Understanding VA Disability Ratings And How They Are Calculated
The VA assigns disability ratings as percentages that reflect the severity of a veteran’s service-connected conditions. How these ratings are calculated and combined is one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of the benefits system.
Below, our friends from Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law discuss how VA disability ratings work and what veterans should know about the process.
How Individual Ratings Are Assigned
Each service-connected condition is evaluated under a specific diagnostic code found in 38 CFR Part 4, the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The assigned rating depends on the severity of symptoms and their functional impact. Ratings are given in increments of 10, typically ranging from 0 to 100 percent, though a zero percent rating still acknowledges service connection.
How Combined Ratings Work
When a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, the VA does not simply add the percentages together. Instead, it uses a combined ratings formula sometimes called “VA math.” Each successive rating is applied to the remaining percentage of whole-person health rather than stacked on top of previous ratings. This means a veteran with two conditions rated at 50 percent each will not receive a combined 100 percent rating.
The Bilateral Factor
Veterans with disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired organs may qualify for a slight increase through the bilateral factor. This adjustment adds a small percentage to the combined rating before rounding. It’s a minor but meaningful benefit that is sometimes overlooked during the rating process.
What A Zero Percent Rating Means
A zero percent rating means the VA acknowledges the condition is service-connected but considers it not severe enough for compensation at that time. This is still valuable because it opens the door to future increases if the condition worsens, and it may also provide access to VA healthcare for that condition.
Reviewing Your Rating Decision
If your combined rating doesn’t seem right or your individual conditions appear underrated, it’s worth having someone review your rating decision. A knowledgeable veterans disability lawyer can break down the math, identify any errors, and advise on whether a higher rating is warranted.
