VA Disability Calculator: Veterans who apply for compensation due to health issues or injuries from their time in service can find the VA disability rating system very helpful. But for many, understanding how it works and getting the most from it can seem confusing. This article explains the VA disability rating system, how it works, and how veterans can ensure they get the benefits they deserve.
The Department of Veterans Affairs uses this system to rate how serious a veteran’s service-related disabilities are. The rating decides how much monthly compensation a veteran can get.
The ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% steps, with each percentage linked to a specific amount of money. The higher the rating, the more compensation veterans receive.
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In order to determine the full extent of their illnesses or injuries sustained during service, veterans must undergo a medical examination before applying for VA disability benefits. Based on how much the condition interferes with the veteran’s ability to go about their daily life, the VA then rates their disability. The overall percentage of impairment brought on by one or more conditions is reflected in this rating.
For instance, the VA may rate a veteran’s disability at 20% if they have hearing loss as a result of being around loud noises while serving. This indicates a 20% reduction in overall functionality due to the veteran’s hearing impairment.
The VA employs a somewhat more intricate “combined rating” formula if a veteran has multiple conditions. For example, the combined rating for a veteran with a 50% rating for PTSD and a 30% rating for a knee injury is not just 80%. Rather, the VA employs a formula that takes into consideration the overlap of disabilities, which frequently yields a lower overall percentage.
VA disability rating examples
- Tinnitus: No matter how severe the condition is, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is nearly always rated at 10%. Veterans are still eligible for compensation despite the low rating.
- PTSD: Among veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health issues. A person with PTSD may receive a rating of 10% to 100%, depending on how severe their symptoms are. Veterans in severe situations who are unable to maintain employment or function in society are frequently given a 100% rating.
- Amputation or severe limb impairment: Depending on how much their impairment interferes with their ability to work and carry out daily tasks, veterans who have lost limbs or have severe limb impairments may receive ratings ranging from 40% to 100%.
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Many veterans don’t realize they can challenge their VA rating if they believe it doesn’t accurately reflect their condition. They can ask for a reexamination or provide more evidence to make sure they receive all the benefits they deserve.
Also, some illnesses like diabetes or heart disease are considered “secondary conditions” if they are worsened by a service-connected disability. Veterans may be able to get compensation for these additional conditions, which can increase their overall rating.
For veterans seeking compensation for their service, it’s important to understand the VA’s disability rating system, even though it can be complex. Knowing how to navigate the process and advocate for the right rating can help secure long-term financial support.
