How VA Disability Ratings Work

A rating can be service connected even at 0%

A 0% rating means VA recognizes the condition as service connected but assigns no monthly compensation for that condition by itself. A compensable rating may qualify for monthly payment and other benefits. VA looks at medical evidence, the C&P exam if required, and the criteria for the specific diagnostic code.

The rating schedule has condition-specific standards. One diagnosis can receive different evaluations depending on symptoms, test results, frequency, functional impact, and the rules for that condition. Read the diagnostic code and the reasons in the decision letter rather than relying on a rating example from someone else's case.

VA: About disability ratings · eCFR: 38 CFR Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities

Combined ratings use VA math

VA combines multiple ratings using the whole-person method, starting with the highest rating and applying each next rating to the remaining efficiency. For example, 50% and 30% combine to 65%, which rounds to 70% after the other ratings are combined. The official Combined Ratings Table—not ordinary addition—controls the result.

If qualifying disabilities affect paired arms, legs, or paired skeletal muscles, the bilateral factor may apply. VA first combines the qualifying right- and left-side ratings, adds 10% of that combined value (not 10 percentage points), and then continues the remaining combinations under the regulation.

eCFR: 38 CFR § 4.25, Combined Ratings Table · eCFR: 38 CFR § 4.26, Bilateral Factor

Ratings affect compensation, but the amount can vary

Monthly compensation depends on the combined rating and may also depend on eligible dependents, special monthly compensation, and other factors. VA updates payment rates periodically, so use the current rate table rather than an old screenshot or online calculator. A 0% rating does not mean VA found no service connection.

VA: Current disability compensation rates

Schedular, extraschedular, and TDIU are different

A schedular rating applies the criteria in the rating schedule. An extraschedular evaluation may be considered in exceptional cases when the schedule does not adequately describe the disability picture; it is not an automatic higher rating. TDIU is different: it can pay compensation at the 100% rate when service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful work even though the combined schedular rating is below 100%.

TDIU and Individual Unemployability · VA disability appeals · eCFR: 38 CFR § 3.321, General rating considerations

Common rating mistakes

• Adding percentages together instead of using the Combined Ratings Table.
• Assuming every service-connected condition must have a compensable rating.
• Comparing your rating with another veteran's without comparing the medical evidence and diagnostic code.
• Missing the one-year period to request a review if the rating or effective date is wrong.

Common VA disability conditions · VA appeals process · SSA disability process