VA Disability Rating Guide
Understanding your VA disability rating from 0% to 100%. Learn how ratings are calculated, combined, what affects compensation, and how to increase your rating when conditions worsen.
What Is a VA Disability Rating?
A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned to your service-connected condition that reflects how much the condition affects your ability to function in daily life and work. The VA disability rating scale ranges from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.
Key Points
- Ratings are based on severity of symptoms and functional limitations
- Higher ratings equal higher monthly compensation
- Multiple conditions combine using VA math (not simple addition)
- Ratings can increase or decrease based on condition changes
- 0% rating provides VA healthcare access but no monthly payment
The Rating Process
- 1.Diagnosis Verification: Confirm current diagnosed condition
- 2.Service Connection: Verify condition is connected to military service
- 3.Rating Determination: Examine severity, frequency, functional limitations
- 4.Diagnostic Code Assignment: Each condition receives a code from VA rating schedule
- 5.Percentage Assignment: Match symptoms to criteria and assign percentage
VA Disability Rating Scale: 0% to 100%
Understanding each rating level helps you know where your condition falls.
Diagnosed, service-connected condition with minimal or no functional impact
Monthly Benefits:
Access to VA healthcare for that condition, no monthly payment
Example:
Mild tinnitus with occasional ringing but no impact on daily activities
Mild symptoms with slight functional limitations
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $171/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
Knee condition with occasional pain and stiffness, no significant limitation
Mild to moderate symptoms affecting function occasionally
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $338/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
Back condition causing occasional pain and some limitation in bending and lifting
Moderate symptoms affecting function regularly
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $524/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
PTSD with regular anxiety, sleep disturbance, and some difficulty with functioning
Moderate to moderately severe symptoms with regular functional limitations
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $755/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
Back condition with constant pain, significant limitation, and work interference
Moderately severe symptoms significantly affecting function
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $1,075/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
PTSD causing regular panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, and employment difficulty
Severe symptoms substantially limiting function
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $1,361/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
Severe asthma requiring daily medication and frequent ER visits
Severe symptoms causing significant occupational and social impairment
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $1,716/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
PTSD with near-continuous symptoms and severe occupational impairment
Severely disabling symptoms with major impact on all aspects of life
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $1,995/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
Severe PTSD combined with major depression causing inability to maintain employment
Near-total disability with minimal functional capacity
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $2,241/month for veteran without dependents
Example:
Extremely severe mental health or multiple disabling physical conditions
Total disability preventing any substantial gainful employment
Monthly Benefits:
Approximately $3,737/month (higher with dependents) plus additional benefits
Example:
Single 100% condition or combined ratings of 95%+ or TDIU status
Combined Disability Rating Calculation
The VA doesn't simply add percentages. Instead, they use VA combined disability rating calculation based on "whole person" theory.
How VA Math Works
The VA rates your most severe condition first, then applies each additional condition to your remaining "health." Each additional condition affects the percentage of you that's still "able," not your total rating.
The Formula:
- 1. Start with 100% able-bodied
- 2. Subtract highest disability percentage
- 3. Apply next disability to remaining percentage
- 4. Continue with each condition
- 5. Round final number (95%+ rounds to 100%)
Combined Rating Example
Veteran's Conditions:
- • PTSD: 70%
- • Back injury: 40%
- • Knee injury: 20%
- • Tinnitus: 10%
Calculation:
- 1. Start with 100% able
- 2. PTSD at 70% leaves 30% able (100 - 70 = 30)
- 3. Back at 40% affects remaining 30%: 40% of 30 = 12, so 70 + 12 = 82% disabled
- 4. Knee at 20% affects remaining 18%: 20% of 18 = 3.6, so 82 + 3.6 = 85.6% disabled
- 5. Tinnitus at 10% affects remaining 14.4%: 10% of 14.4 = 1.44, so 85.6 + 1.44 = 87.04%
- 6. Round 87% to nearest 10%
Final Combined Rating:
90%
Combined Ratings Table
| First Rating | Second Rating | Combined Value |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 10% | 19% (rounds to 20%) |
| 20% | 10% | 28% (rounds to 30%) |
| 30% | 20% | 44% (rounds to 40%) |
| 40% | 20% | 52% (rounds to 50%) |
| 50% | 30% | 65% (rounds to 70%) |
| 50% | 40% | 70% |
| 60% | 40% | 76% (rounds to 80%) |
| 70% | 30% | 79% (rounds to 80%) |
| 70% | 50% | 85% (rounds to 90%) |
| 80% | 40% | 88% (rounds to 90%) |
Rounding Rule: The VA rounds to the nearest 10%. Exactly 95% or higher rounds to 100%.
Most Common Service-Connected Conditions
Knowing the most frequently rated conditions helps you understand what veterans typically claim.
