How Much Is A 10% Va Disability Rating Worth
In some circumstances, veterans know before filing a VA disability claim that the rating for their disability is capped at 10%. For example, tinnitus with no other symptoms or hearing loss can only be awarded a 10% VA disability rating even when both ears are affected.
The benefits from a 10% VA disability rating might not seem worth the effort. Under the current VA compensation tables, the monthly disability pay for 2020 is $142.29, which is not insubstantial.
However, more important for many veterans are the additional benefits unlocked by a 10% VA disability rating. A 10% VA disability rating could, for example, eliminate the thousands of dollars per year you spend on travel, copays, and prescriptions to treat your disability, waive some closing costs for a VA home loan, and entitle you to burial benefits.
Promptly Inform The Va Of Changes To Dependents Status
The VA will provide back pay from the time you file the paperwork to add a dependent to your claim. However, they may also claw back overpayments you received should you fail to inform the VA that your status has changed. This is important when there is an event that may decrease your compensation, such as a child no longer being eligible for benefits, a divorce, or a death.
You can find historical rates here.
Related Content:
Increasing 70 Percent Va Disability Rating To 100 Percent Rating
As the information from the Combined Rating System demonstrates, obtaining a 100 percent disability rating with multiple disabilities is challenging at best. Even veterans with two or more disability ratings that would normally equal 100 percent with typical calculations may find themselves with a lower disability rating than they would like to be assigned. Most veterans have an easier time reaching a 100 percent Total Disability Individual Unemployability rating than by using the Combined Rating System.
Read Also: California Disability Amount
What Is The Benefit Of Qualifying For Tdiu
The main benefit of qualifying for TDIU is getting paid at a 100% VA rating level.; There is a substantial difference between what you will draw for a VA rating of 90% and a VA rating of 100%.
For example, a veteran alone in 2017 would draw almost $1,800 a month with a 90% rating but would draw almost $3,000 a month with a 100% rating.; So, there is a difference of approximately $1,200 per month.; This means that a veteran with a 100% rating will receive over $14,000 a year more than a veteran with a 90% rating.
If the veteran has dependents , then the benefit numbers are a little different depending on the number and type of dependents.; But, veterans with a 100% rating still receive around $1,200 a month more than similar veterans with a 90% rating.
About 2021 Va Disability Compensation Rates
Your 2021 VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs paid to former military service members who sustained an illness or injury during their time in service. Veterans with preexisting conditions exacerbated by their time in service, or who develop service-connected disabilities following their time in service, may also apply for benefits. Veterans may also receive additional benefit due to extenuating circumstances, including their number of dependents, loss of limb or other severe injury, or by having a disabled spouse.
It is important to note that this benefit is not permanent, and it may be subject to review. On a wider scale, the VA may change its rating schedule at any time, but it may also reexamine your individual claim to judge whether your disability has improved or worsened, thus affecting your benefit amount. In case of the latter, you would want to initiate the review yourself to ensure they receive a higher benefit for a worse disability.
Also Check: Average Disability Check
How Does Having My Disabilities Recognized By The Va Help Me And My Family
Below are the reasons you should take the time to apply, even if you dont want deal with the red tape involved or dont feel like you are disabled.
Regular Financial Support
Most veterans who have their applications approved receive additional monthly income. For Disability Compensation, this income is tax free. Even if a veteran is rated at only 10%, that is still an extra $115 every month, probably for life. If they live another 50 years, thats an extra $69,000 to help pay the mortgage, buy a car, or put kids through school.
Increased Access to VA Healthcare
Just as importantly, the VA provides free care for every service connected condition. If the veteran with a bad knee above needs to have knee replacement surgery, the VA pays for it. In many cases veterans receiving either Disability Compensation or Non-Service Connected Pension can also use the VA to receive care for conditions not related to their military service. This may not seem like a big benefit to a veteran who is currently working and has health insurance, but it can be a more significant benefit when they are between jobs or after they retire.
Access to More Robust VA Benefits
Many veteran benefits have been created to care specifically;for disabled veterans, so having your service connected conditions recognized may grant eligibility to other more robust benefits, such as:
Access to VA Benefits for Survivors
Veterans Guardian Can Help Answer That Question
The VA disability process can be a difficult, elaborate, and confusing process that requires in depth knowledge and expertise to navigate successfully. Many veterans are either unaware of the benefits they are eligible for, unwilling to engage the process due to its complexity, or frustrated with previous efforts with the VA.Veterans Guardian provides the expertise, knowledge and resources to bridge these gaps.
