Is the VA’s Disability Compensation Rating Decision Correct?

The first big steps in a veteran’s claim for disability compensation benefits are establishing that you are a veteran that had an in service event and now have a disability.  A veteran must also establish a nexus between the in service event and the disability.  Once these requirements are satisfied, the veteran will receive a Rating Decision indicating the percentage of disability determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Does A Rating Decision End My Case?

A veteran who receives a Rating Decision determining that a disability or disabilities are service connected may believe that there is nothing further to do because the case has been won.  However, a veteran may still need to file a notice of disagreement with regard to the percentage of disability granted for one or more of the disabilities determined to be service connected.

How Does the Percentage Rating in my Rating Decision Affect My Benefits?

If you believe the rating percentage is incorrect, filing a notice of disagreement can be especially important to consider since the percentage of disability drastically affects how much compensation the veteran will receive.  For example, a veteran with a 10% total disability rating would have a pay rate in 2012 of $129 per month.  That same veteran would draw $810 a month with a 50% rating or $2816 a month with a 100% rating.  Also, if the veteran ends up with a total rating of 30% or greater, then the veteran will draw additional benefits for dependents (including spouse, children, and parents) whereas a veteran with a total rating of 10% or 20% does not draw additional benefits for dependents, so it is important to make sure that the Department of Veterans Affairs gets the rating correct.

The percentage of a veteran’s rating is determined by the medical severity of his or her condition.  If a veteran has more than one disability, then a combined values formula is generally used to determine the total rating.  This combined value is either rounded up or down to the nearest ten percent.  Determining the affect of certain ratings, especially in cases involving multiple disabilities, can be difficult.

Making Sure Your Rating Decision Is Correct

The calculation of the correct disability rating is complex and leaves plenty of room for error.  A recent study determined that over half of the denials made by the VA in veterans’ benefits claims may be incorrect.  Because veterans’ benefits law is quite complicated, it is usually helpful to consult an attorney who handles veterans’ benefits claims to determine if the percentage of disability was calculated correctly.

Jason Perkins and Travis Studdard, are our attorneys who handle veterans’ benefits claims.  They , provide free consultations if you have any questions about your claim or have received a decision and just want to make sure it is correct.  To obtain a free consultation, simply call the phone number at the upper right of this page or complete the “Need Help” form on the right.

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.

Rita BarnesRita Barnes
00:03 20 Jan 22
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
Cortex ButlerCortex Butler
18:09 29 Dec 21
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
annetteMomma nokesannetteMomma nokes
14:29 12 Sep 16
Jason and his paralegal Lisa were on point and on top of their game when it came to handling my worker's comp. injury case. I tried going it alone and the insurance carrier pushed me around. They denied extra physical therapy. They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. They were at all times attentive and on top of my case. I cannot recommend Jason and his staff enough. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side.
Sheila KirklinSheila Kirklin
23:11 12 May 16
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
Anna PabonAnna Pabon
23:16 13 Sep 15
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
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