VA Ratings Guide

Category: Uncategorized

  • VA Combined Ratings Calculator: How the Math Works (2026)

    VA Combined Ratings Calculator: How the Math Works (2026)

    Quick Answer

    The VA does not add disability percentages together. A veteran with 70% PTSD and 50% back pain is not 120% disabled — they are 85% disabled under VA math (rounded to 90%). This “whole person” method means you need to understand exactly how your ratings combine to know your true compensation.

    How VA Combined Ratings Work

    The VA uses the “whole person” method to combine ratings. Here is how it works step by step:

    1. Start with 100% (a whole, healthy person)
    2. Apply the highest rating first — e.g., 70% PTSD means 70% disabled, leaving 30% of a “whole person”
    3. Apply the next rating to the remaining percentage — e.g., 50% back pain × 30% remaining = 15% additional disability
    4. Add: 70% + 15% = 85% combined
    5. Round to the nearest 10% — 85% rounds to 90%

    Combined Ratings Table: Two Conditions

    Find your highest rating in the left column, then find your second rating across the top. The intersection is your combined rating (before rounding).

    1st Rating →
    2nd Rating ↓    		 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
    10% 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91
    20% 28 36 44 52 60 68 76 84 92
    30% 37 44 51 58 65 72 79 86 93
    40% 46 52 58 64 70 76 82 88 94
    50% 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
    60% 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96
    70% 73 76 79 82 85 88 91 94 97
    80% 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98
    90% 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

    After combining, round to the nearest 10% (values ending in 1-4 round down; 5-9 round up). A combined value of 95% rounds to 100%.

    Common Combined Rating Examples

    Conditions Individual Ratings Combined (VA Math) Rounded Rating Monthly Pay (2026)
    PTSD + Back Pain 70% + 30% 79% 80% $2,102.15
    PTSD + Sleep Apnea 50% + 50% 75% 80% $2,102.15
    Tinnitus + Hearing Loss + Knee 10% + 10% + 10% 27% 30% $552.47
    Back + Knee + Tinnitus 40% + 20% + 10% 57% 60% $1,435.02
    PTSD + TBI + Back + Sleep Apnea 70% + 40% + 20% + 30% 91% 90% $2,362.30
    PTSD + TDIU qualifying 60% single condition TDIU eligible 100% rate $3,938.58

    The “Scheduler” Problem: Why 95% Is Not 100%

    Under VA math, it is mathematically impossible to reach 100% through combined ratings alone unless you have a single condition rated at 100%. A veteran with 90% combined can add a 10% condition and only reach 91% — which rounds to 90%. This is why TDIU exists: it allows veterans whose combined rating is below 100% to receive the 100% pay rate if their conditions prevent gainful employment.

    Bilateral Factor

    If you have disabilities on both sides of your body (e.g., both knees, both shoulders), the VA adds a 10% bilateral factor to the combined rating of those paired conditions before combining with other disabilities. This can meaningfully increase your final combined rating.

  • BVA Grant Rates by Condition: Board of Veterans’ Appeals Data (2024)

    BVA Grant Rates by Condition: Board of Veterans’ Appeals Data (2024)

    Quick Answer

    The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) granted 30.4% of all appeals in FY2024. Grant rates vary significantly by condition — Agent Orange presumptive conditions are granted at 71%+, while musculoskeletal conditions average around 40-45%. If your claim was denied, these numbers show your real odds at appeal.

    BVA Grant Rates by Condition (FY2024)

    Condition BVA Grant Rate Total Appeals Notes
    Diabetes Type II (Agent Orange) 71.3% ~4,200 Presumptive — strong grant rate
    Gulf War Illness 62.8% ~3,100 Presumptive — undiagnosed illness
    PACT Act Burn Pit Conditions 67.1% ~8,900 New presumptive — high grant rate
    Sleep Apnea 58.7% ~12,400 Strong when CPAP documented
    PTSD (Combat) 52.4% ~18,600 Nexus often the key issue
    MST-related PTSD 54.7% ~6,200 Personal statement critical
    TBI 55.1% ~7,800 Severity rating often disputed
    COPD 53.4% ~5,600 PACT Act expanding coverage
    Migraines 48.9% ~9,100 Frequency documentation key
    Depression/MDD 49.6% ~11,200 Secondary to PTSD or pain
    Anxiety Disorder 47.2% ~8,400 Often secondary claim
    Knee Conditions 46.3% ~22,100 ROM measurements critical
    Shoulder Conditions 45.8% ~14,300 ROM and instability rated
    Back Pain / Lumbar 44.1% ~28,700 Most common condition appealed
    Sciatica 43.7% ~11,500 Often secondary to back
    Flat Feet 42.3% ~7,200 In-service aggravation key
    Hearing Loss 41.8% ~19,400 Audiogram required
    DDD (Spine) 41.5% ~16,800 Age vs. service nexus disputed
    Hypertension 39.5% ~13,600 Secondary claims stronger
    Tinnitus 68.2% ~31,000 Highest volume; strong grant rate

    Source: BVA Annual Report FY2024, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Grant rates include full grants, partial grants, and remands that resulted in grants.

