Will an Increased Rating Affect my VA Disability Income?

The National Center for Veteran Analysis and Statistics tells us that in recent years first time applicants are being awarded higher disability ratings than ever before. Almost 25% of first time awards offer the veteran between 70% and 100% disability rating. Yet nearly 40% of first time applicants are only awarded a disability rating between 0% and 20%. That number leaves a lot of opportunity for an increased rating or supplemental benefits to aid in a veteran’s monthly income.

Does an increased rating mean I will receive more VA disability benefits?

Not necessarily.  You would think that a higher rating would automatically mean a larger monthly VA disability check.  But, that is not always the case; it could be that a small increase in rating has zero effect on your amount of benefits.

This is usually the case when you are already rated fairly highly (60% or more) and receive a small increase (say 10%).  It is not as simple as 60% + 10% equals 70%.  VA regulations require the use of combined ratings tables, which are complex formulas where one plus one is not always two.

An experienced veterans disability attorney can assess your particular situation to see if you are likely to see an increase in benefits with an increased rating.

If a higher rating does not mean I am automatically entitled to more money, is it even worth seeking an increased rating?

Knowing you may be facing a years long fight with the VA for an increased rating, and now knowing that a higher rating does not automatically mean more monthly VA disability income, you may be asking yourself why anyone would seek an increased rating.  While every situation is different, a consultation with one of Perkins Studdard’s veterans disability attorneys may reveal that an extra 10% or 20% makes a significant financial difference for you each month.  You may also be surprised that sometimes 1 + 1 = 3 when using “VA math.”

Let’s explore a few possibilities to see how a 10 or 20% increase in rating can affect your bottom line. The following chart shows disability compensation for a single veteran with no dependents both before and after an increased rating.

Increased benefits for a single veteran

VA determines disability compensation benefit amounts by using the veteran’s disability rating and his or her family status.  Because of this, income will vary based upon marital status and the number of dependents. The following chart shows benefits for a veteran with a spouse and one child.

Income chart showing current and increased rating for veteran and family

As you can see from these charts , a small increase in disability rating can often substantially increase the amount of disability compensation payments.  This is especially true when you increase your rating from 50% to 60% (or in other situations from 60% to 70%).  This increase can make you eligible for “extraschedular rating”.

Extraschedular rating can bring TDIU (also known as total disability based on individual unemployability, individual unemployability, or IU) into play.  If you are at these ratings levels and meet other qualifications, you may qualify for payment at the 100% level.  So, that increase of 10% could really pay as much as another 40% increase.

How Could My Disability Rating Increase?

After an initial rating, subsequent exams may reveal further disability resulting in a higher rating. On the other hand, routine exams may reveal increased functionality resulting in a reduced rating. A veteran can also appeal a decision and request that VA reevaluate their initial rating. Alternatively, a veteran’s rating might stay the same but VA may award TDIU which results in payment of benefits as if the veterans were 100% disabled.

Questions

As you can probably see by now, increased ratings claims can become highly complex.  The VA can use this to their advantage and your disadvantage.

If you have questions, I would be happy to review your case and see if I can help.  The best way to do that is usually a free veterans disability benefits consultation.

Just take a look at this article to find out more about how a consultation works.  If you would to set up a free consultation, just call our office at (770) 214-8885 or complete and submit this short consultation request form.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

My experience with the team at Perkins Studdard LLC was nothing short of outstanding.Jason Perkins handled my case with the upmost professionalism. It has been emotionally and physically exhausting for me, but Jason Perkins and his team helped me thru it. Their service was exceptional and the Paralegal Staff was always courteous and prompt in their response time which made it more bearable.I am truly grateful for their patient and caring spirit and I highly recommend Perkins Studdard LLC .........Thanks so much, CherylCheryl Brown
We would highly recommend Perkins Studdard to everyone, they are very professional, personable and efficient. They have stood by our side during out VA disability case until we got our claim rewarded at 100%, more than we ever dreamed of. Travis is very experienced attorney and has an awesome demeanor with getting your case settled. Jessica his assistant is the smartest, sweetest asset to the firm. She's highly experienced in VA benefits, being a veteran herself. They always took our calls, questions and got us the answers we needed. Again, highly recommend the law firm of Perkins Studdard!!Janene Schoonover
Mr Perkins has helped me on two workers comp cases. Twenty years apart. Jason and his staff have taken care of everything I needed. They are very professional and I would highly recommend them.Chris Chapman
I highly recommend Perkins Studdard law office to any one looking for a Worker's Compensation attorney. The knowledge and professionalism that the entire staff gives to you is amazing. Jason is down to earth and makes your experience feel so much better, he takes alot of the worry off of your shoulders. Definitely would hire this firm again if needed!!Lori Clark
I had an outstanding experience with Perkins Studdard LLC for my workers’ compensation case. Jason Perkins and his team were incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain every step, answered all my questions promptly, and ensured I understood my rights. Their dedication led to a successful outcome, and I felt supported the entire way through. I highly recommend Perkins Studdard LLC to anyone in need of a skilled and caring workers’ compensation attorney.Breezie I B
Travis Studdard is an outstanding attorney. I had given up on my VA claim over ten years go. Travis revived my claim and was able to get me secondary service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to residuals of septoplasty). I am thrilled at the results. Travis was able to expertly navigate the VA system to reach a positive result. I very, very highly recommend Perkins Studdard.Ilya Poluektov
My name is Vernita Smith, I endured a I jury on my job in 2019, I got a little discourage not knowing what to do regarding this matter. One day I researched online for myself. I researched Workman's Comp Lawyers in Atlanta, there were several pulled up, but for some reason I chose Perkins StuddardLLC. I can truly say Mr. Jason and his entire staff has been there and guided me every step of the way. It was a blessing 🙏 for me to have found 🙏 this Company. Mr.Jason and his staff members was always caring, kind, helpful, pleasant everytime I spoke with them. I would highly recommend this company to my family ❤️ and anyone who needs ❤️ assistance. So I thank you so much to Mr. Jason and his entire staff. May God continue 🙏 to bless you 🙏 to be able to serve 🙏 many people all over the world.🙏 💞🙏🥰🙏💞 💞Best regards💞 Vernita SmithVernita Smith
My deepest thanks to Travis Studdard, Jessica Hyatt and their team at Perkins Studdard! My odyssey with the VA began after my Marine Corps career ended and has gone on well over a decade. I initially worked on my claim myself but after 6 years, yes 6 years, of fighting with the VA, I was finally at the end of what I thought was a hopeless battle. Then I came across Perkins Studdard LLC while on Facebook and decided, what did I have to lose, so I gave them a call and had a conversation with Travis. He was very helpful, honest, and frank in his advise to me and thankfully he decided to take my case. He took a completely different strategy than the one I had been employing and with his expertise, once my case and multiple appeals had finally been settled, I received everything he promised and everything I deserved. The only thing I would have changed...I would have hired Perkins Studdard when I first intended to file a claim with the VA, rather than try to do it myself. Thank you and Semper Fi Rich LarsenRichard Larsen
Throughout Mr. Perkins's engagement as legal counsel, from initial contact to case resolution, the firm consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and efficiency. His instructional materials were easily comprehensible, and both he and his staff provided clear and concise explanations at every stage. His representation was highly effective. I wholeheartedly recommend his services; he is both diligent and fair.Carol
My experience with this firm was great. My VA claim was handled in a professional way resulting in a very positive result. They handled all of the paperwork and kept me informed of anything that I needed to do or know about. I highly recommend Perkin Studdard to handle your VA claim. Msgt USMC retiredFrank Desselle

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