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How VA Disability Ratings Are Determined
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the Schedule for Rating Disabilities found in 38 CFR Part 4. Each condition is evaluated against specific diagnostic criteria that measure the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your ability to function in daily life and work.
Ratings are assigned in increments of 10%, from 0% to 100%. A 0% rating means your condition is service-connected but not severe enough to warrant compensation. The rating you receive depends on the evidence in your medical records, the findings at your Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, and how your symptoms align with the rating criteria for that specific condition.
Many conditions have a range of possible ratings. For example, PTSD can be rated from 0% to 100% depending on the severity of occupational and social impairment. The typical ratings shown in this tool reflect the most commonly awarded percentages based on available data.
Understanding VA Math: Why Ratings Don't Simply Add Up
The VA uses the "whole-person" method to combine multiple disability ratings. Rather than adding percentages together, each rating is applied to your remaining non-disabled portion.
Example: Say you have PTSD rated at 50% and a knee condition rated at 20%.
- Start with 100% of a whole person.
- Apply 50% (PTSD): you are 50% disabled, with 50% remaining.
- Apply 20% (knee) to the remaining 50%: 20% × 50% = 10% additional disability.
- Total: 50% + 10% = 60% combined (raw).
- Round to nearest 10%: 60% final VA rating.
This means two conditions at 50% each do not equal 100% — they combine to 75%, which rounds to 80%. Each additional condition has a diminishing impact, so it is important to claim every service-connected condition to maximize your combined rating.
Tips to Maximize Your VA Rating
- Claim secondary conditions. Many conditions are caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability. For example, back pain may cause radiculopathy, or PTSD may lead to depression or sleep problems. Each secondary condition adds to your combined rating. Look up secondary conditions here.
- Do not downplay symptoms at your C&P exam. The examiner is evaluating your worst days, not your best. Describe how your condition affects you on a bad day, including impacts on work, relationships, and daily activities.
- Get a nexus letter. A nexus letter from a medical professional connects your current condition to your military service. This is often the missing piece that makes or breaks a claim.
- File for all conditions at once. Filing all your conditions together is more efficient than filing one at a time. The VA will schedule fewer exams and you receive back pay from a single effective date.
- Request your C-file before filing. Review your claims file to make sure your service treatment records and relevant evidence are included before the VA makes a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the typical ratings shown here guaranteed?
No. The typical ratings shown are based on commonly awarded percentages, but your actual rating depends on your specific medical evidence, C&P exam findings, and how your symptoms match the rating criteria in 38 CFR Part 4. Your rating could be higher or lower than the typical range.
What is the difference between this tool and the VA Rating Calculator?
This estimator helps you explore what ratings you might receive for specific conditions before you file. The VA Rating Calculator is for veterans who already know their individual ratings and want to calculate the combined result using VA math.
Can I claim conditions that are not on this list?
Yes. This tool includes the most commonly claimed conditions, but the VA rates hundreds of conditions. If your condition is service-connected, you can file a claim for it regardless of whether it appears here. Check the VA eligibility page for more information.
How do secondary conditions affect my combined rating?
Secondary conditions are treated the same as primary conditions for rating purposes. Each one is rated individually and then combined using VA math. Adding secondary conditions is one of the most effective ways to increase your overall combined rating. Use our Secondary Conditions Lookup to find conditions linked to yours.