Author: Regine Alisan
A thorough understanding of VA disability ratings is crucial for veterans with service-related medical conditions. These ratings not only determine the additional benefits you might be eligible for from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) but also empower you to know exactly how much monthly payment compensation you will receive.
What Is a Disability Rating?
The VA calculates a disability rating, or percentage, depending on the severity of your medical disabilities related to your service. The more serious the illness, the larger the percentage, and this directly affects the amount of compensation you are entitled to. A 50% disability rating, for instance, indicates that your illness affects half of your capacity to operate normally.
Multiple Disabilities? How Combined Ratings Work
Many veterans suffer from multiple disabilities related to their service. In such cases, the VA determines a combined disability rating using a fair and comprehensive formula. This formula, known as the ‘whole person theory,’ ensures that no individual can be considered more than totally disabled, thereby guaranteeing that your accumulated rating will never surpass 100%.
For instance, your combined disability rating will be 65% rather than 80% if you have two conditions, one rated at 50% and the other at 30%. The VA determines these total ratings using a unique table that rounds the results to the closest 10%.
Pre-existing Conditions Worsened by Military Service
The VA will only compensate you for the portion of your pre-existing condition that worsened if it existed before you joined the military and it did so throughout your service. For example, suppose your condition was 10% when you enlisted and became 20% disabled after your service. The VA would only pay you for the 10% increase in this particular case.
Other Factors Affecting Your Compensation
There are other factors than your disability rating that could impact the amount you are paid. For instance, your monthly benefits may occasionally be adjusted by the VA in response to a shift in your health, changes in your living circumstances, or updates to the VA’s compensation rates. Maintaining your rating is crucial, and you should let the VA know if anything changes.
Viewing Your VA Disability Ratings
By logging into your VA account, you can see your current individual and combined disability ratings if you have already submitted a claim and received your ratings. This transparent process provides you with the most recent summary of your benefit and compensation eligibility, keeping you informed and confident in the system. For veterans with various service-connected medical conditions, the VA combined disability rating calculator might be a helpful tool. Veterans may calculate how their combined rating is established more clearly, but it’s important to remember that the VA ultimately decides your official rating.
Need Help Understanding Your Rating?
If calculating your combined disability rating sounds complicated, you’re not alone! Navigating the VA disability process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with several diagnoses, appeals, or pre-service disabilities that grew worse during your service. That’s where a VA disability consultation company can make a difference. These companies specialize in VA rules, regulations, and rating criteria. They can help you gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your case and increase your chances of getting a higher rating.
Here’s why hiring a VA disability consultation company is essential:
- Expertise: These professionals specialize in VA rules, regulations, and rating criteria. They know precisely what evidence is needed to strengthen your case and increase your chances of getting a higher rating.
- Time-saving: Getting paperwork together, submitting claims, and getting in touch with the VA can take some time. Hiring a consulting firm to handle the paperwork and communication will save you time and worry.
- Better Results: A lot of veterans receive ratings that are too low because their claims are either not complete or not presented well. A consulting firm can assist in making sure your case is presented as effectively as possible and that all pertinent information is included, which may result in more compensation.
- Support for Appeal: In the event that your rating is lower than anticipated or that your claim is rejected, a consulting firm may help you construct a compelling argument for a better rating and mentor you through the appeals process.
VA disability ratings are more than just numbers; they also influence the resources and assistance you have been entitled to. Knowing how these ratings work can help you make sure you get the rewards you deserve.