90 percent VA disability: Who qualifies for this?

0
138
VA Disability Claim Resubmission, 90 percent VA disability
(Credit: FlexJobs)

90 percent VA disability: Having a disability rating of 90% from the VA provides veterans with significant benefits, including financial assistance and other forms of assistance.

Despite the fact that this rating is quite high, it is possible that it will be raised in the future if the veteran’s circumstances change.

90 percent VA disability: Who qualifies for this?

  • Multiple Disabilities: Veterans with several service-connected conditions that together add up to a 90% rating, even if each condition alone doesn’t reach 90%. The VA uses a formula called the “Combined Ratings Table” to calculate this.
  • Severe Daily Impact: Disabilities that make everyday activities very difficult, like chronic pain, mental health issues, or mobility problems, can lead to a higher rating.
  • Chronic Physical Issues: Serious conditions like severe joint pain, heart problems, nerve issues, or breathing problems can contribute to a 90% rating.
  • Serious Mental Health Issues: Conditions like PTSD or major depression that greatly affect a veteran’s ability to work or have relationships can also result in a 90% rating.
  • Total Disability Based on Unemployability (TDIU): Veterans who can’t work due to their service-connected conditions but don’t qualify for a 100% rating might be eligible for TDIU, which can pay at the 100% rate.

Easiest Way to Apply for Food Stamps and How Long Does SNAP Approval Take?

Compensation for 90% disabled Veterans in 2024

As of December 1, 2023, veterans with a 90% disability rating who have no dependents receive $2,241.91 per month in VA disability compensation. Veterans with dependents may receive higher payments.

  • Veteran and Spouse: $2,428.91 (+$172 if spouse requires aid/attendance)
  • Veteran, Spouse, and Parent: $2,578.91
  • Veteran, Spouse, and Child: $2,565.91
  • Veteran, Parent, and Child: $2,516.91
  • Each additional child under 18 adds $93 per month, while children over 18 and in school add $301.

Veterans with a 60% to 90% disability rating may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This benefit allows them to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate if they cannot find substantial employment due to their service-connected disabilities.

Other benefits include:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E): Offers career counseling, training, and job experiences to help veterans return to work.
  • Free Tax Preparation: The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help to disabled veterans.
  • Home Loan Guarantee: Assists veterans with favorable terms for buying, repairing, or refinancing homes.
  • Burial Benefits: Covers up to $2,000 for service-related deaths and up to $796 for non-service-related deaths.

Veterans with a 90% rating can appeal to the VA or apply for TDIU, which could get their pay raised to 100%. Getting help from lawyers with a lot of experience can make this process easier.

VA 80 Disability Pay: How Much Can You Receive with an 80% Disability Rating and Dependents?

State Benefits

Different states give extra benefits based on where you live. Some of these are tax breaks or exemptions, special health care programs, and educational help like paying for school. There may also be housing help available, such as lower property taxes or grants for housing needs.

Even though a 90% VA disability rating is a big help, staying up to date on programs in your state can help you get the most out of the benefits you are eligible for.