The Department of Veterans Affairs handles service-connected disability claims for Veterans and reservists. A Veteran’s VA Disability Rating determines the amount of tax-free, monthly monetary disability compensation they receive. An individual must meet the VA’s eligibility requirements in order to receive compensation from the government.
What is a “Service Connected Rating?”
A VA Disability Rating is a percentage that the VA’s Rating Authorities assign a Veteran with disabilities. The VA rounds each rating to the nearest 10th percentage scale. For example, a Veteran with a rating of 44% will have a final rating of 40%. Whereas, a Veteran with a rating of 85% will have a final rating of 90%. The Disability Rating determines the amount of VA Disability Benefits a Veteran receives for their conditions due to their time serving.
The severity of the condition reflects the percentage of the Disability Rating. For example, the VA considers a Veteran at 0% as having a condition that does not really negatively affect their daily lives. On the other hand, a 100% VA Disability Rating implies that the condition(s) during service severely impacts the Veteran’s quality of life.
CLICK HERE TO CALCULATE YOUR RATING
VA Disability Compensation Eligibility and VA Ratings
Specific criteria bases the eligibility for compensation:
- Active duty service in the Uniformed Services OR active duty for training OR inactive duty training
- Going through discharge under other than dishonorable conditions
- At least 10% disabled by an injury or disease (which may include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD) suffered in the course of active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
Those who meet this criterion may additionally provide:
- Active Duty Medical Evidence
- Post-service medical evidence that the condition is worsening
- Evidence linking the disability to an injury or disease incurred during military service (also known as a medical nexus)
In addition, you may receive disability benefits based on presumptive disabilities. The VA presumes that certain disabilities were in relation to military service.
A claims-handler for the Department of Veterans Affairs determines the validity of a claim. Even eligible veterans face problems with their claims. Research shows that the VA will deny/reject many claims, as well as, misplace claims. There are many claims that get stuck in the backlog and this causes many delays within the process.
If you feel as if you are underrated, contact Veterans Guardian to see if you qualify for additional compensation. Our team will provide a free strategy session to explain your options.
