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How the VA Disability Chart Works
The Current VA Disability Chart
Below is the current VA Disability Chart that shows exactlyhow much you should receive for yourVA Disability Rating. This VA Disability Chart shows the rates that went into effect on December 1, 2023.
Note: This VA Disability Chart is ONLY forVA Disability:DoD Disabilityrates are calculated differently.
How the VA Disability Chart Works
There are number of things you need to understand before you use the VA Disability Chart.
First, every amount you see in the VA Disability Chart is what the VA paysmonthlyfor disability.
These amounts of money are NOT taxable! Woohoo!
Second, the percentages across the top of the VA Disability Chart are theTotal Combined VA Disability Ratingthat you get after combining the ratings for each of your conditions usingVA Math. You do not get separate compensation for each of your conditions—just one payment for your Total Combined VA Disability Rating.
Next, in the VA Disability Chart, you’ll notice that there are a couple factors that can increase the total amount you receive:Children, Spouse, andParents.
These people MUST be yourlegaldependents. Just because your father is alive and well doesn’t mean you can use him to increase your disability pay. He must be living with you and/or completely dependent on your income. The same must go for your spouse. If they are dependent on your income, they can be figured into your compensation. Basically, if you claim children, parents, or a spouse on your taxes as dependents, they can be used in the VA Disability Chart to increase the amount of yourVA Disability.
To claim a parent(s), submit VA Form 21P-509. To claim a spouse and children, submit VA Form 21-686c. If any of the children are between the ages of 18 and 23 and in school,alsosubmitVA Form 21-674.
When calculating your VA Disability pay, the rules forChildrenget a bit complicated.
The VA Disability Chart includes only 1 child under the age of 18, but if you have more, you add a fixed amount noted at the bottom of the chart for each additional child. There are two categories: children under 18, and children 18–23. For children 18–23 to qualify, they must be single andin school. When calculating in additional children, kids under 18 get one rate, and kids over 18 get another, so the distinction between categories is important.
Since the child that is already figured in the chart is under 18, if you have only 1 child, but they are over 18, you would take the rate that you would receive without them and then add the amount for a child 18–23.
For example, Billy has only 1 child, age 22, in school. There are no other dependents. He was given a rating of 30%. He first finds the amount he would receive without his child: $524.31. He then adds the amount for an 18–23 child ($100.00): $524.31 + $100.00 = $624.31. Billy will receive $624.31 each month.
There is also a special circ*mstance forSpouses. If your spouse needsAid and Attendance, then your rate can be increased. A person needs Aid and Attendance if they have a medical condition that requires regular (not necessarily constant) supervision by another person (i.e. you, a home nurse, family) to perform the Activities of Daily Living. If the spouse is hospitalized or institutionalized, they do not qualify for Aid and Attendance.
If your spouse qualifies for Aid and Attendance, then add the additional amount noted in the VA Disability Chart to your rate. For example, Betty has a disability rating of 40% and has only one dependent, her husband Bert who needs Aid and Attendance. To figure out her disability amount, she first finds the amount she would receive with a spouse ($838.28). She then adds the amount for Aid and Attendance ($76.00) and figures out that her monthly payment will be $914.28 ($838.28 + $76.00 = $914.28).
Fourth, you’ll notice in the VA Disability Chart that for a 10% and 20% rating, the number and type of dependents do not affect the amount you receive. It’s just one monthly payment, no matter your situation.
Finally, a 0% rating does not get anything, sorry.
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The Current VA Disability Chart
For a more detailed explanation of the >> 2024 COLA increase, click HERE now <<
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FAQs
What is the current VA Disability Chart?
The current VA Disability Chart shows the disability compensation rates that Congress passed on 1 December, 2023. These rates are the amount disabled veteran's receive monthly at the various combined rating percentages for their service-connected disabilities.
How are the rates determined?
Congress designed the rates to reflect the projected amount of lost income that results from a veteran's disability. The rating percentages reflect the severity of the condition, so a 30% rating (they should still be able to work) for a single veteran with no dependents means that $524.31 should cover the economic cost of the disability, while a 100% rating (highly unlikely that they can work) needs $3,737.85.
Do my dependents qualify for disability pay?
Dependents do not qualify for disability in their own right, however, they can increase YOUR overall disability payment since they are dependent on your income. The VA Disability Chart factors in parents, spouses, and children that are legally considered dependents.
How do I know my rating percentage?
After the VA processes your disability claim, they will send you a Rating Decision letter that will detail each condition's individual rating and your Total Combined Rating. Your Total Combined Rating is the rating percentage used to find your payment rate in the chart.
How do I apply to receive my ratings?
To apply, submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.
How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?
Brand new claims usually take 3-6 months to process. Once processed, you will start receiving payments in 1-3 months.
How does the VA assign the rating percentages?
The VA follows the rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to assign rating percentages to conditions. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause.
How can I qualify for a higher pay rate?
To qualify for a higher pay level, you have to have your individual condition ratings increased to increase your Total Combined Rating. If the VA assigned an incorrect rating to your conditions, you can appeal their rating decision, providing proof that you qualify for a higher rating. If your conditions have worsened since you last applied and now qualify for a higher rating, you can submit a new claim, checking the box for an increased evaluation.
