The VA assigns a disability rating for veterans with service-connected conditions to provide financial compensation, support and other benefits. This is a way for the VA to recognize a veteran’s inability to maintain gainful employment due to the conditions they receive during their active line of duty.
These ratings consist of a percentage, ranging from 10% to 100% VA disability rating; the higher the percentage, the higher your compensation is. It is natural for veterans to aim for a 100% VA disability pay rate, but the process can be daunting.
If you need educational help with the VA disability claims process, then don’t hesitate to get help from J4V. We help simplify the process and provide you with the necessary information and knowledge for potential VA disability rates of 100 percent or how to convert your rating from 90 to 100 VA disability rating.
Main Types of 100% VA Disability Ratings
There are different categories of a VA disability 100% rating, each comes with distinct qualifications, which are critical to secure maximum benefits of a 100% va disability rating.
Schedular 100% Disability Ratings
The 100% schedular disability ratings pertains to a veteran having multiple service-connected disabilities which adds up to 100%.
When a veteran receives multiple service-connected conditions, with a unique disability rating, the VA utilizes their exclusive formula called VA Math, calculating VA disability starting from the highest, down to the lowest.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
The Total Disability Individual Unemployability—or TDIU—is a disability benefit enabling veterans to receive a 100% VA rating even if the combined disability rating does not equate to 100%.
Veterans who are unable to find employment to support their lifestyle receive this benefit.
According to the 38 CFR § 4.16(a), there are two ways that allow the veteran to obtain a TDIU.
- One service-connected disability with the rating of 60% or more, or
- The veteran received at least two ratings—one rated at least 40%—and has a combined total rating of 70%.
If a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, there are five key methods for combining them to meet the required 60 percent or 40 percent thresholds for TDIU eligibility:
- Disabilities affecting one or both upper extremities or one or both lower extremities can be grouped into a single rating.
- Conditions resulting from a shared cause or a single incident can be combined into one rating.
- Disabilities impacting the same body system may be merged into a single rating.
- Multiple conditions sustained during combat can be consolidated into one rating.
- Former prisoners of war (POWs) can combine disabilities they acquired during their captivity into a single rating.
Temporary 100% Disability Rating
The VA also awards a 100% disability rating for veterans who experienced temporary incapacitation as long as it is service-related.
There are three ways to receive this benefit:
Pre-stabilization
The VA usually assigns a 100% rating for veterans that have pre-stabilized conditions—severe injuries that veterans may experience for an indefinite period—if the veteran is unable to acquire employment due to their conditions.
Pre-stabilization ratings are not granted if veterans qualify right away for a 100 percent schedular disability rating under the standard rating schedule or for 100 percent based on TDIU.
Hospitalization
Veterans hospitalized for over 21 days due to a service-related condition may be eligible for a temporary 100 percent hospitalization rating.
The veteran should receive their treatments at a VA-approved facility or hospital. The 100% rating will continue until the end of the month from the moment the veteran concludes treatment.
If the veteran stays in the hospital for more than six months, a second review of their conditions is necessary to determine whether they qualify for a scheduled 100% rating.
Convalescence
Veterans recovering from treatment or surgery for a service-connected condition receive temporary total ratings for convalescence from the VA. This temporary 100 percent disability rating applies when the procedure occurs at a VA facility or a VA-approved center.
Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability Rating
100 P&T VA disability rating is reserved for veterans with severe, service-connected conditions that are unlikely to improve over time. It provides veterans with lifetime benefits without requiring periodic reevaluation.
Usual conditions qualifying for P&T include terminal illnesses or severe traumatic brain injuries.
No, 100 P&T and 100% Temporary Disability Rating Are Not the Same
100 P&T refers to a permanent classification that offers veterans long-term VA compensation to support them with their daily lives and medical necessities.
Meanwhile, 100% temporary disability ratings are subject to reassessment. If you’ve received a 100% temporary rating, chances are the VA discovered that you are most likely to recover from your condition.
Challenges in Achieving a 100% Disability Rating
Some questions that veterans raise like how to achieve a 100% disability rating or ifcan a VA 100 P&T be reduced.
These questions, along with other factors, are an ongoing challenge for many veterans in achieving an appropriate and correct VA rating. Here are some of the major reasons:
- Lack of medical evidence and documentation
- Complexity of the VA Math
- Appealing a Denied Claim
- Misunderstanding of their eligibilities
Pathways to Achieve 100% Disability Rating
While achieving a 100% VA disability rating requires effort and persistence, the following strategies can improve your chances:
- Provide Comprehensive Medical Evidence: Include detailed medical records, service treatment records, and nexus letters linking your condition to your military service.
- Pursue Secondary Conditions: If your primary condition has caused additional health issues, include these in your claim for a higher combined rating.
- Explore TDIU Eligibility: If your conditions prevent you from working, apply for TDIU even if your schedular rating is below 100%.
- Request Reevaluations: If your condition has worsened over time, file for an increase in your rating with updated medical evidence.
- Appeal Denied Claims: Don’t give up after a denial. File a supplemental claim with new evidence or seek a review by a higher-level adjudicator.
Our J4V Veteran Coaches Can Help
Just4Veterans provides education support to ensure that veterans are well-informed of their options and ensure that they acquire the appropriate rating for their claim.
From assisting with medical documentation to guiding you through appeals, our dedicated coaches are here to help you achieve the rating you deserve.
If you think you are eligible for a 100% VA rating, then don’t hesitate to contact us so we can discuss your strategy.