratings in this range reflect conditions that cause mild to moderate limitations. These could be chronic pain, limited motion in a joint, or conditions like hypertension.
Example:
“Service connection for lumbar strain is granted with a 20% evaluation. Medical records show the veteran experiences moderate pain and limited forward flexion to 60 degrees during flare-ups.”
3. 50% to 90% Ratings (Severe Impairments)
This range is for veterans whose disabilities significantly affect their ability to work and perform daily tasks. These ratings might apply to mental health conditions, severe joint damage, or chronic illnesses.
Example:
“Service connection for PTSD is granted with a 70% evaluation. The veteran reports severe symptoms including social withdrawal, difficulty maintaining employment, and frequent panic attacks, as documented in psychological evaluations.”
4. 100% Rating (Total Disability)
A 100% rating means your service-connected condition prevents you from working entirely. You’ll receive the highest level of compensation and access to additional benefits.
Example:
“Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted with a 100% evaluation. Evidence shows the veteran’s condition causes total incapacitation and inability to perform physical labor.”
5. Temporary Ratings
Temporary ratings can be assigned if you’ve had surgery or are recovering from a serious injury. These ratings last for a specific period, such as six months, before being re-evaluated.
Example:
“A temporary 100% evaluation is assigned following knee replacement surgery. The veteran will be re-evaluated after the six-month recovery period.”
6. Combined Ratings
If you have multiple service-connected conditions, the VA uses a combined rating system to determine your overall percentage. Note: Combined ratings aren’t a simple sum—the VA uses a specific formula to account for how disabilities interact and overlap.
How the VA Calculates Combined Ratings
The VA uses a method called the “whole person theory.” Here’s how it works:
- Start with 100%: The VA assumes you start as a whole, fully functioning person (100%).
- Subtract each disability in order of severity: The highest-rated disability is applied first. The percentage assigned to that disability is subtracted from 100% to determine your remaining “functional ability.”
- Apply the next disability to the remainder: The next-highest disability is calculated as a percentage of the remaining functional ability, not the original 100%.
- Repeat for all conditions: This process continues until all service-connected conditions are accounted for.
- Round to the nearest 10%: The final combined rating is rounded to the nearest 10% (e.g., 47% rounds to 50%, while 44% rounds to 40%).
Example:
Let’s say you have three service-connected disabilities:
- A back condition rated at 40%
- A knee condition rated at 20%
- Tinnitus rated at 10%
Here’s how the combined rating is calculated:
- Start with 100% (the whole person).
- Subtract the back condition (40%). Remaining ability: 60%.
- Subtract the knee condition (20% of 60%). 20% of 60 = 12. Remaining ability: 60 – 12 = 48%.
- Subtract tinnitus (10% of 48%). 10% of 48 = 4.8. Remaining ability: 48 – 4.8 = 43.2%.
- Round 43.2% to the nearest 10%. Final combined rating: 40%.
Example Decision:
“The veteran’s back condition (40%), knee condition (20%), and tinnitus (10%) combine for a 40% overall evaluation. The conditions do not result in sufficient functional loss to warrant a higher combined rating.”
How VA Raters Decide
The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to determine your rating. Here’s how they typically decide:
1. Medical Evidence
Your medical records, VA exam results, and any private medical opinions you submit are key. The rater looks for proof that your condition is connected to your military service and how severe it is.
Example:
“Service treatment records confirm the veteran sustained a left ankle fracture during active duty. Current medical exams show limited range of motion and chronic pain, warranting a 20% evaluation.”
2. Your Statements
Your personal statements and those of your family, friends, or co-workers can also influence the decision. Be honest and detailed about how your condition affects your life.
Example:
“The veteran reports difficulty standing for long periods due to foot pain. Spouse’s statement corroborates the veteran’s difficulty performing household tasks.”
3. VA Examinations
You may need to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. The doctor evaluates your condition and reports their findings to the rater.
Example:
“The C&P examiner noted the veteran’s limited ability to bend at the waist and prescribed ongoing physical therapy.”
Appealing a Decision
If you disagree with your rating, don’t worry—you can appeal. Veterans have the right to request a Higher-Level Review, submit a Supplemental Claim, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Be sure to include any new evidence or arguments to support your case.
Final Thoughts
Applying for VA Disability Compensation can feel overwhelming, but knowing how ratings work makes it easier. Whether you’re starting your application or considering an appeal, you’re not alone. The VA’s goal is to ensure you get the benefits you’ve earned through your service.
Take it one step at a time, and remember: Every veteran’s journey is unique. Your story matters, and the VA is here to listen and support you.
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