If you’ve been injured during service or have a current service-connected disability, the VA assigns a VA disability rating.  VA ratings range from 0 to 100% in increments of 10.

It’s crucial to understand that not all disabilities receive the same rating or follow the same criteria. The VA usually reserves the 0% rating for conditions.

A 0% disability rating means your condition is service-connected and eligible for compensation if it worsens. You no longer need to prove your condition was caused by service, but you will need to prove your 0% service-connected condition has increased in severity enough to grant a 10% or higher evaluation. Keep in mind, that you won’t receive monthly compensation at 0%, but you may qualify for certain ancillary benefits like health care.

To be eligible for monthly VA benefits, you must receive a disability rating of 10% or higher.

A 100% rating is usually assigned to (1) one or multiple service-connected conditions that combine to 100% using VA Math. Ratings between 10 to 100% are determined based on specific criteria, making credible and accurate evidence crucial during the submission process.

Note: “VA Math” for disability ratings does not follow regular math rules. For example, normally 20+30=50%, but in “VA Math”, it’s 40%.

Depending on your combined rating and ability to work, you may be eligible for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU compensates veterans at a 100% rate when they’re unable to work due to service-connected disabilities. However, several factors must be met to qualify for TDIU.