VA Disability Education Hub
Your comprehensive guide to understanding VA disability benefits, the claims process, rating calculations, and everything you need to know to navigate the VA system with confidence.
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Understanding VA Disability Ratings
VA disability ratings are the foundation of veterans' disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs assigns a percentage rating based on the severity of your service-connected conditions, which directly determines your monthly compensation amount.
How Ratings Work
Disability ratings range from 0% to 100% and are assigned in increments of 10%. Each rating level corresponds to a specific monthly compensation amount that is adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4), commonly called the “rating schedule,” to evaluate conditions.
What Each Rating Level Means
Service connection is established but the condition is not severe enough to warrant compensation. You still receive VA healthcare eligibility for that condition.
Mild disability with some functional limitations. Compensation starts at this level.
Moderate disability. At 30%, you become eligible for additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents).
Significant disability causing substantial limitations in daily activities or employment capacity.
Severe disability with major functional impairment. May qualify for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.
Total disability. Highest compensation level. May be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and additional benefits like Chapter 35 DEA for dependents.
Service Connection Types
Direct Service Connection
The condition occurred during or was caused by military service. Requires an in-service event, a current diagnosed condition, and a medical nexus (link) between them. Examples include injuries sustained during training or deployment, or conditions that developed during active duty.
Presumptive Service Connection
Certain conditions are “presumed” to be service-connected if they appear within a specific time after service or are linked to specific exposures (like Agent Orange or burn pits under the PACT Act). You don't need to prove the direct nexus for these conditions.
VA Math: How Combined Ratings Work
One of the most misunderstood aspects of VA disability is how multiple conditions are combined. The VA does not simply add your percentages together. Instead, it uses a specific formula known as “VA math” or the “combined ratings table.”
The Key Principle
VA math is based on the concept that each subsequent disability rating is applied only to the remaining healthy portion of your body. If you are already 50% disabled, the next rating applies to the remaining 50%, not to the full 100%.
Step-by-Step Example
A veteran has three service-connected conditions rated at 50%, 30%, and 20%.
Step 1: Start with the highest rating: 50%. This means you are 50% disabled and 50% healthy (efficient).
Step 2: Apply the next rating (30%) to the remaining healthy portion: 30% x 50% = 15%. Combined so far: 50% + 15% = 65% disabled.
Step 3: Apply the last rating (20%) to the remaining healthy portion: 20% x 35% = 7%. Combined total: 65% + 7% = 72% disabled.
Final Step: Round to the nearest 10%: 72% rounds to 70%. The veteran's combined VA disability rating is 70%.
Bilateral Factor
When you have conditions affecting both sides of the body (e.g., left and right knee conditions), the VA applies a “bilateral factor.” The bilateral factor adds 10% of the combined value of the bilateral conditions before those conditions are combined with non-bilateral conditions. This typically results in a slightly higher combined rating.
Use Our Calculator
Understanding VA math can be confusing. Our free disability rating calculator does all the math for you, including bilateral factors and proper rounding.
Try the Benefits Calculator →The VA Claims Process: A Complete Guide
Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming, but understanding each step helps you prepare properly and set realistic expectations. The process involves several stages, from initial filing to final decision, and knowing what to expect at each stage is crucial for a successful claim.
Before You File
Preparation is the single most important factor in a successful claim. Gather all relevant documentation before submitting your claim. This includes:
- Service Treatment Records (STRs): Medical records from your time in service documenting injuries, illnesses, or complaints
- Post-Service Medical Records: Any treatment or diagnosis you received after separation that relates to your condition
- Buddy Statements: Written statements from fellow service members who witnessed your injury, condition, or symptoms during service
- Personal Statement: Your own detailed account of how your condition developed and how it affects your daily life
- DD-214: Your discharge paperwork showing service dates, duty stations, and character of service
Step-by-Step Claims Process
Step 1: Intent to File (Optional but Recommended)
Filing an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) preserves your effective date for up to one year. This means if your claim is eventually approved, you can receive back pay from the date of your intent to file rather than the date you submitted the full claim. This is critical because gathering all evidence can take months.
