Understanding How To Use Your VA Disability Rating Chart For 2025
Your disability rating isn’t necessarily permanent. Various factors can influence your rating and compensation over time. Staying aware of these factors helps you manage your VA benefits effectively. The primary factor is changes in your health condition. If a service-connected disability worsens, you can file a claim for an increased rating, potentially leading to higher disability pay rates. Conversely, if the VA determines your condition has significantly improved, they might propose a rating reduction, though protections exist for long-held ratings. Eligibility for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is another critical factor. If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is less than 100%, you might qualify for TDIU. This allows you to receive VA disability compensation at the 100% rate. Another significant factor involves secondary conditions. These are health problems caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability. For example, depression developing due to chronic pain from a service-connected injury could be considered a secondary condition. If the VA grants service connection for a secondary condition, it receives its disability rating. This rating is then factored into your overall combined rating using the VA Math formula. Properly documenting and claiming secondary conditions can lead to a higher total monthly compensation amount. Conditions presumed service-connected, like those associated with Agent Orange exposure or Gulf War service, also play a role. If you served in specific locations during certain periods and developed a condition on the VA’s presumptive list, establishing service connection might be simpler. These presumptive conditions contribute to your overall disability rating and veteran status.