When you file a VA disability claim, one of the most important outcomes is the disability rating you receive. This rating, expressed as a percentage, determines how much monthly compensation you’ll receive and whether you qualify for additional benefits. But how does the VA decide your percentage?

Let’s break it down step by step.

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What Is a VA Disability Rating?

A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned to your service-connected condition(s). It reflects the level of severity or limitations caused by your disability. The rating percentage criteria can be anything from symptom frequency to range of motion and everything in between. In simple terms, the rating measures how much your condition affects your ability to work and function in daily life.

Ratings are given in increments of 10% (10%, 20%, 30%, etc.), with 100% representing total disability.

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The VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities

The VA uses a guide called the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). This schedule contains diagnostic codes for thousands of medical conditions, each with criteria that correspond to different percentage ratings.

For Example:

• Knee conditions may be rated based on limited range of motion, instability, or arthritis.
• Mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety are rated on how much they affect occupational and social functioning.
• Hearing loss is rated based on test results from audiograms.

The schedule is meant to create consistency, but in practice, ratings can vary depending on medical evidence and examiner findings.

Now that you know the VA uses a schedule and specific criteria to determine what your percentage will be for your specific disability let’s jump into the factors the VA uses to determine your rating. This is specifically important for the veteran when determining your strategy. Arming yourself with this information will give you the knowledge you need to know to reduce the amount of effort it takes to submit a claim and get the most accurate rating for your disability.

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Key Factors the VA Considers

When the VA assigns a disability rating, it doesn’t just look at whether you have a diagnosis—it evaluates how that condition affects your daily life and ability to work. Several key factors play a role in determining your percentage, including the medical evidence you provide, the severity of your symptoms, the functional impact on your everyday activities, and whether you have multiple service-connected disabilities (which changes your overall rating). Understanding how each of these factors is weighed can help you better prepare your claim and ensure the VA has a complete picture of your situation.

1. Evidence:

There are two types of evidence. The first is medical evidence and the second is non-medical evidence. Both are super important but I think medical evidence is most important in many cases. To learn more about the types of evidence the VA considers, please check out this article. Here are some of the different examples of evidence you may need.

• Service treatment records
• Private medical records
• Nexus letters
• Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam results
• Lay statements or buddy letters
• Personnel records
• Police reports

2. Severity of Symptoms:

The VA uses a rating schedule that assigns percentages based on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases may result in a lower rating, while severe, ongoing, or life-threatening symptoms receive higher percentages.

For example, a veteran with occasional migraines might receive a lower rating, but if those migraines are frequent, prolonged, and cause missed work, the rating can increase significantly. The more detailed you can be in describing the frequency, intensity, and duration of your symptoms, the more accurately the VA can apply the rating schedule.

3. Functional Impact

Beyond symptoms, the VA also considers how a disability limits your ability to function in daily life and maintain employment. This is often referred to as “functional impact.” For instance, a knee injury might limit your ability to stand for long periods, walk certain distances, or climb stairs—factors that could affect both your personal life and your ability to perform a job. Functional impact is usually documented during Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams, where examiners ask about how your condition interferes with everyday activities. The more specific you are in describing these challenges, the better the VA can evaluate your claim.

4. Multiple Disabilities

Many veterans have more than one service-connected disability. In these cases, the VA uses a “combined ratings table” rather than simply adding percentages together.

For example, a 50% rating for PTSD and a 30% rating for a knee condition doesn’t equal 80%—instead, it results in a combined rating of 65%, which rounds up to 70%.

This system reflects how multiple disabilities affect your overall health without overestimating the impact.

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Common Misconceptions

• “The VA will add up my ratings like simple math.”
  In reality, the VA uses the combined ratings table, not addition. Two ratings of 50% and 30% do not equal 80%.
• “If I have a diagnosis, I’ll automatically get a high rating.”
  A diagnosis alone isn’t enough—the VA also considers symptom severity and functional impact.
• “The VA will track down all of my medical evidence for me.”
  While the VA may request records, it’s ultimately your responsibility to submit strong, complete medical evidence.
• “If my condition gets worse, the VA will automatically increase my rating.”
  Ratings only change if you file for an increase and provide updated medical evidence.
• “Having multiple conditions guarantees 100%.”
  Even with many service-connected conditions, the combined ratings formula makes it difficult to reach 100% without severe overall impairment.
• “One condition = one percentage.”
  The VA rates most conditions by varying percentages that are determined by established criteria.
• “If I’m working, I can’t get a high rating.”
  Incorrect. Many veterans work and still receive ratings of 70%, 80%, or even 100%.
• “The VA will automatically increase my rating if my condition worsens.”
  No. You must file for an increase and provide updated evidence.

Understanding the truth behind common misconceptions is only half the battle. Even when you present strong evidence and know what the VA looks for, you may still receive a rating decision that feels too low or even a denial. So what happens if you disagree with the VA’s decision?

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What If You Disagree with Your Rating?

If you don’t agree with the VA’s decision on your disability claim, you have several options to appeal. The first is a Higher-Level Review, where a more experienced reviewer re-examines your claim without considering new evidence. If you have additional documents or medical opinions, you can file a Supplemental Claim to add that new evidence for consideration. Finally, you have the option to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, where a Veterans Law Judge will review your case. Each path has its own advantages depending on your situation, and understanding which option fits your case best can save you time and increase your chances of success.

If you don’t agree with the VA’s decision on your disability claim, you have several options to appeal. The main appeal paths are:

• Higher-Level Review (HLR): A more experienced VA reviewer takes another look at your claim using the same evidence you originally submitted. This is a good choice if you believe the VA made an error or overlooked something.
• Supplemental Claim: If you have new and relevant evidence, such as updated medical records or a doctor’s opinion, you can file a supplemental claim. This gives the VA another chance to evaluate your case with the additional information.
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA): You can appeal directly to the Board, where a Veterans Law Judge reviews your claim. This process can take longer but may be the right step if you want a more formal review.\

Each option has its pros and cons, and the best path often depends on whether you have new evidence, how quickly you want a decision, and how confident you are in your existing records.

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Final Thoughts

Navigating VA disability ratings can feel overwhelming, but understanding how the VA decides your percentage puts you in a stronger position. The rating is based on factors like medical evidence, severity of symptoms, functional impact, and the presence of multiple disabilities. By knowing what the VA looks for—and avoiding common misconceptions—you can prepare a clearer, stronger claim. And if you don’t agree with your initial decision, remember that you have several appeal options to make your case.

The VA system isn’t perfect, but veterans who stay informed and proactive often see better outcomes. Take time to gather solid evidence, document the real-life impact of your conditions, and learn the appeals process if needed. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to secure the benefits you’ve earned through your service.