VA can assign a temporary total (100 percent) disability rating in several situations. The most common is when you undergo surgery or treatment for a service-connected condition that requires a period of convalescence. This temporary total rating compensates you at the full 100 percent rate while you recover, then returns to your regular rating once the recovery period ends. To qualify for a convalescence rating, the surgery must be for a service-connected condition, and the recovery period must involve severe postoperative residuals such as an inability to use a limb, required use of a wheelchair or crutches, or immobilization by a cast. The temporary total rating can last for one to three months or longer if your recovery requires it. VA can also assign temporary total ratings when you are hospitalized for more than 21 days for treatment of a service-connected condition. This applies to VA hospital stays as well as approved private hospital stays. You should file for a temporary total rating as soon as possible after your surgery or hospitalization. Submit the operative report, discharge summary, and any documentation showing the length of your required recovery. If you are not automatically assigned a temporary total rating after surgery for a service-connected condition, file a specific claim requesting one.
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).