How To Estimate Va Disability Rating

Causes Of Hearing Loss

The ear consists of three major areas .

When sound waves pass through the outer ear it causes vibrations which are amplified as they travel through the inner ear.

The nerve cells in your ears contain thousands of tiny hairs that help translate sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Then, these electrical signals are transmitted to your brain where it processes the signals into sound.

Hearing loss generally occurs when the ears are exposed to loud machinery or explosions over a long duration of time.

Additionally, the inevitable factor of age slowly erodes away at our hearing like other senses in the body.

Hearing loss can begin for a number of reasons yet is often attributed to damage in one or more parts of the ear.

Moreover, it can be the result of an ear infection, abnormal bone growths, ruptured eardrum, or tumors.

In the best-case scenario, removing excess earwax can sometimes remedy the problem if the damage isnt permanent.

Unfortunately, most service members are unable to avoid long-term exposure to loud noises because of the occupation.

With that said, you can take precautions by using hearing protection.

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What Is Va Disability Rate

VA disability pay is a tax-free monetary reward provided for military veterans on month-to-month basis because of for their service-related disability. The purpose would be to compensate them to the lowered life quality as well as civilian employability.

The compensation may be assigned for post-service disabilities also when they are considered for being secondary or connected to throughout the service and linked to the service circumstances that may arise later in everyday life.

The VA Disability Retirement Pay Calculator is set and altered from the Department of Veterans Affairs based mostly on Cost-of-Living-Adjustments . You could use tables of compensation benefits rate, which also presented in this article to compute your month to month payment according for your individual situations.

Combined Rating System For Veterans With Multiple Disabilities

Veterans with multiple disabilities use the combined rating system.

To use the combined rating system, arrange the disabilities in order by severity and locate the intersect of the two numbers on the table below.

The VA rounds the final figure to the nearest to 10 percent.

If the Veteran has more than two disabilities, find the combined value for the first two, without rounding, and repeat with the third disability. Once you have a final number, round to the nearest 10%.

For example, if disability 1’s rating is 40% and disability 2’s is 20%, the combined rating is 52%. That figure gets rounded to the nearest 10%, making the disability rating 50%.

For a three-disability example, if disability 1’s rating is 60%, disability 2’s rating is 30%, and disability 3’s rating is 20%, we first find the rating of 1 and 2. The rating of 1 and 2 comes out to be 72. We then take the first combined rating and find the intersect with disability 3. The final number comes out at an even 80% rating.

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About Our Va Disability Calculator

VA Disability Benefits include tax-free monetary compensation and other benefits, depending on the VA Disability Rating. The VAs calculations use a percentage of the Veterans remaining non-disabled percentage when adding the next disability percentage. For example, if a veteran had three disabling conditions rated at 30%, 20% and 20%, the VA would first apply the largest percentage, 30%.

To factor in the next percentage, it would not simply add 20 to 30 and get 50. Rather, it would apply the 20% to the Veterans remaining 70% of non-disability. The resulting 14% would be added to the current rating of 30%, creating a total of 44%. If these were the only two disabilities on hand, this would get rounded down and the Veteran would receive a total disability of 40%.

Next, the third disability rating, 20%, would be applied to the remaining 56% . This would result in an individual rating of 11%. This would then be added to the total of 44%, generating a total disability rating of 55%. This number would then be rounded up, producing the combined disability rating of 60%. Normal math would have reached a 70% disability rating instead.

If all of this seems more than a bit confusing to you, rest assured that you are not alone. Thats why we have provided the calculator above to help you get a better idea of how your disability ratings add up using VA math. Keep in mind that this tool should be used only to get a general idea of how disability ratings are combined.

About The Va Disability Rating System

Veterans with a disability that developed or worsened while serving in the military or due to military service may be eligible for Service-Connected disability pay.

Conditions covered by these benefits typically include:

• Physical disabilities including hearing loss, chronic back pain, asthma and cancers caused by contact with toxic chemicals.
• Mental disabilities including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder , depression and traumatic brain injury .

Find a complete list of covered conditions here.

For every disability claim, the Department of Veterans Affairs assigns a severity rating ranging from 0-100%. This rating moves in 10% increments, is based on service treatment records, VA medical records, and private medical records directly relating to the disability.

For Veterans with more than one disability, the VA uses the combined rating table to calculate your disability percentage.

