The VA provides monthly disability compensation to veterans for injuries or illnesses that were caused or worsened by their active military service. To qualify, a veteran must prove that their condition is directly connected to their time in service. 

Once service connection is established, the VA evaluates the severity of the condition using medical evidence and assigns a disability rating in increments of 10%, ranging from 0% to 100%. This rating reflects how much the condition impacts the veteran’s ability to function in daily life and work.

Each condition is assessed under the VA’s schedule of ratings, which outlines specific criteria for each percentage level. While some conditions can receive a maximum rating of 100%, most are capped at lower levels unless they significantly impair a veteran’s life or employability.

In short, the higher the severity, the higher the rating, and the greater the monthly compensation a veteran may receive.

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a special VA benefit for veterans who are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to one or more service-connected disabilities. Even if a veteran’s combined disability rating does not reach 100% under the standard schedular rating system, they may still qualify for 100% compensation through TDIU.

To be eligible, the veteran must show that their service-connected condition(s) prevent them from working consistently or earning a sustainable income. TDIU provides a path to full benefits for those whose disabilities significantly impact their ability to work—even if their ratings fall below 100%. 

If you’re a veteran looking to maximize your monthly benefits, it’s important to understand the difference between a VA schedular 100% rating and TDIU.

The VA assigns disability ratings in 10% increments, ranging from 0% to 100%, based on the severity of each service connected condition. While a 0% rating acknowledges that a condition is service-connected, it is considered non compensable, meaning it doesn’t currently qualify for monthly payments.

When a veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA does not simply add the percentages together. Instead, it uses a combined ratings formula, which considers the overall impact of all conditions on the veteran’s health and ability to function. As a result, two disabilities rated at 50% and 30% may not equal 80%, but rather something lower.

The combined rating determines the total monthly compensation, and veterans receive one payment reflecting that combined percentage—not individual checks for each condition.

The VA disability claims process can be lengthy and complex, and the time it takes to receive a decision varies based on several key factors, including:

•  The type of claim you file (e.g., initial claim, supplemental claim, appeal)

•  The complexity of your condition(s)

•  The number of disabilities you are claiming

•  The time it takes to gather and review medical and supporting evidence

While some claims are processed in a few months, others may take longer— especially if additional information or exams are required. At TVDS, we help ensure your claim is thoroughly documented and submitted properly to avoid unnecessary delays.

Yes. Members of the Reserve and National Guard may be eligible for VA service- connected compensation if their injury or illness occurred or was aggravated during qualifying periods of federal service.

VA compensation may be awarded for:

•  Disabilities incurred or worsened during active duty or active duty for training

•  Disabilities resulting from an injury, heart attack, or stroke during inactive duty training

Eligibility depends on the type of duty served and the nature of the condition. As long as the condition is linked to qualifying federal service, Reserve and National Guard members may qualify for monthly disability compensation.