What Does It Mean to Have a 100% VA Disability Rating? 

–   Donnel Beckles, Managing VA Advocate, Veterans Help Group

Donnel Beckles is one of the top Veterans Advocates in the U.S. He is a proud member of the National Organization for Veterans Advocates (NOVA) and is accredited to practice VA law by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Donnel has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in VA Disability law and has dedicated his career to helping disabled veterans – and their survivors – obtain the compensation benefits they are due.

Below, Donnel shares what it means to have a 100% VA Disability rating.

A disability rating is an important measure for a disabled veteran. This number determines how much a veteran will receive in monthly disability benefits, and also impacts other benefits such as the extent of free medical care the veteran is entitled to. A 100% disability rating is the high end since it means that the veteran is totally disabled. 

Here’s what you need to know about what it takes to get a 100% disability rating and how veterans disability benefits are impacted. 

How Do You Get a Disability Rating? 

A disability rating is established as part of the determination on your claim for VA disability benefits. The rating is based on medical information the VA has gathered, including medical records, information from your treating physician, and the Compensation & Pension exam. 

The 100% disability rating is reserved for the most serious cases when a veteran is unable to work and usually unable to engage in other activities. There are two different ways to reach 100%: 

• One serious condition that warrants a 100% disability rating, or
• Two or more conditions that combine to a 100% overall rating.

The VA uses a formula to combine disability ratings.  As the overall rating increases, the more likely the outcome is lower than the sum of the two or more ratings. So, having 50% ratings for two different conditions will not result in a 100% rating. Instead, it would combine to 80%.

If you disagree with the rating, you can challenge it in the same ways you could fight a denial. 

Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability

If a veteran is determined to be individually unemployable due to a disability, they may be granted the same full benefits as a veteran with a 100% rating even though their rating is lower. There is a minimum, though: the veteran must either have one condition with a disability rating of at least 60% or a combination of conditions that total at least 70% disability, with at least one of those conditions individually rated at 40%. 

What Benefits are Associated with a 100% Disability Rating? 

A veteran with a 100% disability rating gets the full amount of monthly benefits. In 2023, that means $3,621.95/month for a veteran alone. Monthly benefits may be increased based on the number and type of dependents a disabled veteran has. 

A veteran with a 100% disability rating is entitled to additional benefits, including::  

• No-cost medical care, dental care, and prescription drugs
• Travel allowance for medical care at a VA or VA-approved facility
• Concurrent receipt of military retired pay, if eligible 
• Burial and plot allowance

If the 100% disability rating has been deemed permanent, additional benefits include: 

• Healthcare for dependent spouse and children
• Dependents educational assistance

If you are unsure how to navigate the VA disability process, contact Mr. Beckles and the team at Veterans Help Group at 855-855-8992 or click here and see how our VA-accredited advocates can help get your claim approved at the earliest possible effective date.

Since 2011, Donnel Beckles has been a leading voice for the disabled veteran community in seeking compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Mr. Beckles has led one of the nation’s most successful VA disability advocacy organizations (Veterans Help Group) since 2016 and has prosecuted thousands of VA Disability claims and appeals resulting in tens of millions of dollars of compensation awards.  Learn more about Donnel here.