VA disability ratings, in plain English.

What a "rating" actually is

A VA disability rating is a percentage — 0%, 10%, 20%, all the way to 100% in 10-point steps — that represents how much a service-connected condition affects your earning capacity. The higher your combined rating, the more you receive in tax-free monthly compensation, and the more VA healthcare you get.

2025 monthly compensation rates (basic, no dependents)

• 10% — $171.23/month
• 20% — $338.49/month
• 30% — $524.31/month
• 40% — $755.28/month
• 50% — $1,075.16/month
• 60% — $1,361.88/month
• 70% — $1,716.28/month
• 80% — $1,995.01/month
• 90% — $2,241.91/month
• 100% — $3,737.85/month

Rates above are basic. Higher amounts apply at 30%+ if you have a dependent spouse, child, or parent. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is paid in addition for severe loss-of-use cases.

How "combined rating" math actually works

If you have one 50% disability and one 30% disability — your combined rating is not 80%. The VA uses what's called "VA math" or the whole-person theory.

1. Start with 100% efficiency.
2. Apply the highest disability first — 50% leaves you 50% efficient.
3. Apply the next disability to remaining efficiency — 30% of 50% = 15% loss.
4. Subtract from 100% — 100 - 50 - 15 = 35% combined.
5. Round to nearest 10% — your rating is 40%.

This is why high ratings are hard. Plug your disabilities into the VA combined ratings calculator instead of doing the math yourself.

What "service connection" means

For a condition to be rated, it must be service-connected — meaning the VA accepts that your service caused or aggravated it. There are several paths:

• Direct — clear in-service incident or exposure (a documented injury, an MOS-related condition).
• Presumptive — the law presumes connection if you served in a covered location and have a covered condition. Most PACT Act conditions are presumptive. See the full list.
• Secondary — a condition caused by another already-service-connected condition (e.g., depression caused by chronic pain).
• Aggravated — pre-existing condition made worse by service.

How to file — for free

1. Use a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). DAV, VFW, American Legion, MOAA, PVA — they file VA disability claims at no cost. Always. Find one here.
2. Gather your medical evidence. Service records (DD-214, STRs), VA medical records, private doctor records, current diagnosis. The VSO helps with this.
3. File the claim on VA.gov (Form 21-526EZ). Or let the VSO do it for you.
4. Attend the C&P exam when scheduled. Be honest, be specific about bad days, don't downplay.
5. Wait for the decision letter. Currently averaging about 4 months for fully developed claims.

The C&P exam — what to know

The Compensation & Pension exam is how the VA evaluates your condition. It's NOT treatment — the examiner is just collecting data for the rating decision. Tips:

• Describe your worst day, not your average day.
• Be specific about how the condition affects work, sleep, relationships.
• Don't push through pain to "look strong." Honest range of motion is what gets rated.
• Bring a list of symptoms and frequency.

If you get a low rating — appeal

About 35% of initial decisions get changed on appeal. Three options:

• Higher-Level Review — senior reviewer looks at the same record. No new evidence.
• Supplemental Claim — adds new evidence (medical record, lay statement, doctor's letter).
• Board Appeal — goes to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Slower, but most favorable on contested issues.

VSOs handle appeals, free.

Don't pay a "claim shark"

Companies that charge percentage fees ("we'll get your rating up for 25% of your back pay") are illegal under federal law for filing initial claims. They are also the largest scam category targeting veterans. See our scam alerts page.

Get help

PACT Act presumptive conditions →