Step 2: File Your Claim
Submit your claim through VA.gov online, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, or with the help of a VSO (Veterans Service Organization). Include all supporting evidence. Claims can be filed as “Fully Developed Claims” (all evidence included upfront) or “Standard Claims” (VA assists with evidence gathering).
Step 3: Claim Review
The VA assigns a claims processor who reviews your evidence. They may request additional information or schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination. During this phase, the VA verifies your service connection and evaluates the severity of your conditions.
Step 4: C&P Examination
Most claims require a C&P exam performed by a VA doctor or VA-contracted physician. This exam evaluates the current severity of your condition and establishes the medical nexus between your condition and military service. Being honest and thorough at this exam is critical.
Step 5: Rating Decision
A rating specialist reviews all evidence and the C&P exam results to assign your disability percentage. You will receive a Rating Decision Letter explaining the VA's findings, your disability rating, and your monthly compensation amount. If approved, compensation is retroactive to your effective date.
Pro Tip: Work with a VSO
Veterans Service Organizations like the DAV, American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS provide free, accredited claims assistance. They can help you prepare your claim, review your evidence, and represent you throughout the process at no cost. Using a VSO significantly increases your chances of a successful claim.
Permanent and Total (P&T) Status
Permanent and Total (P&T) status is a special designation the VA assigns when your service-connected disabilities are both permanent (unlikely to improve) and total (rated at 100% or compensated at that level through TDIU). P&T status unlocks additional benefits beyond standard 100% disability compensation.
Benefits of P&T Status
Chapter 35 DEA
Dependents' Educational Assistance provides up to 36 months of education benefits for eligible dependents, including spouses and children of P&T-rated veterans.
CHAMPVA Healthcare
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA provides healthcare coverage for the spouse and children of P&T-rated veterans who are not eligible for TRICARE.
No Future Exams
Veterans with P&T status are generally protected from routine re-evaluations and future medical examinations for their rated conditions.
Property Tax Exemptions
Many states offer full or partial property tax exemptions for P&T veterans. The exemption amount and eligibility vary by state.
Important: 100% Does Not Equal P&T
Having a 100% disability rating does not automatically mean you have P&T status. The VA must separately determine that your conditions are permanent. Check your Rating Decision Letter or log into VA.gov to verify whether your rating is designated as permanent.
For a comprehensive deep dive into P&T status including verification methods, employment considerations, and case studies, visit our dedicated P&T Status Guide.
Dependent Benefits
Veterans with certain disability ratings may receive additional monthly compensation for qualifying dependents. Beyond additional compensation, your disability status can also unlock direct benefits for your family members.
Additional Compensation for Dependents
Veterans rated at 30% or higher are eligible for additional monthly compensation for their dependents. This includes:
- Spouse: Additional monthly amount that increases at higher rating levels
- Children under 18: Additional compensation for each child
- Children 18-23 in school: Additional compensation for children attending an approved educational institution
- Dependent parents: Additional compensation for parents who meet financial need criteria
- Aid & Attendance for spouse: Additional amount if your spouse requires assistance with daily activities
Education Benefits for Dependents
Chapter 35 DEA
Available to dependents of P&T-rated veterans. Provides up to 36 months of education and training benefits, including tuition, monthly living allowance, and book stipend for degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
Transfer of GI Bill
Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill may transfer unused education benefits to their spouse or children. The transfer must be completed while still serving, and each branch has specific eligibility requirements and service commitments.
Healthcare for Dependents
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA) provides healthcare coverage for the spouse and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, or for survivors of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. CHAMPVA covers most medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, mental health, prescription medications, and preventive care.
Appeals and Decision Reviews
If you disagree with a VA rating decision, you have the right to request a review. Under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), there are three lanes for contesting a decision, each suited to different circumstances.
Three Appeal Lanes
1. Supplemental Claim
Best for: Veterans who have new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered.
