If you served in the military (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc.), then you may be eligible to apply for certain financial benefits. For example, you may be able to secure financial compensation for service-related injuries. Military benefit programs are administered through the Veterans Administration (VA). When a veteran applies for disability benefits, the VA conducts an assessment and assigns a rating. In effect, a VA rating will serve as a numerical representation of the level of disability or impairment stemming from a service-connected condition and will directly influence the amount of compensation and benefits you may be able to receive.
Developing an understanding of the VA rating schedule is critically important for veterans so they can effectively navigate the application process and get the benefits they deserve.
What Exactly is a VA Rating?
As mentioned above, a VA rating is basically a measure used by the VA to assess the level of disability or impairment resulting from service-connected conditions.The rating will be calculated as a percentage that effectively represents the extent to which your disability impacts your daily life. Your VA rating is critically important because it will significantly influence the amount of compensation and benefits you may be able to receive.
Relevant Factors Considered for a VA Rating
When calculating your VA Rating, the VA typically considers multiple factors, which may include:
- The severity of your condition;
- The conditions impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities; and
- Your supporting evidence (e.g., medical records, doctor’s assessment, etc.)
The assigned VA rating will signify the degree of disability, with higher percentages indicating more severe impairments. The more severe the impairment, the higher the probability of being awarded a large amount of disability benefits.
Why It is Important to Understand the VA Rating Schedule
Understanding your VA Rating is essential because it will directly impact your access to a myriad of benefits, including monthly VA disability compensation, healthcare services, vocational rehabilitation, and so forth. Additionally, your VA rating is not simply a number. Rather, it symbolizes the recognition of the sacrifices you made while in service to your country.
By developing an understanding of the intricacies of the VA rating schedule, you gain the ability to advocate for your rights more effectively and improve the chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Overview of the VA Rating Schedule
The VA rating schedule outlines specific criteria used by the VA to determine your level of impairment. The VA rating schedule is used to assess different types of disabilities, including:
- Physical Disabilities: Physical disabilities cover a broad array of conditions resulting from injuries or illnesses related to military service. Examples include limb loss, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic pain. The severity of these disabilities is generally assessed based on mechanical limitations of the body part, the impact on your daily activities and overall functionality.
- Mental Health Conditions: Mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, are prevalent among military veterans. The VA will assess the severity of these conditions, taking into account factors such as symptoms, treatment history, and functional impairment. Ratings reflect the impact on your daily life and ability to maintain steady employment.
- Service-Connected Injuries: Service-connected injuries are disabilities directly resulting from your military service. These can include conditions like hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or respiratory disorders due to exposure to hazardous substances. The VA assesses the severity and functional limitations caused by your service connected disability to assign a rating.
- Secondary Service Connection: Secondary service connection refers to disabilities that are caused or worsened by existing service-connected conditions. For example, if a service-connected back injury leads to hip problems, the hip condition may be eligible for secondary service connection. The VA will assess the impact of your secondary conditions and assign a rating accordingly.
- Chronic Illnesses: The types of chronic illnesses that may be eligible for VA benefits include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The VA will assess the severity of these illnesses and their impact on your daily functions and overall quality of life.
Possible VA Rating Percentages
Understanding the possible VA rating percentages is crucial for veterans to determine the level of VA disability compensation and benefits they may be eligible for based on their disabilities. Let’s take a look at the various rating percentages and what they generally mean.
- Zero Percent Rating: A 0% rating by the VA indicates a service-connected condition without any compensable impairment. While it doesn’t provide monetary VA disability compensation, it establishes a connection to your military service, allowing for future reconsideration if your condition worsens.
- Ten Percent Rating: A 10% rating by the VA reflects a mild level of impairment with minimal impact on your daily life and capacity to work. With this rating, your compensation amount may be modest, but it nevertheless acknowledges the existence of a service-connected disability and grants you access to additional benefits and healthcare services.
- Twenty Percent Rating: A 20% rating by the VA reflects a slightly higher level of impairment that moderately impacts daily functioning and your ability to maintain gainful employment. With this rating, you become eligible for increased compensation and gain access to various VA benefits, including specialized treatment options.
- Thirty Percent Rating: A 30% rating by the VA indicates a moderate level of impairment that can still significantly impact your ability to work and engage in daily activities. This rating provides increased compensation and access to an array of benefits, including vocational rehabilitation services to support employment opportunities.
- Fifty Percent Rating: A 50% rating by the VA indicates a substantial level of impairment, making it challenging for you to maintain regular, gainful employment. With this rating, you may be eligible to receive significant compensation and comprehensive healthcare benefits, along with additional assistance for dependents.
- Seventy Percent Rating: A 70% rating by the VA signifies a severe level of impairment significantly limiting your ability to work and engage in independent daily functioning. When you are assigned this rating, you are entitled to substantial compensation, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and additional support, such as assistance with personal care.
- One Hundred Percent Rating: A 100% rating by the VA indicates you are totally disabled and incapable of maintaining substantial gainful employment. This rating provides maximum compensation and a wide range of benefits, including healthcare, vocational rehabilitation, and so forth.
Have Questions About the VA Rating Schedule? Contact Bross & Frankel
Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or National Guard, you may be eligible for financial benefits through the VA. These benefits range from disability compensation for service-connected conditions to a pension. Bross & Frankel, a respected VA disability benefits law firm, is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
From our law offices in Cherry Hill, Bross & Frankel fights for clients in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. We help people with all kinds of disability claims, including disability benefits for veterans. To learn more or to schedule a free claim review with a New Jersey veterans disability benefits attorney, give us a call at (856) 795-8880 or fill out our online contact form.