How does the VA determine disability ratings?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/16/2025
When a veteran files for disability benefits, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the service-connected condition. This rating plays a critical role—it determines both your monthly compensation and your eligibility for other VA benefits. Understanding how the VA calculates these ratings can help you better prepare your claim and maximize your entitled benefits.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
What Is a VA Disability Rating?
A VA disability rating is a percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%, that reflects how much your service-connected condition impairs your ability to work and function in daily life. The higher the percentage, the greater the level of disability—and the higher the monthly benefit payment.
How the VA Assigns a Disability Rating
The VA follows a structured process:
- Medical Evidence Review: The VA reviews your medical records, doctor’s reports, service treatment records, and results from your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.
- VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD): Each condition has its own criteria under the VASRD. The VA matches your symptoms and limitations to the schedule to assign a rating.
- Severity of Symptoms: They consider the frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms—and how they impact your everyday life.
- Functional Loss: The VA also looks at how your condition limits your ability to work, perform daily tasks, and maintain personal relationships.
Common Factors That Affect Ratings
- Multiple Conditions: If you have more than one service-connected disability, the VA uses a combined rating formula, not simple addition.
- Secondary Service Connection: Conditions that result from a service-connected disability (like depression caused by a back injury) can also be rated and added to your overall percentage.
- Aggravated Conditions: Pre-existing conditions worsened by military service are eligible for ratings as well.
How Are Combined Ratings Calculated?
VA uses a special combined ratings table—not standard math. For example:
- If you have a 50% rating for one condition and a 30% for another, your combined rating isn’t 80%.
- Instead, VA calculates the remaining efficiency after the first disability and applies the next disability’s percentage to that remaining efficiency.
Result: Your final rating would be around 65%, rounded to 70% for benefits purposes.
What If You Disagree with Your Rating?
If you believe the VA assigned an incorrect rating, you can:
- File a Supplemental Claim with new evidence
- Request a Higher-Level Review
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals
Each option allows you to challenge the VA's decision and potentially secure a higher rating.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we assist veterans in navigating the VA disability claims process. Whether you’re filing your initial claim, seeking a higher rating, or appealing a decision, our experienced team can help:
- Gather critical medical and service records
- Prepare and submit a strong application
- Develop a strategy to maximize your disability rating
- Represent you in hearings and appeals
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Need help understanding or increasing your VA disability rating? Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to ensure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you