File VA Form 20-0995 with new evidence such as updated medical records, new diagnoses, additional buddy statements, or a private medical opinion (nexus letter). The VA will review your case with the new evidence and issue a new decision. There is no time limit for filing a supplemental claim, but you must include evidence that is new and relevant.
2. Higher-Level Review
Best for: Veterans who believe the VA made an error with existing evidence.
File VA Form 20-0996. A more senior claims adjudicator reviews your case using only the evidence already in your file. No new evidence can be submitted. You can request an informal conference call to discuss your case. Must be filed within one year of the decision date.
3. Board Appeal
Best for: Veterans who want a Veterans Law Judge to review their case.
File VA Form 10182. Choose between a direct review (evidence-only), evidence submission (submit new evidence), or hearing (present your case to a judge). Board appeals take longer but are reviewed by specialized judges who may interpret the evidence more favorably. Must be filed within one year of the decision date.
Don't Wait to Appeal
Higher-Level Reviews and Board Appeals must be filed within one year of your decision date to preserve your effective date. If you miss the deadline, you can still file a Supplemental Claim at any time, but your effective date will be the new filing date rather than the original claim date.
Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams
The C&P exam is one of the most critical parts of the claims process. This examination is used by the VA to evaluate the current severity of your conditions and to determine whether there is a medical connection (nexus) between your condition and military service.
What to Expect
- The exam may be conducted at a VA medical center or by a VA-contracted private examiner (often through companies like VES, QTC, or LHI)
- The examiner will review your medical records, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical or psychological evaluation
- Exams typically last 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number and complexity of conditions being evaluated
- The examiner fills out a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) that captures specific findings used for rating purposes
Tips for Your C&P Exam
Do
- Be honest about your symptoms, including “worst day” experiences
- Describe how conditions affect your daily life and employment
- Bring a list of all medications and treatments
- Arrive on time and bring your ID
- Mention all symptoms, even ones that seem minor
Don't
- Don't minimize or exaggerate your symptoms
- Don't skip the exam (it can result in claim denial)
- Don't assume the examiner has read your entire file
- Don't forget to mention flare-ups and their frequency
- Don't take extra pain medication before the exam to appear healthier
Secondary Service-Connected Conditions
Secondary conditions are disabilities that are caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition. Filing secondary claims is one of the most effective strategies for increasing your combined disability rating, and many veterans overlook conditions that qualify.
How Secondary Claims Work
To establish a secondary service connection, you need to demonstrate that your new condition was caused by or aggravated by a condition that is already service-connected. A medical opinion (nexus letter) from a qualified physician is often the strongest evidence for secondary claims.
Common Secondary Conditions
From Orthopedic Conditions
- Back pain from altered gait due to knee or ankle injuries
- Hip conditions from compensating for leg or foot injuries
- Radiculopathy from spinal conditions
- Peripheral neuropathy from spinal injuries
From Mental Health Conditions
- Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD (due to weight gain from medication)
- Erectile dysfunction from PTSD or depression medications
- Migraines secondary to PTSD or TBI
- GERD from PTSD medications (NSAIDs, SSRIs)
Explore Our Conditions Database
Our comprehensive database covers over 1,200 VA-rated conditions with common secondary connections, rating criteria, and documentation tips for each condition.
Browse the Conditions Database →Additional Resources
You don't have to navigate the VA system alone. These official resources and our site tools can provide guidance and support throughout your benefits journey.
Official VA Resources
VA.gov
Official Department of Veterans Affairs website for benefits, healthcare, and resources
VA Facility Locator
Find VA medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers, and benefits offices near you
Find a Veterans Service Organization
Locate accredited VSOs who can provide free claims assistance and representation
VA Disability Hub Tools
Disability Rating Calculator
Calculate your combined VA disability rating with bilateral factor support
Conditions Database
Search 1,200+ service-connected conditions with rating criteria
State Benefits Finder
Discover state-specific veteran benefits across all 50 states
VA Forms Directory
Find and learn about 30+ commonly used VA forms
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or official VA guidance. For official information about your specific situation, please consult with the VA directly at VA.gov or speak with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO). VA policies and procedures change frequently.