When a veteran applies for disability benefits, the first thing that must happen is the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates the claim to determine whether the disability is service-connected. Once a service connection is established, the next step in the VA claims process is to establish the amount of their monthly compensation payment. The payment amount of these disability claims is calculated based on what degree the veteran’s disability would impair the average person earning a living wage in the United States.
Less severe disabilities receive lower ratings, and therefore less compensation. Oddly, a veteran’s individual earning ability is not taken into account at all. That means the disability claims for a surgeon are calculated the same way as they are for a secretary.
What Is The VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities?
The Schedule of Rating Disabilities is the VA’s accounting of how it assesses the severity of disabilities. Disabilities are broken down by body part affected, then by groups medical issues, then by diagnoses. Each diagnosis has a diagnostic code that specifies symptoms required for that disability.
The 10 Grades of Disability
The Schedule of Rating Disabilities doesn’t just categorize disabilities, it also is what the VA uses to establish just how disabled a veteran is. The VA has establish 10 grades of disability. These grades are: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. Under each diagnostic code, different grades will be described for the assessor to choose from in evaluating the veterans disability rating. The higher the disability evaluation grade, the higher the veteran’s monthly payment.
A grade of 100% means the veteran is totally disabled and unable to work, providing them with the highest possible monthly payment. And even veterans with a service connected disability that only leaves them with a 0% disability grade may be entitled to some pretty great benefits that will help support their lives. Some of these benefits can include: VA health care, job retention rights, and priority when applying for state or federal jobs.
Once a disability percentage grade is established, a veteran is not necessarily stuck with that grade for the rest of their life. The VA claims process allows veterans to apply for an increase in their grade if their service-connected condition gets worse.
What To Do If You Feel Your Rating Is Too Low
If you feel your disability rating does not accurately affect the severity of your disability, you can appeal the decision. The VA attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates can help. Contact us today at 800-562-9830.