Tinnitus
Most common VA claim, constant or intermittent ringing in ears
Typical Rating:
Typically rated 10%
Hearing Loss
Measured by audiogram and speech recognition testing
Typical Rating:
0% to 100% based on severity
PTSD
Based on occupational and social impairment
Typical Rating:
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%
Back/Neck Strain
Rated on range of motion and incapacitating episodes
Typical Rating:
10% to 100%
Knee Conditions
Rated based on range of motion and instability
Typical Rating:
0% to 60%
Migraines
Rated on frequency and severity of prostrating attacks
Typical Rating:
0% to 50%
Sleep Apnea
Based on CPAP use and daytime sleepiness
Typical Rating:
0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%
Depression/Anxiety
Occupational and social impairment evaluated
Typical Rating:
0% to 100%
How Ratings Affect Compensation
Your disability percentage directly determines your monthly compensation benefits.
Monthly Compensation Rates (2025)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | With Spouse & 1 Child | With Spouse & 2 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $171 | $171 | $171 | $171 |
| 20% | $338 | $338 | $338 | $338 |
| 30% | $524 | $586 | $629 | $668 |
| 40% | $755 | $835 | $890 | $940 |
| 50% | $1,075 | $1,172 | $1,239 | $1,301 |
| 60% | $1,361 | $1,477 | $1,556 | $1,629 |
| 70% | $1,716 | $1,852 | $1,943 | $2,027 |
| 80% | $1,995 | $2,152 | $2,254 | $2,351 |
| 90% | $2,241 | $2,419 | $2,533 | $2,641 |
| 100% | $3,737 | $3,946 | $4,094 | $4,233 |
Additional Benefits at 100%
- ChampVA healthcare for dependents
- Higher housing allowance if using GI Bill
- State benefits (property tax exemption, free license plates, etc.)
- Priority for VA services
Increasing Your VA Disability Rating
If your service-connected condition worsens, you can request a rating increase.
When to File for an Increase
- Condition has worsened since last rating
- New symptoms developed
- Increased frequency or severity of symptoms
- Greater functional limitations
- Increased treatment needs
- Decline in ability to work
How to Request an Increase
- 1.File VA Form 21-526EZ and check the box for "increased rating"
- 2.List the condition(s) that worsened
- 3.Provide new medical evidence showing worsening
- 4.Describe how your condition has gotten worse
- 5.Submit through VA.gov, mail, or with VSO help
Average Processing: 90-120 days for increase decisions
Important Warning
The VA can reduce your rating if the exam shows improvement, even if you file for an increase on a different condition. However, ratings over 20 years old, continuously held for 10+ years, or held for 5+ years have protections against reduction.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
TDIU provides 100% compensation to veterans who cannot work due to service-connected disabilities, even if their combined rating is less than 100%.
TDIU Eligibility Requirements
Scheduler TDIU:
- One condition rated at 60% or higher, OR
- Combined rating of 70% with at least one condition at 40%
- Unable to maintain substantially gainful employment
- Disability prevents employment
Extra-Scheduler TDIU:
- Don't meet rating thresholds but can prove service-connected disabilities prevent employment
TDIU Benefits & Restrictions
Monthly Compensation:
$3,737+
Same as 100% rating
Additional Benefits:
- ChampVA for dependents
- Priority VA services
- State-specific 100% benefits
Restrictions:
- Cannot work substantially gainful employment (generally over $14,000 per year)
- Can do marginal employment or volunteer work
- Annual verification required
File for TDIU: Complete VA Form 21-8940 (Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) along with employment history, medical evidence showing limitations, and doctor's opinion on ability to work.
Filing for Secondary Conditions
A secondary condition VA disability is caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition.
Common Secondary Connections
- PTSD →Depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, substance abuse
- Back injury →Hip pain, knee pain, sciatica, leg numbness
- Knee injury →Back pain, hip pain, ankle problems
- Hearing loss →Tinnitus, balance issues
- Sleep apnea →Depression, hypertension, erectile dysfunction
- Diabetes →Neuropathy, kidney disease, vision problems
Benefits of Secondary Claims
Secondary conditions increase your combined disability rating, resulting in higher compensation.
Example Impact:
- • Primary: Back condition at 20%
- • Secondary: Hip pain at 10%, knee pain at 10%
- • Combined: 37% (rounds to 40%)
- • Monthly increase: From $338 to $755
Proving Secondary Service Connection
Evidence needed to establish a secondary condition:
1. Primary Condition
Already service-connected
2. Secondary Condition
Currently diagnosed
3. Medical Nexus
Doctor's opinion linking secondary to primary
Maximize Your VA Disability Rating
Understanding your rating empowers you to claim all the benefits you've earned. Our team can help you file for increases, secondary conditions, and TDIU when appropriate.