The Easiest Way to a 100% VA Disability Rating

A 100% disability rating offers many benefits. A veteran with a 100% rating receives full monthly benefits–in 2024, that’s $3,737.85/month. The veteran is also entitled to healthcare services and may receive additional compensation for dependents. Qualified dependents may also receive medical coverage and educational benefits. 

However, the VA doesn’t hand out 100% disability ratings lightly. To secure a 100% rating, you’ll need to make sure you have thoroughly demonstrated the extent of your service-connected disability or disabilities. 

Qualifying for a 100% VA Disability Rating

There are three ways to get benefits at the 100% disability level from the VA: 

• Establish that you meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for a single service-connected condition
• Establish disability ratings for two or more conditions that combine to 100%
• Establish that you are unemployable (TDIU) due to your service-connected disability or disabilities

A 100% rating for a single condition is attainable if the level of impairment is total. Naturally, the criteria set the bar high, and a small percentage of disabled veterans will qualify this way. 

Reaching 100% through combined ratings is more difficult than it might sound because the VA doesn’t combine ratings by adding them together. For instance, if you have a 60% rating for one condition and a 40% rating for another, that doesn’t combine to 100%. Instead, a formula is applied. In this example, the formula yields 76, which is rounded up to an 80% disability rating. 

If you add a third condition with a 20% rating, the rating remains at 80%. 

Depending on your circumstances, establishing that you are totally disabled due to individual unemployability (TDIU) may be the most realistic means of getting benefits at the 100% level.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

What is TDIU? 

A veteran may be classified as TDIU if their service-connected condition or conditions render them unable to maintain or secure substantially gainful employment.

A veteran who is classified as TDIU doesn’t necessarily receive a 100% disability rating. Instead, TDIU status allows the veteran to collect VA disability benefits at the 100% level even though their actual rating is lower. However, there are some limitations. In addition to showing that your disability prevents you from supporting yourself through work, you must have a minimum disability rating.

This last requirement can be met in three ways: 

• A single service-connected condition that is rated 60% or higher, along with evidence of inability to work due to the condition
• A combined disability rating of at least 70%, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher or
• A combined disability rating less than 60% along with evidence the underlying conditions prevent full-time work. 

Submit the Strongest Possible Claim for VA Disability Benefits

If you’re unfamiliar with the process and the type of documentation required, putting together an effective VA claim or appeal can be challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. Call Disabled Vets now at 1-888-373-4722 or click here to contact us. 

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Read More On This

• VA Disability Ratings
• Types Of VA Disabilities 
• Appealing a 70% VA Disability Rating to Secure a 100% Rating
• VA Benefits For Spouses of 100% Disabled Veterans

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form