Schedular and extraschedular ratings from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) differ based on condition symptoms. The VA will assign schedular ratings to a condition with standard, established symptoms. It will use extraschedular ratings when a condition is unique or severe to the point that traditional criteria don’t accurately reflect its true disability level.
Talk with a Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyer about the difference between schedular and extraschedular VA ratings.
If your request for an extraschedular VA rating has been denied or your rating is too low, your attorney can appeal on your behalf and put you in a strong position to have the original decision overturned.
A Closer Look at the Key Differences Between Schedular and Extraschedular VA Ratings
Schedular ratings follow the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Local VA offices assign schedular ratings, and a list of symptoms is used to determine how a disability is rated. Meanwhile, schedular Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) requires meeting specific percentage thresholds (60% or 70%).
Extraschedular VA ratings are available for cases that fall outside typical criteria. They often require a higher rating than what the standard code permits.
Local VA offices and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) can identify the need for one, and these cases can be referred to the Director of the VA Compensation and Pension Service for approval.
To receive an extraschedular VA rating, you will have to provide proof to verify that your condition is “exceptional or unusual” and causes extreme, marked interference with employment. Furthermore, extraschedular TDIU may apply to your case if you are unemployable due to your condition but don’t meet the required percentage thresholds.
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Is It Better to Get a Schedular or Extraschedular VA Rating?
If your service-connected disability symptoms go beyond those described in VA rating criteria and cause significant interference with employment or frequent hospitalization, you may be entitled to an extraschedular rating.
With this, you could get more money than what you would receive if you were assigned a schedular VA rating.
As you look for a VA disability lawyer, search for one who’s familiar with the differences between schedular and extraschedular Veterans Affairs ratings.
Your attorney can help highlight the severity of your disability to the VA. That way, they can boost your chances of getting your claim approved and receiving benefits that serve you well for the foreseeable future.
Your attorney can address any concerns or questions you have about how to file a VA disability claim and any challenges you could encounter along the way. They can help you submit medical records, lay statements, and other evidence to Veterans Affairs, making it clear that your disability benefits request is warranted.
What to Do to Obtain an Extraschedular VA Rating
Partner with a Veterans Disability lawyer with a track record of success in cases similar to yours. Your attorney knows the differences between schedular and extraschedular VA ratings.
They can provide insights into what you can claim for VA Disability and if your condition qualifies for an extraschedular rating.
If so, your lawyer may advise you to:
- Highlight your exceptional circumstances to the VA. Make sure your condition shows a “unique disability picture” in which the standard rating criteria don’t sufficiently capture just how much your limitations affect you on an everyday basis.
- Detail how your disability disrupts your ability to work. Gather evidence that illustrates that your disability makes it impossible for you to hold a job. Your proof should also include information about unusual hospitalizations or treatments not covered in the VA’s rating criteria and nexus letters that link your symptoms to your military service.
- File a claim for an increase. Submit VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim) to formally request extraschedular consideration.
- Get a vocational expert’s opinion. Have a vocational expert provide a statement proving that you can’t work. This statement can make it exceedingly difficult for the VA to deny your claim.
Unfortunately, Veterans Affairs will deny an extraschedular rating request if your condition symptoms are covered under the current rating code, you don’t provide enough evidence, or for other reasons.
If your request is denied or the rating you’re given is inadequate, your Veterans Disability attorney can file a Supplemental Claim or request a Higher-Level Review.
Learn More About the Difference Between a Schedular VA Rating and an Extraschedular VA Rating
There is a stark difference in terms of schedular and extraschedular VA ratings. Veterans Disability lawyers can teach you about both types of ratings and how the VA’s decision to assign either one to you based on your condition could impact you for years to come.
Marc Whitehead & Associates gives you access to a legal team with more than 120 years of combined experience. If you’re wondering whether your condition would fall in line with a schedular or extraschedular VA rating, we’re here to help. For more information, schedule a consultation.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form