When it comes to veterans’ disability compensation in case of a serious or mild service-related injury, nothing can be more confusing than the organization’s compensation rating system or how they determine the level of compensation an injured veteran is entitled to.
You see, the VA disability rating system essentially puts a percentage value on an injured veteran, provided they can prove they have a service-related injury or disability. The 100% level means that the veteran has been severely injured or has a serious service-related disability and will not be able to work to support themselves or their family due to their injury or disability. In this case, if it is proven, the veteran will be awarded the highest compensation package and a 100% VA rating.
Severe injuries that can constitute a 100% rating can include advanced-stage cancer because of the veteran services, severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), one or more limb amputations, etc.
Understanding the Department of Veteran Affairs Rating System for Disabled or Injured Veterans
Veterans Affairs explains that a service-related disability or injury is one that can lead to an inhibition or impairment of any sort to live a normal lifestyle or lead to the mental impairment of the veteran. When a veteran can’t work or live a comfortable life due to their disability, they are entitled to compensation. However, there are different tiers of that compensation.
After the veteran submits their documents, which will include a complete report by the medical examiner backing that vet’s claims of their serious injury or disability, the VA will further evaluate their claims and ensure that the injury was indeed service-related. Then, using the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), the VA denotes different diagnostic values for the veteran. These are basically disability values that range from 0 to 100%.
So, if the disability or injury is debilitatingly severe, the VA will assign the highest rating, which is 100%. However, in case the veteran has multiple injuries due to their service, the VA will evaluate the injuries individuals, assigning different ratings to each injury, which is what will determine the total compensation the veteran will receive.
Understanding the VA 100% Disability Rating
A veteran with a 100% VA disability rating is one that has the most severe or debilitating injury or disability making it extremely difficult for individuals to find employment or improve their standard of living. Of course, the veteran’s injuries must be service-related, and the individual must categorically prove that to the VA.
While the 100% VA injury rating is the highest disability value and compensation that can be given to a veteran, in very specific cases, such as multiple debilitating injuries or disabilities, the Department of Veterans Affairs will provide that individual with additional compensation.
A Glimpse into Different Variations of Total Disability Ratings
The VA has defined multiple different types of disabilities, especially when you talk about total or severe disabilities. These are:
Schedular Disability for 100% VA Rating
This is essentially the highest disability rating assigned to a veteran who has more than one debilitating injury.
TDIU Or Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability
This refers to a veteran who has been unsuccessful in securing meaningful employment because of their serious injuries or disabilities.
P&T or Permanent and Total VA Disability Rating
Veterans categorized as having a permanent and total disability are those individuals who have very severe injuries and recovering from those injuries is highly unlikely.
Temporary Injury/Disability VA Rating
This is for veterans who have sustained temporary service-related injuries or disabilities, rendering them temporarily incapacitated.
A Look into How the Department of Veterans Affairs Determines a Disability Rating
It is important to take note that if the VA assigns a rating for a single condition of a veteran, the compensation and total rating for that vet would essentially be based on that single condition. However, many veterans are rated for more than one injury or disability, which refers to something known as a combined rating.
Among the chief misconceptions revolving around VA disability compensation is that a combined rating means that all the injuries will be clubbed together for higher compensation. This is not true. The Department of Veterans Affairs basically uses a chart comprising multiple injury ratings. For instance, the VA will first consider the veteran’s most severe injury and then evaluate minor or less severe injuries.
For example, a veteran may get a notification from the VA telling them that they have two proven service-related injuries or disabilities – such as a traumatic brain injury and back pain. Now both injuries will be rated 50%, which would mean that the total rating would be 100%. However, it is possible that the veteran would be rated 80% because the VA has determined that while the TBI is problematic, the back injury may not be as severe, giving it a 30% rating.
Understanding How a Veteran May Qualify for a Veterans Affairs 100% Disability Rating
There are a variety of things that can make a veteran who has severe service-related injury eligible for a 100% VA disability rating. However, it is imperative to know that the veteran will have to prove their disability, or injury is service-related and that their claims will be investigated and thoroughly evaluated by the VA. Considering this, here are some elements that can help you qualify for a 100% rating.
Debilitating or Severe Disabilities
Sustaining one single serious disability that can inhibit you from optimizing your lifestyle or getting a job can be enough for you to claim a 100% VA rating. This can include things like loss of one or multiple limbs, advanced-stage cancer, severe TBI, etc.
More Than One Less Severe Disabilities
Sustaining multiple fewer debilitating injuries while in the line of duty or because of your direct or indirect service can also improve your chances of getting a 100% VA rating.
A Complete and Verified Medical Report
You must compile multiple verified and authenticated medical reports by credible doctors or physicians that can conclusively prove that your injuries are service-related.