Starting January 1st, 2021, VA disability recipients saw a 1.3% increase in monthly benefits due to the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) adjustment. This increase is consistent with the rise in Social Security benefits.
Understanding the VA Disability Rating System
The VA disability rating system is complex and often subjective. Standard addition doesn’t apply when calculating combined disability ratings (“VA math”).
Navigating the Claims Process
While disabled veterans are entitled to compensation, the disability evaluation process can be lengthy and challenging. A knowledgeable VA disability attorney can provide valuable guidance, ensuring veterans make informed decisions and receive the benefits they deserve.
Household Profile and Its Impact on Benefits
The concept of “disability” extends beyond medical conditions, encompassing educational, vocational, and economic factors. While household income is usually irrelevant in VA disability claims, household size can influence benefit amounts. Married veterans and those supporting dependents, such as children or parents, may be eligible for increased benefits.
Types of Disabilities and Ratings
The VA uses a disability rating system for most conditions, assigning a percentage between zero and 100% based on medical diagnosis and symptoms. Accurate medical evidence is crucial, as VA physicians may not always correctly evaluate conditions, and veterans might struggle to describe their symptoms fully.
VA Math and Combined Disability Ratings
When a veteran has multiple disabilities, the combined rating isn’t a simple sum of individual ratings. The VA uses a combined disability table to determine the overall rating, giving more weight to the most severe disability.
For example, a veteran with a 50% PTSD rating, 50% sleep apnea rating, 20% diabetes rating, and 20% back pain rating would likely have a combined rating around 70%, not the 140% that a simple addition would suggest. This is because each disability rating is applied to the remaining percentage of healthy function.
If you disagree with the VA’s decision regarding your disability rating, you can appeal. It’s advisable to consult with a VA disability attorney to understand the appeals process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact a VA Disability Attorney Today
The VA disability rating system can be confusing. For a free consultation with an
experienced Veterans disability lawyer, contact the Cameron Firm, PC, at 800-861-7262 or fill out the contact box to your right. We’re here to represent Veterans nationwide.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship.