What Does 100% VA Disability Permanent and Total Mean?

A 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating means that the VA has determined that your service-connected disability is completely disabling and is not expected to improve. This rating means you are eligible for the maximum VA disability compensation, and your disability is considered permanent.

The Permanent and Total rating typically means the VA believes that you will be unable to improve or recover enough to return to gainful employment. It also means that you no longer need to undergo regular re-evaluations of your condition.

Can You Work While Receiving 100% VA Disability P&T?

While you are allowed to work with a 100% VA disability permanent and total rating, it’s important to consider several key points regarding employment and how it affects your disability benefits:

Impact on VA Disability Benefits

The VA disability compensation you receive for a 100% P&T rating is generally based on the fact that you are unable to work due to your disability. However, working while receiving benefits doesn’t necessarily mean that you will lose those benefits, as long as:

• Your Employment is Non-Gainful: The VA focuses on substantial gainful activity (SGA) when determining whether a veteran is disabled. If you engage in work that earns above the SGA limit, it may be seen as evidence that your condition is not as disabling as originally rated. The current SGA limit for 2025 is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals.
• Work Does Not Exceed SGA Limits: If your income from employment is below the SGA limit, your 100% P&T rating should remain intact. Many veterans with 100% P&T ratings are able to work part-time or in jobs that accommodate their disability, such as remote or sedentary work.

Employment that Is Considered by the VA

The VA will look at how much money you earn and the type of work you do. Here are the general guidelines:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you earn more than the SGA limit, the VA may reassess your disability status. This means that if you are consistently working in a full-time job or earning wages higher than the SGA threshold, the VA may conclude that you are capable of working and may adjust or even remove your 100% P&T rating.
• Unemployment due to Disability: If you are working in a job that accommodates your disability (e.g., light-duty work, part-time positions), or you are engaged in a job with minimal income that doesn’t exceed the SGA threshold, you can continue receiving your 100% disability benefits.

The Effect of Employment on VA Health Care

Veterans who are rated 100% P&T may also be eligible for VA health care benefits. Earning income from work generally does not affect your eligibility for VA health care, as long as you maintain the P&T rating and meet the income limits.

However, you may need to report your employment and income to the VA. If your income exceeds a certain threshold, it could potentially affect your eligibility for certain income-based benefits, such as pension or housing assistance.

Impact on Special Compensation or Benefits

Some veterans with a 100% P&T disability rating may also qualify for special monthly compensation (SMC), a benefit that provides additional compensation for specific conditions, like the need for regular aid and attendance or for veterans with loss of limbs. Earning income from work generally does not impact your eligibility for these additional benefits.

However, if your work activity is considered as substantial gainful employment, the VA may review your eligibility for certain types of compensation or benefits.

Work That Won't Likely Affect Your VA Disability Rating

Veterans can work in a variety of ways while still retaining their 100% P&T disability status, especially if the employment is consistent with their physical and mental health limitations. Here are some examples:

• Part-Time Work or Freelance Work: Many veterans with 100% P&T disability work part-time, do freelance work, or work from home in jobs that accommodate their condition.
• Volunteer Work: Volunteering may be a good option if you want to remain active without the pressure of earning a paycheck. The VA generally doesn’t consider volunteer work as a threat to your disability benefits.
• Low-Income Jobs: As long as your job doesn’t generate more than the SGA limit, you can earn income in a way that will not jeopardize your benefits.