Military Disability Rating • Military Disability Made Easy • #1 in Veterans Disability (2023)

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Military Disability Rating
Military Disability Ratings Given to Individual Conditions
The Total Combined Military Disability Rating
DoD Ratings vs VA Ratings

Military Disability Rating

Military Disability Rating • Military Disability Made Easy • #1 in Veterans Disability (1)

A “Military Disability Rating” refers to the percentage assigned to a medical condition by theRating Authorities. Both theVAand theDoDuse Military Disability Ratings to determine the amount ofMilitary Disability BenefitsaDisabled Veteranshould receive for their conditions.

The percentage of the Military Disability Rating is intended to reflect the degree to which the condition impairs the veteran’s ability to work, or, in the case of mental health conditions, the degree to which the condition impairs a service member’s ability to interact with others in a social setting. All Military Disability Ratings range from 0% to 100%, rounding off to the nearest 10 (you can’t get a 33% Military Disability Rating—it would be rounded down to 30%). The higher the percentage, the worse the disability.

Basically, if a condition is extremely serious and the veteran is unable to perform at all in an occupational or social setting, they will receive a 100% Military Disability Rating. If the condition is not serious and the veteran is able to work and perform the required tasks of daily life with no real problems, they will receive a 0% Military Disability Rating.

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Military Disability Ratings Given to Individual Conditions

Military Disability Rating • Military Disability Made Easy • #1 in Veterans Disability (2)
(Video) Top 10 Easy VA Disabilities to Claim in 2021 (*SECRET* VA Claims Data Revealed & Explained!)

Each condition thatqualifiesis given its own Military Disability Rating. All conditions must beservice-connectedto qualify, although conditions must also make the service memberUnfit for Dutyto qualify to receive a Military Disability Rating through thePhysical Evaluation Board(PEB) forDoD Disability.

There are also a number of laws in place to determine whether or not a specific condition qualifies to receive a Military Disability Rating. These laws are discussed throughout this website, and as you research your conditions, you should be able to figure out which qualify and which don’t. To give you a head start, though, check out theVASRD PrinciplesandtheConditions That Are Not Ratablepages.

The Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is the law that determines exactly what percentage (or “rating”) a particular condition of a certain seriousness is given. We discuss each condition in detail.Find Your Conditionon our site to determine what Military Disability Rating it should receive.

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The Total Combined Military Disability Rating

Once all the conditions a veteran has that qualify are assigned their Military Disability Ratings,then all the Military Disability Ratings are combined usingVA Mathto give the veteran a single overall Military Disability Rating. Thistotal combined Military Disability Rating is then used to determine the exact type and monetary amount ofMilitary Disability Benefitsthe veteran receives.

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DoD Ratings vs VA Ratings

The DoD gives Military Disability Ratings only once: at the time a service member is separated from the military. These ratings are based on the severity of the service member’s conditions at the time of separation. If the veteran does not agree with the Military Disability Ratings forDoD Disability, they cansubmit an appealto have their ratings changed, but they will only be judged based on their severity at the time of separation.

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The VA first gives Military Disability Ratings after a service member is separated from the military, but these ratings can continually be updated to reflect any changes to the conditions over time. If a condition is expected to worsen or improve, the VA may schedule periodic re-evaluations in order to update the rating. If they’d like, the veteran can also contact the VA at any time to have their conditions re-evaluated and the ratings updated.

If a veteran does not agree with their Military Disability Ratings from the VA, they cansubmit an appealto have their ratings changed.

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FAQs

What is a Military Disability Rating?

Military Disability Ratings are percentages assigned to a veteran's medical conditions to determine their VA Disability and DoD Disability benefits. 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?

The VA will rate every condition you have as long as you can prove service-connection. For the DoD, the condition must also make you unfit for duty.

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How do I apply to receive my ratings?

If you have not yet been discharged, you can apply for both DoD and VA ratings at the same time through the IDES system. To start the process, you must be referred to the MEB by your military physician. If you are already a veteran, you can apply for ratings from the VA by submitting 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?

From the VA, you will receive a monthly payment as well as full medical care from the VA for the qualifying conditions. From the DoD, you will receive a single separation payment if your rating is 20% or less. For ratings 30% and above, you'll receive full retirement benefits.

