HOW VA DISABILITY RATINGS WORK
The US Department of Veterans Affairs determines a disability rating after reviewing your service treatment records (“STR”), C&P exam report and any other evidence submitted to them in support of your claim based on the criteria below. You may have one or more symptoms in a higher disability rating, but still receive a lower rating that reflects where MOST of your symptoms are present. If you have multiple injuries, disability ratings are not added together (60%+40%≠100%). The VA has an internal ranking system of injuries that will determine your final disability rating.
These charts are meant to give a clearer description of how VA rates conditions and are
FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND DOES NOT REPLACE 38 CFR SCHEDULE OF RATINGS.
We will be adding information daily so please check back regularly!
In addition, changes occur often with the VA. Charts will change as the laws change.
Here you will find several charts describing everything from how to file ... to how conditions are rated and what percentages.
The Code of Federal Regulations or CFR is full of a lot of small typed often confusing descriptions of illnesses, ailments and injuries.
We have attempted to take that 'legalese' and boil it down to a more palatable form. More readable and easier to try to figure out how the VA rates conditions.
Along the way you may see tips to help improve your chances of getting rated properly.
On February 15th, 2022, the VA published proposed changes to the Mental Disorder, Respiratory and Ears, Nose & Throat ratings.
Select for a run down:
Mental Disorders - VA target date of Spring 2025 for final rule publication.
Important changes to all mental health conditions!
Respiratory - VA target date of Spring 2025 for final rule publication.
Important changes to sleep apnea!
Ears, Nose & Throat - VA target date of Spring 2025 for final rule publication.
Important changes to tinnitus!
On November 12, 2024, the VA published proposed changes to Central Nervous System ratings for neurological conditions and convulsive disorders.
This is a critical update for veterans, as the Neurological System includes conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and peripheral nerves.
NOTE: Once the VA has finalized the proposed changes, there will be 30-60 days before any changes actually take effect. Check here at this website for any updates.
Neurological system has new proposed rules set to be published. - Target date of initial publication is the Spring 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: Any currently rated condition will not change. These changes go forward.
Guarantee: Our guarantee is ... there is no guarantee. After 30 years of dealing with the VA the one consistency is they will not be consistent.
A claim that was, in our opinion a 'sure-fire' approval might not get approved. A claim that seemed 'out in left field' would get approved.
Using the hints and suggestions on this page will give you a very good chance of approval. That cannot be guaranteed, and we hope you understand.