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Against Private Employers And State/local Governments

Any person who believes that his or her employment rights have been violated on the basis of disability and wants to make a claim against an employer must file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. A third party may also file a charge on behalf of another person who believes he or she experienced discrimination. For example, a family member, social worker, or other representative can file a charge on behalf of someone with a hearing impairment. The charge must be filed by mail or in person with the local EEOC office within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation. The 180-day filing deadline is extended to 300 days if a state or local anti-discrimination agency has the authority to grant or seek relief as to the challenged unlawful employment practice.

The EEOC will send the parties a copy of the charge and may ask for responses and supporting information. Before formal investigation, the EEOC may select the charge for EEOCâs mediation program. Both parties have to agree to mediation, which may prevent a time consuming investigation of the charge. Participation in mediation is free, voluntary, and confidential.

What Is A Disability Rating

We assign you a disability rating based on the severity of your disability. We express this rating as a percentage, representing how much your disability decreases your overall health and ability to function.

We then use your disability rating to determine your disability compensation rate, so we can calculate how much money youll receive from us each month. We also use your disability rating to help determine your eligibility for other benefits, like VA health care.

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Standard Va Disability Claims

With standard VA disability claims, the VA gathers evidence and compiles all supporting documents.

If the VA is unable to obtain a needed document, they may require your help. When help is required, it typically applies to documents not held by a federal agency, such as private medical records, employer information, and documents from state or local governments.

As with all claims programs, be prepared to provide your DD214 , service treatment records, VA medical records, and private medical records about your claim. Those needing help applying for their VA disability claim may also work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer .

What If You Disagree With The Rating

Impairment ratings are an important part of the decision because they ultimately control how much you will receive in benefits each month. For this reason, you should take your decision to your Veterans Service Officer for review. At this time you can also seek the advice of an attorney. The VSO or attorney can review the decision, answer your questions about your benefits or the decision, and then help you determine if the Rating in your decision is an accurate representation of your impairments. If you do not agree with the VAs determination, you have one year from the date on your decision to submit more evidence or file an appeal , if necessary.

Finding answers to your disability claims questions doesnt have to be difficult. Take our free quiz today to determine what resources are available for your specific needs.

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Do You Deserve A Higher Va Rating

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How Can Cck Help

VA math can be confusing and frustrating. Previously, veterans had to use VAs Combined Ratings Table and Compensation Benefit Rate Tables to calculate their combined disability rating and compensation amount. Now, you can use the VA disability rating calculator provided by Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD.

To learn more about retro benefits, take a look at our back pay calculator.

If you believe you deserve a higher combined rating or if your service-connected disability prevents you from working, contact CCK for a free consultation at 800-544-9144.

Disclaimer: This calculator uses Veterans Affairs disability ratings and compensation amounts as of December 1, 2020. It does not account for historical compensation amounts. This calculator is intended to provide an estimate of your VA disability rating and compensation amount. You should not rely on this calculator in your decision making or for your financial planning. This calculator does not provide legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice. We do not represent or guarantee that we will obtain the numbers shown in this calculator in your case.

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Extremities Dependents Tdiu & More

Other influences that may increase a veterans monthly compensation include the bilateral factor , qualifying dependents, and Aid and Attendance. Each of these factors is a part of the CCK VA math calculator.

If your combined disability rating is lower than 100 percent, you may still be able to receive the highest benefit amount through Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability . Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disability can file a claim for TDIU.

What Are The Current Va Disability Rates

The amount of VA disability compensation veterans receive depends on their combined VA rating.

As of December 1st, 2020 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:

• 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
• 10 percent disability rating: $144.14 per month
• 20 percent disability rating: $284.93 per month
• 30 percent disability rating: $441.35 per month
• 40 percent disability rating: $635.77 per month
• 50 percent disability rating: $905.04 per month
• 60 percent disability rating: $1,146.39 per month
• 70 percent disability rating: $1,444.71 per month
• 80 percent disability rating: $1,679.35 per month
• 90 percent disability rating: $1,887.18 per month
• 100 percent disability rating: $3,146.42 per month

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Retirement Pay Calculations Under The Temporary Disability Retirement List

One of two options are used to calculate the benefitwhich one is used? According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the pay is calculated at whichever method provides the greater advantage for the veteran:

• Pay calculated on your disability percentage. This calculation uses a minimum of 50 percent while on the temporary list. This is known as Method A.
• Pay calculated on the years of active service. This is known as Method B.

Your pay will be computed based on whichever is more beneficial for you.

While on the Temporary list, federal guidelines state you must have a physical no later than every 18 months. Those who fail to do so will have their payments suspended until the examination has been performed.

