VA Ratings for Amputations

i 3 Table Of Contents

    VA Rating for Amputation and Loss of Use

    Amputations and loss of use injuries are life-changing. The physical limitations can be profound and are permanent. Despite medical advances in surgical repair and prosthetics, some veteran may never recover function. The VA defines amputation as either traumatic amputation or amputation by surgical removal. They define loss of use as no remaining function in the limb.

    Amputation and VA Disability Ratings

    The VA categorizes amputations in terms of either traumatic or surgical removal. There are different VA disability ratings based on the different types of amputations:

    PercentInjury
    100%Amputation of both feet
    100%Amputation of both hands
    90%Amputation of entire arm from shoulder down
    90%Amputation below the shoulder but above the deltoid – dominant arm
    80%Amputation below the shoulder but above the deltoid – non dominant arm
    80%Amputation below the deltoid but above the elbow – dominant arm
    70%Amputation below the deltoid but above the elbow – non dominant arm
    80%Amputation above the pronator teres – dominant arm
    70%Amputation above the pronator teres – non dominant arm
    70%Amputation of hand with no arm function – dominant hand
    60%Amputation of hand with no arm function – non dominant hand
    90%Amputation of the leg at the hip
    80%Amputation at the upper thigh
    60%Amputation at the mid to lower thigh
    60%Where second amputation is required due to complications from first one
    60%Amputation that renders knee joint unusable
    40%Amputation below the knee
    40%Amputation that renders the foot or ankle unusable
    10-40%Amputation of foot at different levels

     

    Loss of Use and VA Disability Ratings

    Determinations of loss of use are made on the basis of the actual remaining function of the extremity. When looking at loss of use of the hand the VA considers the veteran’s ability to carry out acts of grasping, manipulating, etc. When looking at loss of use of the foot, the VA considers acts of balancing, propulsion, etc. Although the most common loss of use rating is for the hands and feet, loss of use can also be applied to:

    • An immobilized joint
    • A paralyzed limb
    • Loss of sight in one eye
    • Deafness in both ears
    • Inability to communicate by speech
    • Loss of a breast or both breasts

     

    Other Types of Benefits Available

    If you have suffered an amputation or loss of use, your benefits may include regular VA disability compensation as well as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). SMC is a monthly benefit for veterans with service-connected conditions that result in severe impairment. Veterans do not have to apply for SMC, rather the VA has a duty to consider whether a veteran is entitled to SMC and grant the benefit if it is warranted.

    Veterans Help Group works with veterans and their loved ones across the United States to get the disability benefits they deserve. We have 24 years of experience fighting for veterans, we are confident in our ability to hold the VA accountable. We can help, contact the experienced advocate at Veterans Help Group to evaluate your claims. Call us at 855-855-8992 or complete our free veterans benefits case evaluation form.

    More Articles

    The Importance of Documentation: Gathering Evidence for a PTSD VA Disability Claim

    The Importance of Documentation: Gathering Evidence for a PTSD VA Disability Claim Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common reasons veterans receive VA disability benefits. In 2022, 1,343,669 veterans were receiving benefits for service-connected PTSD....

    How to Win Your PTSD Claim

    How to Win Your PTSD Claim - Donnel Beckles, Managing VA Advocate, Veterans Help Group Donnel Beckles is a top Veterans Advocate, and a member of the National Organization for Veterans Advocates. Donnel is accredited to practice...

    PTSD and Veterans: Understanding the 100% Disability Rating Requirements

    PTSD and Veterans: Understanding the 100% Disability Rating Requirements Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among veterans, and many veterans receive veterans disability benefits for the condition. However, most are rated less than 100% disabled. The standard...

    What Causes PTSD to be Triggered in Veterans?

    In the past 15 years, the estimated number of veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD currently numbers more than 500,000. As many as 60,000 of these veterans are Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Estimates show more than 20% to 30% of veterans...

    FREE CASE EVALUATION 

    "*" indicates required fields

    Name*
    Hidden
    Hidden

    By submitting this form, I give express consent that this serves as my electronic signature to receive automated communications including calls, texts, emails, and prerecorded messages from Veterans Help Group, including a free consultation to determine if they can help me with a Social Security Disability and/or Veteran's Disability claim, and follow up and marketing communications. I understand that standard cellular, message and data rates will apply and that message frequency varies. I understand that I may opt out at any time by texting STOP. I waive all federal and state no-call registry protections. I understand my consent does not require me to purchase anything. Consent is not a condition of representation. I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy and SMS Terms of Service.

    I, agree and understand that by clicking Yes I agree, please contact me for a free consultation, this serves as my electronic signature, and that all electronic signatures are the legal equivalent of my manual/handwritten signature. I consent to be legally bound to this agreement.

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.