    What the BVA Grant Rate Means for Your Appeal

    The BVA grant rate is the percentage of appealed claims that the Board grants (fully or partially) or remands to the regional office with instructions that typically result in a grant. A 50% grant rate means roughly 1 in 2 veterans who appeal to the BVA win their case.

    The grant rate does not include veterans who won at the Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review stage before reaching the BVA. The actual success rate for veterans who appeal through all available lanes is significantly higher than the BVA grant rate alone.

    BVA Appeal Options and Timelines

    Appeal Lane Avg. Wait Time What It Involves Best For
    Supplemental Claim 4-5 months Submit new and relevant evidence When you have new medical evidence or a nexus letter
    Higher-Level Review 4-5 months Senior rater reviews for errors When the rater made a clear error on existing evidence
    BVA Direct Review 12-18 months Judge reviews record without hearing When evidence is strong and no new evidence needed
    BVA Evidence Submission 12-18 months Submit new evidence to BVA When you have new evidence but don’t need a hearing
    BVA Hearing 24-36 months In-person or virtual hearing before a VLJ Complex cases, credibility issues, or MST claims

    How to Maximize Your BVA Grant Chances

    1. Get a nexus letter — A private doctor’s opinion connecting your condition to service is the single most impactful piece of evidence at the BVA
    2. Request your C&P exam report — If the VA examiner’s report was inadequate, challenge it with a private IMO (Independent Medical Opinion)
    3. Document severity thoroughly — The BVA rates based on the evidence of record. Buddy statements, treatment records, and employment records all matter
    4. Consider a VSO or VA attorney — Represented veterans have significantly higher grant rates than unrepresented veterans at the BVA

  • 2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates: Complete Pay Tables

    2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates: Complete Pay Tables

    Quick Answer

    The VA updated disability compensation rates effective December 1, 2025 (paid in January 2026) with a 2.5% COLA increase. A 100% disabled veteran with no dependents receives $3,938.58/month. Rates range from $180.42/month at 10% to $3,938.58/month at 100%.

    2026 VA Disability Rates — Veteran With No Dependents

    Rating Monthly Payment Annual Payment Change from 2025
    10% $180.42 $2,165.04 +$4.40
    20% $356.66 $4,279.92 +$8.70
    30% $552.47 $6,629.64 +$13.47
    40% $795.84 $9,550.08 +$19.41
    50% $1,132.90 $13,594.80 +$27.63
    60% $1,435.02 $17,220.24 +$35.00
    70% $1,808.45 $21,701.40 +$44.11
    80% $2,102.15 $25,225.80 +$51.27
    90% $2,362.30 $28,347.60 +$57.62
    100% $3,938.58 $47,262.96 +$96.06

    2026 VA Disability Rates — Veteran With Spouse (No Children)

    Rating Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    30% $617.47 $7,409.64
    40% $882.84 $10,594.08
    50% $1,241.90 $14,902.80
    60% $1,566.02 $18,792.24
    70% $1,961.45 $23,537.40
    80% $2,277.15 $27,325.80
    90% $2,559.30 $30,711.60
    100% $4,158.17 $49,898.04

    Note: Ratings below 30% do not include a spousal supplement. The additional amount for a spouse at 30% is $65.00/month; at 100% it is $219.59/month.

    2026 VA Disability Rates — Veteran With Spouse and One Child

    Rating Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    30% $669.47 $8,033.64
    40% $950.84 $11,410.08
    50% $1,325.90 $15,910.80
    60% $1,665.02 $19,980.24
    70% $2,075.45 $24,905.40
    80% $2,407.15 $28,885.80
    90% $2,690.30 $32,283.60
    100% $4,316.17 $51,794.04

    Additional Dependent Rates (Added to Base Rate)

    Dependent 30-60% 70-100%
    Each additional child under 18 $29.35 $52.00
    Each additional child 18-23 (in school) $95.16 $168.00
    Spouse receiving Aid & Attendance $56.00 $56.00 (added to spouse supplement)

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) Rate

    Veterans who qualify for TDIU receive compensation at the 100% rate regardless of their combined disability rating. The 2026 TDIU rate is:

