VA Disability Ratings

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Understanding How VA Ratings Can Help You and Your Family

You served our country. Now, you deserve to understand how the VA’s rating system works so you can get the benefits you earned. A VA disability rating plays a big role in how much financial support you receive each month. It also helps determine what other benefits you may qualify for, like healthcare, housing, and help for your family.

If you are wondering, what is a VA rating, you are not alone. Many veterans have questions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about VA disability ratings, how they work, and how they can help you and your loved ones live with more peace of mind.

Have a question? Reach out to our VA disability lawyers today at (833) 753-5169 for a free consultation!

What Is a VA Disability Rating?

A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It shows how much a service-connected injury or illness affects your daily life. Ratings go from 0% to 100% in steps of 10%. The higher your rating, the more serious the VA believes your condition is, and the higher your monthly compensation will be.

For example, a veteran with a 50% VA rating will receive more monthly compensation than someone with a 10% rating. If you have children, a spouse, or parents who depend on you, your rating can also increase your benefits.

Understanding your VA rating helps you see what benefits you can receive now and in the future.

How Does VA Disability Rating Work?

Many veterans ask, “How does VA disability rating work?” The VA looks at medical records, service records, and reports from VA doctors to understand how your condition affects you. They use something called the VA rating guide to assign a percentage to each condition.

If you have more than one disability, the VA uses a special math formula to combine them. They do not just add them up. For example, if you have a 50% rating for one condition and 20% for another, it does not equal 70%. The VA looks at the most serious condition first and reduces the “whole person” by the next condition. This is called the VA’s Combined Ratings Table.

There is also a rule for injuries on both sides of your body, called the bilateral factor. That rule can help you get a higher combined rating.

Knowing how these rules work helps you understand how your final VA rating is calculated.

2025 VA Disability Rates and Monthly Payments

Each year, the VA updates its compensation tables to keep up with inflation. These adjustments are called Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Below are examples of 2025 VA disability rates for a single veteran with no dependents:

10% – Around $175 per month
50% – Around $1,122 per month
70% – Around $1,716 per month
100% – Around $3,737 per month

These numbers can go up if you have dependents, such as a spouse, children, or elderly parents. For veterans rated at 30% or higher, dependents are added to the monthly payment.

The VA also provides additional payments through Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). These extra benefits are for veterans with severe disabilities, such as the loss of limbs, blindness, or needing daily help from someone else.

Knowing your 2025 VA disability rates helps you plan for the future and make sure you are getting the support you deserve.

Additional Benefits You Can Receive

Your VA disability rating impacts more than just your monthly check. Veterans with certain ratings get access to additional benefits, including:

Healthcare: Higher ratings often mean better access to VA healthcare programs. Veterans rated at 50% or more usually receive priority care.
Education and Vocational Training: Programs like the GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation are available to help you transition to new careers.
Housing and Adaptation Grants: Veterans with severe disabilities may qualify for help modifying their homes or buying specially equipped vehicles.
Dependent Benefits: At 30% or more, your dependents may also qualify for benefits through the VA.

These extra benefits can help make life a little easier for you and your family.

What Happens After You Get Your Rating?

Once you receive your VA disability rating, you will get a letter explaining your percentage and the reasons for it. This is called a Decision Letter. It will also tell you how much monthly compensation you will receive.

If your condition worsens over time, you can request a higher rating. You should also keep your contact and dependent information updated with the VA so your benefits reflect your current situation.

Unruh Law can help you review your decision and guide you on what steps to take next.

Appealing or Asking for a Higher VA Rating

Not every veteran agrees with their first VA rating. If you believe your VA rating is too low, or if you were denied, you have the right to appeal. You can file a supplemental claim with new evidence, request a higher-level review, or appeal directly to the Board of Veterans Appeals.

Sometimes a veteran’s disability prevents them from working, even if they do not have a 100% rating. In these cases, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) can provide the same monthly benefits as a 100% rating.

Unruh Law helps veterans navigate these appeals. We understand how confusing the process feels and how important it is to get it right the first time.

Why Your VA Disability Rating Matters for Your Future

Understanding your VA disability rating helps you unlock the benefits you earned through your service. It is not just about a monthly check. It is about health, security, and taking care of those who count on you.

At Unruh Law, we help veterans nationwide understand their VA rating and fight for the benefits they deserve. If you need help with your VA disability claim, our VA disability attorneys are here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at (833) 753-5169 for a free consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a VA rating?

A VA rating is a percentage that shows how much a service-connected condition affects your life and your ability to work.

2. How are my VA benefits calculated?

The VA uses medical evidence and its rating guide to assign percentages. Combined ratings are calculated using the VA’s math rules.

3. Can I get more money if my condition worsens?

Yes. You can request a review for a higher rating if your health gets worse.

4. How does the VA combine ratings?

The VA does not simply add your percentages. They use a Combined Ratings Table to figure out your total.

5. What if I cannot work anymore because of my disability?

You may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays you the same as a 100% rating.

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Ms. Mikaya has been a wonderful help to me. She has been keeping me informed of any and all inputs to my case. She is a great help. Thanks Roger... Read More

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John Unhru is a "one of a kind" attorney! He knows how to HELP VETERANS, especially when the Vet like myself has nearly given up all hope of getting any compensation from the VA. With years of experience he understands the VA Process,... Read More

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I was skeptical at first but they took my case and after a time I went from a 90% to 100%. time frame can't be blamed on them as we all know how the VA works. it takes 8 months to a year for everything you file. Just be patient and things... Read More

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Steven and the others at Unruh Law were such a huge help in getting my VA disability processed, had no idea how to navigate some of the process and they made it practically stress free. So grateful and would easily recommend them to anyone... Read More

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