The VA disability rating system assigns a percentage to each service-connected condition based on how much it impairs the veteran's ability to function. Ratings range from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. Each rating level corresponds to a specific amount of monthly tax-free compensation that the VA pays to the veteran.
A 0% rating means the VA acknowledges the condition is service-connected but the impairment is not severe enough to warrant compensation. However, a 0% rating still provides valuable benefits: eligibility for VA healthcare for that condition, access to the VA's 10-year protection for service connection, and the ability to file for an increase if the condition worsens.
Ratings from 10% to 100% provide increasing monthly compensation. The exact dollar amounts are adjusted annually for cost of living. Additional compensation is available for veterans rated at 30% or higher who have dependents (spouse, children, or dependent parents).
When a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, the individual ratings are combined using the VA's combined ratings formula (often called VA math), not simple addition. The combined rating is then rounded to the nearest 10%.
Special monthly compensation (SMC) provides additional payments above the basic rating-based compensation for specific severe disabilities, such as loss of use of a limb, blindness, or the need for aid and attendance. SMC levels are designated by letters (K, L, M, etc.) and can significantly increase total compensation.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows veterans who are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected conditions to receive compensation at the 100% rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%.
The VA rating system is complex, and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free assistance with claims, appeals, and navigating the system. VSOs include the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and many others.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).