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How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?

The IDES process takes about 6 months to complete. If you are only applying to the VA, brand new claims usually take 3-6 months to process. Once processed, you will start receiving payments in 1-3 months.

How are rating percentages assigned?

All ratings are assigned to conditions using the rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). 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?

For VA disability, 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. For DoD Disability, the exact amount of your payment(s) can be figured using a different equation for medical separations and medical retirements. See our DoD Disability page for full details.

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How do I increase my rating percentages?

If an incorrect rating was assigned, you can appeal the rating decision, providing proof that you qualify for a higher rating. For VA-only, 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.

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FAQs

What is the easiest VA disability to claim? ›

The Top 5 Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability
  • Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
  • Scars. ...
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
  • Presumptive Disorders. ...
  • Tinnitus.

How easy is it to increase VA disability rating? ›

You can file a claim for increased disability compensation if you have a rated service-connected disability that's gotten worse. You'll need to submit up-to-date medical evidence that shows your disability has gotten worse. You can file an increased claim to request: An increase in your disability rating.

What is the most approved VA disability? ›

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.

What is the magic number for VA disability? ›

As you're probably aware, the higher your VA disability rating, the higher your monthly benefit in disability compensation from VA. But, the 30 percent level is crucial.

What are the hardest VA disability claims? ›

There are 1,343,013 disabled veterans service-connected for Hearing Loss. Pro Tip: If you've been out of the military for more than 12 months, Hearing Loss is one of the most difficult claims to get service connected and rated above 0%.

What VA claims are guaranteed? ›

There is no such thing as a “guaranteed VA disability claim,” because ALL VA disability compensation claims come down to medical evidence and can the veteran prove service connection on an “at least as likely as not” basis.

How hard is it to go from 80 to 100 VA disability? ›

Because of the way in which VA adds disabilities together, it is difficult to go from a schedular 80 percent to a schedular 100 percent rating. You would need to have another condition rated at 80 percent in order to receive a 100 percent combined schedular rating.

How hard is it to go from 70 to 100 VA disability? ›

According to this table, if you have a disability rated at 70%, you would need a subsequent disability rating between 85 and 90% to achieve a total rating of 100%. You may consider filing a claim for an additional service-connected condition that could combine to equal a higher rating.

Can you go from 90% to 100 VA disability? ›

Veterans with a 90% rating who believe they qualify for the benefits of a 100% rating can add additional service-connected conditions, appeal the rating of a condition, or seek individual unemployability benefits.

What VA disabilities are considered permanent? ›

Certain types of service-connected disabilities automatically are deemed to support a VA rating of Permanent and Total Disability. They include the irreversible loss of use of both hands, both feet, one hand and one foot, loss of vision in both eyes, or the Veteran being permanently bedridden.

What is the average VA rating for PTSD? ›

eCFR Title 38, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities lists the general rating formula for PTSD. PTSD VA ratings range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%. The average VA rating for PTSD in 2022 is 70%.

What percentage is PTSD for VA disability? ›

A VA disability rating for PTSD is based on statutes that outline what symptoms meet which level of disability. PTSD is only rated at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% or 100%. It's important to be as honest as you can with the VA examiners about the severity of your symptoms.

What will VA disability pay be in 2023? ›

Effective December 1st, 2023, the monthly veterans disability payment amounts for veterans with no dependents are as follows: $165.92 per month for 10% disability. $327.99 per month for 20% disability. $508.05 per month for 30% disability.

At what age does VA disability stop? ›

Your VA benefits will last for your whole life. Even if your disability is classified as less than total and not permanent, if you've been collecting benefits for 20 years or more, the amount of your benefit won't go down.

Is sleep apnea a VA disability? ›

If you developed sleep apnea during your military service, you could be eligible to receive disability benefits. But there are several challenges to winning veterans (VA) disability for sleep apnea, and many veterans receive denials after they apply.

What VA claims get denied? ›

VA denies claims when the care was not preauthorized, and the Veteran does not meet eligibility requirements for emergency care. VA rejects claims that cannot be paid or denied due to billing errors or the need for additional information.

