⚕ Rating Guide
VA Disability Rating Guide
How ratings are assigned, what conditions qualify, how to prepare for your C&P exam, and how secondary claims can significantly increase your combined rating.
View Disability Benefits CalculatorHow ratings are assigned, what conditions qualify, how to prepare for your C&P exam, and how secondary claims can significantly increase your combined rating.
View Disability Benefits CalculatorThe VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is a complex regulatory framework most veterans never read but desperately need to understand. Your rating percentage determines tens of thousands of dollars in annual benefits. This guide explains how ratings are assigned, what conditions commonly get rated, and how to build the strongest possible claim.
File a claim for EVERY condition that started, worsened, or was aggravated during your military service. The VA only compensates what you claim. Conditions you don't claim don't get rated. Over-claiming costs you nothing except time. Under-claiming costs you money for life.
The VASRD assigns disability percentages based on the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms. For most conditions, ratings are assigned in increments: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%. A 0% rating means the condition is service-connected but not currently severe enough to compensate - this still matters because it establishes service connection for future claims.
Range of motion determines rating. Less than 30 degrees flexion = 50%. Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability = 10-30%. Provide functional impact documentation from your VA physician.
Very CommonBased on range of motion and radiculopathy. Flexion limited to 30 degrees or less = 40%. Incapacitating episodes 2+ weeks/year = 20%. Document all flare-ups and functional limitations.
Very CommonBased on arm range of motion. Arm raised to 90 degrees or less = 20% for major arm. Ensure your dominant arm (major) is correctly identified in claims.
CommonAcquired flatfoot: 30% per foot if severe. Commonly overlooked. Military service frequently causes or aggravates this condition.
Often OverlookedRated at 10% for one or both ears - no higher under VASRD. Almost universally service-connected for veterans exposed to weapons, aircraft, or heavy equipment. File this claim even if you think the ringing is minor.
File This NowRating based on audiogram results using a chart of average hearing thresholds. Must be evaluated by a VA audiologist. Get a private audiogram first to understand your baseline before the C&P exam.
Get Audiogram FirstRated at 10-100% based on social and occupational impairment. 50% = occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. 70% = occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. Buddy statements and personal statements documenting functional impact are critical.
Documentation CriticalComplex rating - evaluated across 10 neurobehavioral symptom categories. Each symptom rated separately. Cognitive symptoms, emotional symptoms, and physical symptoms all documented. Neuropsychological evaluation strongly recommended.
Complex ClaimSame rating scale as PTSD. Often secondary to service-connected physical conditions - a chronic pain condition causing depression can be claimed as a secondary condition. Secondary claims are often overlooked.
Secondary Claims50% if requires use of breathing assistance device (CPAP/BiPAP). Commonly secondary to PTSD, TBI, or obesity related to service-connected conditions. If you've been prescribed a CPAP, you likely qualify for 50%. This single condition can significantly increase your combined rating.
High Impact10-60% based on diastolic blood pressure readings. Commonly secondary to PTSD or service stress. Must show service connection or nexus to a service-connected condition.
Secondary ClaimVeterans who served in Southwest Asia theaters after August 1990 may qualify for presumptive service connection for a range of chronic undiagnosed illnesses. No nexus letter required - service in the theater establishes connection.
PresumptiveThe Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is where most claims are won or lost. The VA schedules an exam with one of their contracted providers to evaluate your conditions. This is not a treatment visit - it is a rating exam. The examiner's report directly influences your rating decision.
A secondary condition is a disability that is caused by or aggravated by a service-connected primary condition. These are often the highest-value claims veterans miss. If your service-connected knee condition causes you to walk differently and that has caused hip problems - the hip can be claimed as secondary. If your PTSD is causing you to overeat and you've developed diabetes - potentially secondary. If your pain medication is causing liver issues - potentially secondary. Think through every health problem you have and consider whether a service-connected condition is a contributing cause.
A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a qualified provider stating that your condition is "at least as likely as not" related to your military service. This is the language the VA needs. For conditions not automatically service-connected, a nexus letter from a private physician (or your VA physician) is often the difference between approval and denial. The letter should cite your military service record, your medical history, and medical literature supporting the connection.
Once you know your rating, understand exactly what monthly compensation and additional benefits you are entitled to.
View Disability Benefits Calculator