The date you were signed on to the temporary list is very important. According to the DoD, those on the temporary list prior to January 1, 2017 are allowed to remain on that list for a maximum of five years assuming there is no change in the condition.

Those who were placed on the Temporary list on or after January 1, 2017 are allowed three years maximum, providing you condition does not change during that time. According to the DoD, those who are found fit for active duty during this time may be removed from the list and returned to active duty.

Is Hearing Loss Considered A Disability

In the most important ways that matter, hearing impairment is generally considered to be a disability, depending on how severe the hearing loss is. Thats especially important as it relates to Social Security regulations and the Americans With Disabilities Act . Under the ADA, for example, you are granted certain protections that relate to hearing impairment disabilities. Under Social Security rules, you may be entitled to disability benefits.

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Determine Payments After Age 62

Figure out your disability payments starting at age 62. Increase your years of actual service by the time between your disability retirement and the age of 62. Add cost-of-living adjustments provided over that same time period to your high-three salary. The federal government provides this adjustment as the cost of living increases.

Multiply that high-three salary by 1 percent for each year of service if you have less than 20 years. Multiply by 1.1 percent if you have at least 20 years.

How Does The Schedule Of Rating Disabilities Work

The VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities breaks down disabilities into different categories based on the part of the body impacted. Each category contains groups of medical issues. Each group of issues then contains a list of diagnoses, and each diagnosis has its own diagnostic code. Each diagnostic code specifies symptoms that are required for various ratings of disability.

For example, under the Digestive System category, there are four groups:

• ulcers
• weight loss, and
• coexisting abdominal conditions.

Under ulcers, there are three diagnoses, one of which is “Ulcer, duodenal”, diagnostic code 7305. Under diagnostic code 7305, four different ratings are described:

• severe, 60%
• moderate, 20%, and
• mild, 10%.

Each level of severity then lists the symptoms you must suffer to qualify for the associated rating. For example, for a severe rating of 60% for an ulcer, you must have symptoms including periodic vomiting and only partial relief from ulcer therapy.

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If You Live In Quebec

If you live in Quebec, you would not apply for the disability benefit under the Canada Pension Plan. You can apply for the Quebec Pension Plan disability benefit if one of the following applies to you:

• you have worked only in the province of Quebec
• you currently live in Quebec and have worked both in the province of Quebec and in another province or territory
• you have worked in Quebec, currently live outside Canada and your last province of residence was Quebec

If you worked both in and outside Quebec

If you paid into both the Canada Pension Plan and Quebec Pension Plan, you need to apply to the province where you live now.

If you worked outside Canada

If you worked in a country other than Canada, the credits you earned in that country may help you qualify for the disability benefit.

If you worked less to care for young children

If you have periods of zero or low income because you stayed home to raise your children, the child-rearing provision could help you qualify for the disability benefit.

If you are divorced or separated

Any contributions you and your spouse or common-law partner made to the CPP while you lived together may be equally divided after a divorce or a separation. This may help you qualify for the disability benefit. Find out more about .

If you missed applying for disability benefits in the past

If you are applying for the disability benefit, but stopped working a while ago, you may still apply for a benefit now.

You may be able to receive the benefit if:

Retirement Pay And Reservist Duty

If you serve in the military reserves or National Guard, you might qualify for military retirement pay after 20 years. Reserve duty is part-time, so the amount is adjusted to compensate. Points are awarded for each day of service, with the total divided by 360. The result is added to any active duty time and then multiplied by 2.5 percent to calculate retirement pay for a member of the reserves.

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How Do I Calculate Fers Retirement

A FERS disability retirement pay calculator works just as any other calculator does. You give the calculator a set of inputs and parameters, and the calculator gives you an answer.

The output could be your annual payment .

Or it could be your monthly or weekly payment. On the other hand, your output could be the total amount of money you will receive over X amount of time .

It all depends on what you ask the calculator to give as its output. It is up to you.

Many of the calculations depend on your high-3 salary. OPM defines your high-3 as the highest average basic pay you earned during any 3 consecutive years of service. Your basic pay is your basic salary paid for your position.

This includes salary increases for which retirement deductions are withheld, such as shift rates. It does not include payments for overtime, bonuses, etc. Further, if ones total service was less than 3 years, the average salary is figured by averaging basic pay during all periods of creditable Federal service.

The best way to find your high-3 average salary is to get a FERS benefit to estimate from your Agency. This report will show the official figures that will be sent to OPM.

While the OPM website does not have a specific calculator webtool, they publish information on how they make the calculations .

Here, we summarize those guidelines.