Whats the fastest VA claim? ›

The Decision Ready Claim (DRC) Program is the fastest way to get your VA claim processed. When you work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) and follow these four simple steps, you can receive a claim decision from VA in 30 days or less.

Can you draw 100% VA disability and still work? ›

With the 100 percent combined disability rating, you do not have any restrictions on work activity. If you meet the 100 percent rating for your service-connected condition, and you are still able to work, then you may do so.

How far back does VA disability back pay go? ›

The VA typically only pays disability compensation going back to the date of discharge to veterans who apply for their VA disability benefits within one year of being discharged.

What conditions are secondary to PTSD? ›

Examples of Conditions Secondary to PTSD
  • Sleep Apnea.
  • Hypertension.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Migraines.
  • Erectile Dysfunction.
Apr 5, 2021

What is the VA rating for anxiety? ›

Accordingly, the Veteran is entitled to a 100 percent schedular rating for her service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depression. A 100 percent disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder with depression is granted, subject to the criteria applicable to the payment of monetary benefits.

What does the VA pay for 80% disability? ›

Veterans that obtain an 80 percent VA Disability rating receive $1,933.15 a month from the Veterans Administration. Eligible disabled veterans may also be able to receive extra monthly compensation for dependent children and parents.

How to increase VA disability from 50 to 100? ›

All you need to do to seek an increase in your VA disability rating is to request the VA review your rating and provide evidence that your condition is worsening.

What does 90 VA disability get you? ›

What is the compensation for a 90% VA Disability Rating? The 2023 compensation rate (an 8.7% increase) for a 90% VA disability rating is $2,172.39. For more information about compensation for dependents, our 2023 VA Disability Rates and Compensation article covers all the updates for the year.

Is 70 PTSD a permanent VA disability? ›

It can be. Although the terms “Permanent” and “Total” are often discussed together, it is possible to have a permanent disability that is not totally disabling. For example, a veteran may have a permanent disability (such as PTSD) at 70%, but the PTSD is not “total” because it is less than 100%.

How to go from 70 to 100 VA disability for PTSD? ›

Increasing your 70% PTSD Rating to 100%
  1. Method 1: Appeal the Decision or File a New Claim. The most straightforward approach is to appeal VA's decision on the original claim. ...
  2. Method 2: Prove Individual Unemployability (TDIU) ...
  3. Method 3: File for a Secondary Service Connection. ...
  4. Assistance with Your Claims and Appeals.

How do I increase my VA disability from 60 to 100? ›

How Do I Increase My VA Disability Rating?
  1. Filing an appeal within VA's deadlines.
  2. Filing a new claim for an increased rating.
  3. Filing for TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability.
  4. Filing for secondary service connection.

Why is it so hard to get a 100% disability from the VA? ›

As you might expect, it is difficult to obtain a 100% VA disability rating with just one service-connected disability. Most veterans who receive a 100% rating have two or more disabling conditions. Often, these conditions have a secondary service connection.

What is the VA 55 year old rule? ›

Revaluating VA Disability Ratings

Once you turn 55, you are typically "protected" and will no longer have to attend an exam to prove that your condition has not changed unless there is reason to suspect fraud. This is sometimes called the 55-year rule.

Is PTSD a permanent disability? ›

Yes, PTSD is considered a permanent VA disability. The Department of Veteran Affairs recognizes post-traumatic stress disorder as a serious, life-altering mental condition and will award disability benefits to qualified veterans suffering from PTSD.

Is depression a permanent VA disability? ›

100% Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

In cases where a veteran's depression is so severe they are unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, they can apply for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits.

What is the VA disability 10 year rule? ›

VA's 10-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cannot terminate service connection for a disability that has been in place for at least 10 years unless there was evidence of fraud at the time of the grant.

How many PTSD claims get denied? ›

Additionally, appeals represent a third of the VA's pending disability claims which means 1 in 3 cases the VA is processing are veterans appealing a denial. The following information is provided to help you improve your chances of getting your VA benefits claim approved.

