VA Disability Ratings Explained
Understand ratings, combined ratings, and strategies to increase your benefits.
VA Rating System
0%
Condition is service-connected but not severe enough for compensation
Benefits: Eligibility for VA healthcare for the condition; establishes service connection for future increases
10%
Minimal disability with slight functional impairment
Benefits: Monthly compensation begins; establishes baseline for increases
20-40%
Mild to moderate disability with noticeable functional limitations
Benefits: Higher monthly compensation; potential dependent benefits at 30%+
50-70%
Moderate to severe disability significantly impacting daily life
Benefits: Substantial monthly compensation; additional benefits for dependents
80-90%
Severe disability with major functional impairment
Benefits: High monthly compensation; increased dependent benefits
100%
Total disability preventing substantially gainful employment
Benefits: Maximum monthly compensation; full dependent benefits; additional special benefits
Combined Ratings
One 50% Condition
50% rating alone
50% combined rating
Two Conditions: 50% + 30%
50% + (30% of remaining 50%) = 50% + 15% = 65%
Rounds to 70% combined rating
Three Conditions: 50% + 30% + 20%
50% + 15% + 7% = 72%
Rounds to 70% combined rating
Multiple Small Ratings: 10% + 10% + 10%
≈ 27%
Rounds to 30% combined rating
Increase Your Rating
Document Worsening Symptoms
Gather recent medical records showing increased severity and progression.
Provide Updated Diagnostic Testing
New imaging or studies demonstrating worsening beyond prior rating.
Submit Detailed Lay Statements
Statements showing increased real-world impact.
Compare to Rating Schedule Criteria
Match your symptoms to higher rating criteria.
Claim New Secondary Conditions
Secondary conditions can increase your combined rating.
Secondary Conditions
Secondary Conditions Add to Combined Rating
Each secondary condition increases total rating.
Multiple Secondaries Can Compound
One condition can cause multiple secondaries.
Strategic Secondary Claims
Often easier than direct service connection.
Bilateral Factor
Paired body parts increase ratings slightly.
Common Mistakes
- ✗ Assuming ratings add linearly
- ✗ Not understanding rounding rules
- ✗ Filing increases without evidence
- ✗ Missing secondary conditions
- ✗ Ignoring TDIU eligibility
- ✗ Accepting 0% when higher rating exists
Strengthen Your Claim
Build Medical Evidence
Use updated records and testing.
Document Functional Impact
Show real-life limitations.
Obtain Strong Medical Opinions
Private opinions can strengthen claims.
Review Rating Schedule
Match evidence to criteria.
Identify Secondary Conditions
Expand rating opportunities.
Use Lay Statements
Corroborate severity.
FAQ
How are VA ratings calculated?
Each condition is rated individually and combined using VA math.
Why don’t ratings add up?
VA uses combined rating formula, not simple addition.
Can I increase my rating?
Yes, with evidence of worsening.
What is 0% rating?
Service-connected but not compensable yet.
Do secondary conditions help?
Yes, they increase combined rating.
What is TDIU?
100% pay if unable to work due to disabilities.
Can VA reduce ratings?
Yes, but protections apply.