What Does a 100% VA Disability Rating Mean?
You probably know that when you file a VA disability claim, you’ll have to prove that you suffer from the disabling condition and that the condition is service-connected. You may not realize that it’s also up to you to provide the right evidence to help the VA establish the appropriate disability rating. And, your disability rating matters a lot.
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If you’re rated 100% disabled in 2024, you’ll receive $3,737.5 per month in veterans disability benefits.
You may qualify for more if you have eligible dependents. But, if you’re rated 70% disabled–the next highest possible disability rating for many conditions–that monthly benefit is cut to $1,716.28. Similarly, if your disability rating is 30%, you’ll be entitled to VA healthcare only for the service-connected condition. But, at a 50% rating or above, you’ll get more comprehensive medical coverage.
Since VA disability ratings play such a big role in determining what type of benefits you receive, it’s important to understand what’s required for a 100% VA disability rating, and what you will receive in veterans disability benefits if you are rated 100% disabled.
How Does the VA Define “100% Disabled”?
When you’re applying for another type of disability benefits, such as SSDI, your disability determination hinges in large part on whether or not your disability prevents you from earning a living. VA disability is different. In part, that’s because the VA can assign a lower disability rating to a veteran who is only partially disabled. But, a disabled veteran may in some cases receive benefits at the 100% disability and continue to work.
The VA makes most determinations based on schedules set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Different schedules describe the type of loss, limitation, or symptoms required to establish each possible disability rating for that type of disorder. While the bar is high for a 100% disability rating and most people who qualify won’t be able to earn a living, that’s not an explicit requirement.
For example, a veteran who has lost both feet is entitled to a 100% disability rating. But, if that veteran is an architect or attorney or work-from-home call center attorney who can continue to do their job despite their condition, they may do so.
Note, however, that a 100% disability rating isn’t necessarily permanent. A veteran’s disability rating can be downgraded–or even lost–if their condition improves. In fact, some 100% disability ratings are intended to be temporary. For example, a veteran receiving a prosthetic implant due to a service-connected condition is entitled to a 100% disability rating for one year after implantation.
Single Condition v. Combined Disability Ratings
There are two ways to get to a 100% rating: by being rated 100% disabled for a single service-connected condition, or through a combined rating based on two or more service-connected disabilities. You might think that stacking up disabilities would be an easier way to reach 100%. Because of the way the VA calculates combined disability ratings, that’s not necessarily true.
Imagine, for example, that you have one condition rated at 70%, and a second condition rated at 30%. You might think that adds up to 100%. But, the second percentage is only applied to what’s left after the first. So, in this case, the 30% disability rating wouldn’t be 30% of the whole–it would be 30% of the 30% that was left over after you were determined 70% disabled for the first condition. 30% of 30% is just 9%. So, your combined rating is 80% (70% + 9% rounded to the nearest 10).
Receiving Benefits at the 100% Level with a Lower Rating
The reason a 100% disability rating can be so important is the level of benefits available. But there is another way to secure benefits at the 100% level, even if the numerical rating falls short.
A veteran who is unable to work due to their service-connected disability may be classified as totally disabled due to individual unemployability (TDIU).
To qualify for TDIU classification, the veteran must meet both of the following criteria:
- Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a service-connected disability. Note that this doesn’t mean that the veteran is completely unable to perform any work. A veteran who can work sporadically or on a very part-time basis may qualify for TDIU classification. However, the inability to work must be entirely due to the service-connected condition or conditions. This can be complicated for veterans who also suffer from non-service-connected disabilities.
- Meet minimum disability rating requirements. To be considered for TDIU classification, a veteran must have at least a 60% disability rating for a single condition, or at least a 70% combined rating with one condition rating of 40% or higher. If you believe you may be a candidate for TDIU but your existing disability rating does not meet these criteria, you should talk to an experienced veterans disability benefits advocate. You may be able to pursue an increase in your disability rating to qualify, or you may qualify for an extraschedular determination.
How Does a 100% Disability Rating Help
As mentioned above, a 100% disability rating (or TDIU classification) entitles the disabled veteran to full monthly benefits–$3,737.85 in 2024. That amount may be increased if the veteran has eligible dependents. A veteran receiving benefits at the 100% level also receives the full range of non-monetary benefits. That includes the right to concurrently receive VA disability benefits and military retired pay, full healthcare coverage, travel allowance for medical care, and more. While some of these benefits are available at lower disability ratings, they are not available at all levels.
If the veteran’s 100% disability rating or TDIU classification is permanent, the veteran’s dependents may be entitled to other benefits not available at any other level. These include educational benefits for spouses and children and access to full healthcare coverage for eligible dependents.
Give Yourself the Best Chance at a 100% VA Disability Rating
Whether you’re just filing a claim for VA disability benefits or are hoping to increase your disability rating, Veterans Help Group is here for you. Our experienced veterans disability advocates have an in-depth knowledge of the VA disability rating process and will work with you to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf. To learn more about how we can help, call (855) 855-8992 right now, or contact us here.