    • Veteran alone: $3,938.58/month
    • With spouse: $4,158.17/month
    • With spouse + 1 child: $4,316.17/month

    SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) Rates

    Veterans with severe disabilities may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation above the 100% rate:

    SMC Level Monthly Rate Qualifying Condition Example
    SMC-K $130.94 (added to base) Loss of use of a creative organ, loss of a hand or foot
    SMC-L $4,554.94 Loss of use of both feet, or both hands, or one foot and one hand
    SMC-M $5,024.44 Loss of use of both eyes, or blindness in one eye with 5/200 vision
    SMC-N $5,493.94 Loss of both arms above the elbow
    SMC-O/P $5,963.44 Combinations of severe disabilities
    SMC-T $10,697.48 Need for regular aid and attendance due to TBI

    Historical VA Compensation Rates (2020-2026)

    Year COLA % 100% Rate (Alone) 70% Rate (Alone)
    2026 2.5% $3,938.58 $1,808.45
    2025 3.2% $3,842.52 $1,764.34
    2024 3.2% $3,737.85 $1,716.28
    2023 8.7% $3,621.95 $1,663.06
    2022 5.9% $3,332.06 $1,529.95
    2021 1.3% $3,146.42 $1,444.71
    2020 1.6% $3,106.04 $1,426.17

    Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 38 U.S.C. § 1114. Rates are set by Congress annually based on Social Security COLA adjustments.

  • VA TDIU in Wyoming: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in Wyoming: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Wyoming, TDIU claims are processed through the Cheyenne VA Regional Office in an average of 74 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in Wyoming, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in Wyoming

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Cheyenne VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    Wyoming TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office Cheyenne VA Regional Office
    Address 2360 E. Pershing Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82001
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 74 days
    BVA Grant Rate 33.0%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Wyoming, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.

  • VA TDIU in Wisconsin: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in Wisconsin: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Wisconsin, TDIU claims are processed through the Milwaukee VA Regional Office in an average of 76 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in Wisconsin, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in Wisconsin

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Milwaukee VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    Wisconsin TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office Milwaukee VA Regional Office
    Address 5400 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 76 days
    BVA Grant Rate 32.3%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Wisconsin, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.

  • VA TDIU in West Virginia: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in West Virginia: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In West Virginia, TDIU claims are processed through the Huntington VA Regional Office in an average of 86 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in West Virginia, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in West Virginia

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Huntington VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    West Virginia TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office Huntington VA Regional Office
    Address 640 Fourth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 86 days
    BVA Grant Rate 29.2%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in West Virginia, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.

  • VA TDIU in Washington: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in Washington: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Washington, TDIU claims are processed through the Seattle VA Regional Office in an average of 82 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in Washington, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in Washington

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Seattle VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    Washington TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office Seattle VA Regional Office
    Address 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 82 days
    BVA Grant Rate 30.6%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Washington, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.

  • VA TDIU in Virginia: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in Virginia: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Virginia, TDIU claims are processed through the Roanoke VA Regional Office in an average of 75 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in Virginia, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in Virginia

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Roanoke VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    Virginia TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office Roanoke VA Regional Office
    Address 210 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24011
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 75 days
    BVA Grant Rate 32.7%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Virginia, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes on primary residence.

  • VA TDIU in Vermont: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in Vermont: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Vermont, TDIU claims are processed through the White River Junction VA Regional Office in an average of 68 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in Vermont, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in Vermont

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the White River Junction VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    Vermont TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office White River Junction VA Regional Office
    Address 215 N. Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 68 days
    BVA Grant Rate 35.3%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Vermont, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.

  • VA TDIU in Texas: Individual Unemployability Guide 2026

    VA TDIU in Texas: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide

    Quick Answer

    TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Texas, TDIU claims are processed through the Houston VA Regional Office in an average of 94 days.

    TDIU Pay Rates in 2026

    Status Monthly Payment Annual Payment
    Veteran Alone $3,938.58 $47,263
    With Spouse $4,158.17 $49,898

    TDIU Eligibility Requirements

    To qualify for TDIU in Texas, you must meet one of these criteria:

    • Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
    • Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
    • Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment

    Filing TDIU in Texas

    File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Houston VA Regional Office. Include:

    • Employment history for the past 5 years
    • Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
    • A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
    • Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers

    Texas TDIU Processing

    Detail Information
    Regional Office Houston VA Regional Office
    Address 6900 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030
    Phone 800-827-1000
    Avg. Processing Time 94 days
    BVA Grant Rate 28.9%

    TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

    TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Texas, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from all property taxes.