Also Check: How To File For Disability In Illinois
You May Like: How Much Is Disability In Ca
What To Do When Applying For Va Compensation For Service
It is best to apply for VA compensation before your final out-processing appointment, but this is not always possible. In any case, service members will need to supply copies of discharge paperwork such as the DD Form 214 for active duty military members, medical records, supporting documentation for the medical claim, and a completed VA Form 21-526.
Depending on the type of claim you are making, it may be necessary to get supporting evidence that shows how your condition affects your ability to work, socialize, pursue hobbies, etc. This may come in the form of medical records, but also personal statements from yourself, family, co-workers, etc.
You may also need to show how your condition has worsened over time. All medical records pertinent to the condition, and even those that are not, should be submitted as evidence.
Keep in mind that your family status may play a role in how the VA approaches your compensation claim. If you are awarded a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, changes in your family status may result in changes to your payments.
Never pass up the opportunity to get additional consideration for your condition, especially if you are entitled to more from the VA as a result of having a family.
You will be required to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs in such cases; changes to your claim or payments of the claim in these circumstances are never automatic.
Are 100% Va Ratings Permanent
Importantly, a 100 percent disability rating is not automatically permanent; however, there are certain situations in which a 100 percent rating is granted permanent status.; For example, if a 100 percent disability rating is in place for 20 years or more, VA is not going to reduce that rating unless there is evidence of fraud in the initial rating being assigned.; If it is less than 20 years, VA can pursue a rating reduction, but there needs to be both material improvement and improvement under ordinary conditions.; VA cannot rely on a simple examination showing improvement when issuing a rating reduction.
Recommended Reading: Multiple Sclerosis Impairment Listing 11.09
Which Mental Health Conditions Do Not Qualify For Va Disability Benefits
Again, while many psychiatric conditions are eligible for VA disability compensation, others are not.; VA does not consider some psychiatric conditions to be related to military service due to the nature of the disorder:
- Personality Disorders: These types of conditions are marked by lifelong behavioral patterns that do not change, and therefore, military service cannot cause a personality disorder.
- Substance Use Disorder: VA does not directly grant service connection for substance use disorder. Veterans can, however, be service-connected on a secondary basis for disabilities that arise from substance use due to a service-connected condition.; For example, a veteran who uses alcohol to cope with symptoms of PTSD and later develops cirrhosis of the liver may be entitled to disability compensation for the liver condition as secondary to PTSD.
- Impulse Control Disorder
- Cognitive Delays and Developmental Disabilities
Va Disability Compensation Rates 30% 60% With Children
| Dependent Status | |
|---|---|
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $532.35 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $574.35 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $616.35 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $518.35 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $560.35 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $26.00 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $84.00 |
| Spouse Receiving Aid and Attendance | $48.00 |
Don’t Miss: How To Change Va Disability Direct Deposit
Contact Our Savannah Veterans Disability Lawyers Now
The veterans disability attorneys at The Nye Law Group can help manage every aspect of your disability claim to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of lawyers today. We work on contingency, so you will owe legal fees only if we are able to recover compensation.
Call ;or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form;today to set up your free consultation.
About Va Disability Ratings And Va Disability Compensation
If you were injured or became seriously ill while serving in the military, you may be eligible for certain veterans benefits, including VA disability compensation. This benefit is paid to certain military veterans based on illnesses or injuries received while serving on active duty.
Certain veterans may also be eligible for VA health care benefits. To see current VA disability rates, scroll down to the bottom of the article. Keep reading to learn more about VA disability rates, applying for disability compensation, and other facts.
There are many factors that go into determining compensation eligibility and levels, most of which are outside the scope of this article. Treat this article as a primer for VA disability benefits as we show you the VAs definition of a service-connected disability, where to apply for benefits, and the current VA disability compensation rate tables, as provided by the VA.
Also Check: Is Degenerative Disc Disease Considered A Disability?
Va Disability Ratings Are Not Always Permanent
Many disability ratings are temporary and the VA retains the right to reexamine the disability rating at any time. If they wish to reexamine you, you will receive a Notice of Reexamination letter in the mail which will include a scheduled appointment date.
Make sure you attend this appointment or reschedule, as the VA can reduce or terminate your benefits rating if you fail to attend this scheduled appointment. After the VA reexamines your condition, they will make a recommendation to increase, decrease, or leave your benefit at its current rating.
There are times when your ratings may be protected, based on the type of disability, how long you have held the rating, your age, or other factors. Here is more information about VA Disability Reexaminations and Benefits Reductions.
Receive Your Disability Check Faster
When you file your disability claim, be sure to give the VA the routing number to your bank so you can enroll in direct deposits. This is faster and more secure and a requirement as of March 1, 2013. I recommend using a high yield savings account so you can earn more money on any interest that your money earns.
