If you are injured while serving your country, you won’t be on your own when you return. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was established to offer monetary compensation and health care benefits to people like you. The benefits you receive will be determined by your veteran disability rating. If you’re interested in learning more about this measurement, review these answers to frequently asked questions.

Common Questions About Veteran Disability Ratings

What is a veteran disability rating and who determines it?

Your rating is used to set your monthly compensation rate from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well as to determine your eligibility for VA health care. Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of the severity of your disability. Assuming that any one person can be 100% able-bodied, your disability is measured in a percentage, such as 19%. 

What factors influence the rating?

To come up with your rating, the VA will review the disability evidence you provide, such as a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor or specialist. Then, they’ll look at the results of your VA claim exam as well as any available information from federal agencies.

What happens if your service made an existing disability worse?

In some cases, you may be entitled to veteran disability benefits even if you had the disability before entering the service. However, you’ll have to prove that your time in the service made the existing disability worse.

The VA will come up with a rating for both your preservice disability and your current one (such as 20% and 40%) and compensate you for the difference or “level of aggravation” (in this example, 20%).

Will your rating change over time?

If your disability is caused by an ailment that’s expected to heal or improve, the VA might reassess your condition at regular intervals, recalculating your rating every time. As a result, your compensation may change accordingly.

If the VA wants to reduce your compensation, you must be given 60 days' notice so you can offer evidence to prevent the reduction. If the VA finds you to be “totally and permanently disabled,” your rating will stay the same.

If you’re worried about obtaining a fair rating, turn to the lawyers at David W. Kapor & Associates LLC. They have plenty of experience working with Social Security and veteran disability cases throughout Walnut Hills, OH, and they’re committed to getting clients the compensation and other benefits they deserve. To learn more about this local attorney’s practice areas, visit the website. Call (513) 721-2820 today to schedule a consultation.