What does my VA disability rating mean?

Last Updated: 7/11/2025

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It’s more than just a number. It represents the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assessment of how much your service-connected disabilities impact your ability to function and work. This rating determines the amount of compensation and benefits you receive, ranging from healthcare to potential financial assistance for your dependents. If you’ve ever wondered how your rating is calculated, what it means for your benefits or what to do if you believe it’s too low – here are your answers.

What Does My VA Disability Rating Represent?

Your VA disability rating reflects the severity of what is called your service-connected conditions. These are conditions which are determined to be a result of your military service.

The VA’s rating system is detailed and complex. The rating is expressed as a percentage ranging from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. While a 0% rating acknowledges that your condition is service-connected, it doesn’t provide monthly compensation. On the other hand, a 100% rating means your condition is completely disabling, qualifying you for the maximum compensation and additional benefits.

The VA uses its Schedule for Rating Disabilities to evaluate conditions. Each condition is assessed independently, considering how it impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities. For example, conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or chronic back pain have unique diagnostic criteria that guide how they are rated.

How Is My VA Disability Rating Calculated?

The process for calculating your VA disability rating can seem complex, especially if you have multiple service-connected conditions.

Each condition is assigned a percentage based on medical evidence and the VA’s rating schedule. If you have more than one condition, the VA uses a Combined Ratings Table, not a simple sum, to calculate your overall rating.

The calculation involves taking percentages of percentages. For instance, the VA starts with your highest individual rating, then applies subsequent ratings to the percentage of your remaining “non-disabled” capacity.

For example:

1. Start with a 50% rating.
2. Apply the next rating (30%) to the remaining 50% of your non-disabled capacity (0.30 × 0.50 = 0.15 or 15%). Add 15% to 50%, resulting in 65%.
3. Apply the next rating (20%) to the remaining 35% (0.20 × 0.35 = 0.07 or 7%). Add 7% to 65%, totaling 72%.
4. Round to the nearest 10%, resulting in a final combined rating of 70%.

This method ensures that no veteran’s overall disability exceeds 100% unless specific criteria are met for extra compensation, such as Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

How Does My VA Disability Rating Impact My Compensation and Benefits?

Your VA disability rating determines the level of monthly tax-free compensation you receive. Higher ratings correspond to higher payments. For example:

• A 10% rating might result in modest monthly compensation.
• A 100% rating can provide significant financial support, including allowances for dependents.

Ratings also unlock additional benefits, depending on your percentage. At higher levels, you may qualify for TDIU, which compensates you at the 100% rate if you are unable to maintain gainful employment due to your disabilities. Similarly, SMC provides extra compensation for severe conditions, such as loss of use of a limb or blindness.

A higher rating can also improve your eligibility for healthcare benefits, vocational rehabilitation and support for dependents.

Can My VA Disability Rating Change Over Time?

Yes, your disability rating can change based on several factors. The VA periodically reviews ratings to make sure they reflect the current severity of your conditions. Here are the key reasons your rating might change:

• Improvement in your condition: If the VA determines your health has improved, they may propose a reduction in your rating.  
• Worsening of your condition: You can request an increase in your rating if your condition has deteriorated.  
• New conditions: Adding service-connected conditions to your claim can increase your overall rating.  
• Changes in VA criteria: While the VA occasionally updates its rating schedule, they cannot reduce your benefits solely based on new criteria unless your condition has genuinely improved.

If the VA proposes to reduce your rating, they must follow specific legal procedures, including notifying you and allowing you to provide evidence to contest the change.

What Is The PACT Act And What Difference Does It Make?

Passed in 2022, The PACT Act expanded and extended VA disability benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances, such as burn pits and Agent Orange.

If you have a condition covered under this legislation, you may be eligible for a higher rating or additional benefits. The PACT Act also simplifies the process for appealing previously denied claims related to these exposures, offering new opportunities to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Can I Do If I Disagree With My VA Disability Rating? 

If you believe your VA disability rating is too low, you have several options to appeal the decision:

• File a Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence to support your case.  
• Request a Higher-Level Review: Ask for a more experienced reviewer to evaluate your claim.  
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Present your case before a Veterans Law Judge for a comprehensive review.

The decision review and appeals process can be complex, but working with an expert representative like Allsup Veterans Appeals℠ (AVA) can make a significant difference. Our Allsup VA-accredited Claims Agents specialize in veterans disability appeals and bring to bear a great deal of experience and expertise.

How Will Allsup Veterans Appeals Help Me?

If you feel your disability rating is too low or in error, you should get a VA disability expert to file for a decision review or appeal.

Allsup Veterans Appeals℠ (AVA) provides experienced guidance to help you secure the benefits you’ve earned through your service. Since 2012, AVA has delivered VA appeals representation focused on the unique needs of veterans.

Many of our VA-accredited Claims Agents are veterans and understand the VA process. We know what it takes to create an accurate, successful claim.