Why Getting A 30% VA Rating Matters

Many veterans receive a 10% or 20% rating from VA.  Many of these veterans should receive a VA rating of 30% or higher.

Why does a 30 percent VA disability rating matter so much? The short answer is that you receive more in VA benefits for the higher rating.  But, a 30 percent or higher rating means a lot more for most veterans than just the increase in monthly benefits.

Man on the phone Doesn’t any increase in my rating increase my monthly VA benefit?

Yes.  As you’re probably aware, the higher your VA disability rating, the higher your monthly benefit in disability compensation from VA.

But, the 30 percent level is crucial.  If you are below 30 percent, then you are paid as a single veteran with no dependents.  So, with a 10 or 20 percent rating, you receive the base amount of benefits for that level.

It does not matter if you have dependents or not.  You can be a veteran with ten children and a wife, and you will still receive the same benefit as a veteran who is single with no children.

What happens at the 30 percent VA rating level?

At the 30 percent level, VA factors dependents into their calculation.  This means that you receive additional VA benefits with dependents.  If you are rated at 10 or 20 percent and have dependents, it probably makes sense for you to go ahead and push to try to get a 30 percent rating.

You might prove that a single disability qualified for a 30 percent rating.  VA often rates disabilities too low.  Even if your decision was from a long time ago, you can pursue a claim for an increased rating through VA.

What if my 10 or 20 percent rating was correct?

Even if you believe your rating was correct, you may get to a 30 percent rating with other service connected disabilities.  If your service connected disability causes another medical condition, you could have a secondary disability.

VA will calculate a combined rating using VA math if you succeed in getting a secondary disability service connected.   If that combined rating brings you above the 30 percent rating (even if neither rating is 30 percent or above on its own), you would still enjoy the benefit of receiving benefits for your dependents.

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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