How to increase PTSD rating from 50 to 70? ›

How to Increase Your PTSD VA Rating From 50% to 70%
  1. PTSD Symptoms. PTSD symptoms do not always occur immediately after trauma – in some cases they can take years to manifest. ...
  2. Highlight Specific Symptoms. ...
  3. Use Lay Statements. ...
  4. Prepare for Your Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam. ...
  5. File for Secondary Service Connection.
Dec 11, 2021

What is the average mental health VA rating? ›

What is the Average VA Disability Rating for PTSD? The average VA rating for PTSD is currently 70%. The average VA rating for ANY mental health condition is 70%.

What percentage is sleep apnea for VA disability? ›

How Does VA Rate Sleep Apnea Now? Right now, service-connected sleep apnea is assigned a 50 percent rating if you are prescribed a CPAP machine. If you have a CPAP and you also have chronic respiratory failure or similar conditions, you can get a 100 percent rating.

How to increase PTSD rating from 30 to 50? ›

How to File for a PTSD Rating Increase. If you believe you have the evidence necessary to file for an increased PTSD rating, you must fill out a form for the VA to reevaluate the condition based on the date of your most recent rating decision. If your decision was less than a year old, you can file an appeal.

Can you get VA disability for both PTSD and anxiety? ›

The VA rates all mental health disorders under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. This includes all types of depression and PTSD.

What does the VA pay for 60% disability? ›

How Much Compensation Do Veterans Rated at 60% Receive? As of December 1, 2022, veterans who are rated at 60 percent will receive $1,319.65 per month.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.

Will SSDI get a cost-of-living increase in 2023? ›

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 8.7% in 2023. This is the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) required by law. The increase will begin with benefits that Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2023.

Can my wife take my VA disability in a divorce? ›

Is a divorced spouse entitled to VA disability benefits? No. Under federal law, VA disability benefits are not marital property which courts can divide in a divorce. However, the VA disability payments are not invisible to the court, and do count as income when calculating child support or alimony.

Can you live off VA disability? ›

Yes, it is possible to receive VA disability benefits for life. However, you are not guaranteed VA disability benefits for life.

Do you still get Social Security If you get VA disability? ›

SSDI and VA disability compensations are not affected by each other, so you may be eligible to receive both. However, you must apply for them separately. It may be possible to also qualify for SSI, depending on income and resources.

Is it a mandatory 50% if issued a CPAP by the VA? ›

Yes, Sleep Apnea is a VA disability and it's rated under diagnostic code 6847, Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed). The most common VA rating for Sleep Apnea is 50%, which requires the use of a breathing assistance device such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

How much disability is insomnia? ›

So this means, insomnia could be rated like mental disorders which range from 0% to a 100% disability rating, per the Schedule of Ratings for Mental Disorders (38 CFR § 4.130) meaning it is possible to receive over $3,000 from the VA for service connected insomnia issues.

Can you file a VA claim without medical records? ›

If several attempts to find the missing medical evidence have failed, you can still win your VA disability case if you can find other evidence of the accident or treatment. The evidence in your file may show a sudden drop off in health or a leave from duty that can support your assertion that an event occurred.

How hard is it to get a 100 VA disability rating? ›

As you might expect, it is difficult to obtain a 100% VA disability rating with just one service-connected disability. Most veterans who receive a 100% rating have two or more disabling conditions. Often, these conditions have a secondary service connection.

What not to tell a disability doctor? ›

Limit yourself to only talk about your condition and not opinions. Do not tell a disability doctor you think you are dying, that you think the examination is unnecessary, that you do not trust doctors, or that you believe your current medical treatment is not good.

How do I prove VA disability without medical records? ›

Forms of Supporting Evidence Besides Service Treatment Records
  1. Lay Evidence. A lay statement is a written statement from a veteran, family member, friend, or coworker that can be submitted to VA in support of a veteran's claim. ...
  2. VA Hearings. ...
  3. Employment Records. ...
  4. Medical Records. ...
  5. Additional Examples of Evidence.
Nov 8, 2020

How do I prove hearing loss for VA disability? ›

Evidence might include reports of an event in your service that caused or worsened your condition, medical opinions linking your hearing loss to the event, and a current diagnosis of your condition. You'll need to take hearing loss tests by a state-licensed audiologist to prove that your condition is service-connected.

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