If you have specific VA benefits-related questions, it is always best to call or visit your regional VA medical center, as they will be able to access your file and answer your specific questions.
You can view the current VA Disability rates here, but for your convenience, we have included them in this article as well.
Also Check: Short Term Disability For Alcoholism
With A Dependent Spouse Or Parent But No Children
Find the dependent status in the left column that best describes you. Then look for your disability rating in the top row. Your monthly basic rate is where your dependent status and disability rating meet.
If your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits,;be sure to also look at the;Added amounts;table, and add it to your amount from the;Basic rates;table.
| Dependent status | 30% disability rating | 40% disability rating | 50% disability rating | 60% disability rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent status | 30% disability rating | 441.35 | 40% disability rating | 635.77 | 50% disability rating | 905.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,146.39 |
| With spouse | 30% disability rating | 493.35 | 40% disability rating | 705.77 | 50% disability rating | 992.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,251.39 |
| With spouse and 1 parent | 30% disability rating | 535.35 | 40% disability rating | 761.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,062.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,335.39 |
| With spouse and 2 parents | 30% disability rating | 577.35 | 40% disability rating | 817.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,132.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,419.39 |
| With 1 parent | 30% disability rating | 483.35 | 40% disability rating | 691.77 | 50% disability rating | 975.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,230.39 |
| With 2 parents | 30% disability rating | 525.35 | 40% disability rating | 747.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,045.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,314.39 |
If your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits,;be sure to also look at the;Added amounts;table, and add it to your amount from the;Basic rates;table.
How Can Veterans Increase Their 70 Percent Disability Rating
The first thing that most veterans do when they disagree with a 70 percent VA disability rating is immediately file an appeal. The VA allows veterans to initiate an appeal by filing a Notice of Disagreement letter within one year of receiving notification of the 70 percent disability rating. Veterans have several appeals options under the Appeals Modernization Act that went into effect in February 2019.
Veterans also have the option of filing for an increased VA disability rating if their condition has worsened since they received their initial rating decision of 70 percent. If more than one year has passed since their initial diagnosis, veterans should file a new disability claim and submit medical records demonstrating how their condition has worsened.
Also Check: Do You Accrue Pto While On Pto
Presumptive Disability Benefits For Certain Groups Of Veterans
What is “Presumptive” Service Connection?
VA presumes that specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans were caused by their military service. VA does this because of the unique circumstances of their military service. If one of these conditions is diagnosed in a veteran in one of these groups, VA presumes that the circumstances of his/her service caused the condition, and disability compensation can be awarded.
What Conditions are “Presumed” to be Caused by Military Service?
Veterans in the groups identified below:; Entitlement to disability compensation may be presumed under the circumstances described and for the conditions listed.
Veterans within one year of release from active duty:; Veterans diagnosed with chronic diseases are encouraged to apply for disability compensation.
Veterans with continuous service of 90 days or more:; Veterans diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis /Lou Gehrig’s disease at any time after discharge or release from qualifying active service is sufficient to establish service connection for the disease, if the veteran had active, continuous service of 90 days or more.
Former
Overview Of Va Disability Ratings
VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of veterans service-connected conditions, making a 90% VA disability rating particularly severe.; Specifically, VA uses its Schedule for Rating Disabilities to determine how conditions will be evaluated for purposes of receiving a VA disability rating.; Each rating criteria will describe symptoms and/or treatment for the specific condition, and VA will assign a percentage, ranging from 0 to 100, according to each set of criteria.; These ratings are assigned at 10 percent increments.; Overall, VA disability ratings are meant to compensate veterans for the average impairment in earning capacity caused by their service-connected condition.; Generally, the more severe a disability is, the higher the VA disability rating will be.
VA then uses your disability rating to determine how much compensation you will receive each month, as well as your eligibility for other VA benefits.; If you have multiple disability ratings, VA will use them to calculate your combined VA disability rating.; Calculating your combined disability rating involves more than adding up your individual disability ratings.; According to VA, determining combined disability ratings involves the whole person theory.; Essentially, it ensures that your total VA disability rating does not add up to more than 100 percent.
Don’t Miss: Generalized Anxiety Disorder Va Rating
How To Apply For Va Disability Compensation
First, obtain your DD 214. Then fill out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. Once you have completed it, mail it to the following address:;
Department of Veterans Affairs
PO Box 4444
You can also apply online using VONAPP, or bring the form in-person to a Veterans Administration regional center near you.
If youre originating a new claim, be prepared to furnish your DD-214, and allow the Veterans Administration access to your medical records as well as your military records.;
You dont have to submit supporting evidence right away in order to apply, but you may have to submit to a medical exam. Once you start a VA disability compensation claim, you have up to one year to submit supporting evidence.;