How VA Disability Ratings Work

After the Department of Veterans Affairs approves a disability claim, the next step is determining the disability rating. This rating determines the level of monthly compensation a veteran may receive.

Understanding how VA disability ratings work can help veterans better interpret their decision letters and understand how their benefits are calculated.

What a Disability Rating Represents

VA disability ratings are expressed as percentages.

Common ratings include:

• 10 percent

• 30 percent

• 50 percent

• 70 percent

• 100 percent

These percentages represent how much the condition is believed to impair the veteran’s overall health and ability to function.

Higher ratings generally result in higher monthly compensation.

How the VA Assigns Ratings

The VA uses a document called the Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

This schedule assigns percentage ratings based on:

• severity of symptoms

• frequency of symptoms

• impact on daily functioning

• medical findings and test results

Each medical condition has its own criteria within the rating schedule.

Combined Disability Ratings

Many veterans have more than one service-connected condition.

Instead of simply adding the percentages together, the VA uses a combined rating formula.

For example:

A veteran with a 50 percent disability and a 30 percent disability does not receive an 80 percent rating. Instead, the VA applies a formula that results in a combined rating of 65 percent, which is then rounded to 70 percent.

This process can be confusing, which is why many veterans carefully review their rating decisions.

Secondary Conditions and Ratings

Sometimes a condition develops as a result of another service-connected disability.

This is known as secondary service connection.

For example:

A veteran service-connected for chronic sinusitis may later develop sleep apnea or migraine headaches related to that condition. If the medical evidence supports the connection, the secondary condition may receive its own disability rating.

When Ratings Can Change

VA disability ratings are not always permanent.

Ratings may change if:

• symptoms improve

• symptoms worsen

• new medical evidence is submitted

• additional conditions become service connected

In some cases, veterans may qualify for higher ratings if their symptoms meet the criteria for a different percentage level.

Learning More About VA Disability Claims

Veterans navigating the VA disability system may also find these resources helpful:

• How to Read a VA Decision Letter

• Why VA Disability Claims Get Denied

• Supplemental Claim vs Higher Level Review vs Board Appeal

These guides explain how claims are evaluated and what veterans can expect at each stage of the process.

Donald “Chris” Burnette is an attorney and Air Force veteran who focuses on federal law and matters before federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Before starting the Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC, he served in federal leadership roles within the Department of the Interior and National Park Service. His practice helps veterans, federal employees, and mission-driven organizations navigate complex federal systems.