How Do I Get a Permanent and Total VA Disability Rating
A permanent and total VA disability rating (P&T) gives a veteran a higher degree of certainty about the future and can open up access to additional benefits, including dependent benefits. But the rating isn’t assigned lightly. Here’s what you need to know about qualifying for P&T, and about alternatives that offer some of the same benefits.
Permanent and Total Disability (P&T)
As the term suggests, there are two separate elements required for a P & T rating. The VA must determine that the veteran is totally (100%) disabled, and that your condition is unlikely to improve. Here’s how the Code of Federal Regulations describes each of those requirements.
Total Disability
Total disability is defined as a medical condition–physical or psychological–that “is sufficient to render it impossible for the average person to follow a substantially gainful occupation.” Note that to receive a 100% disability rating, the veteran must be rendered unable to participate in substantial gainful activity due to service-connected conditions. Non-service-connected conditions that combine with service-connected conditions to increase the degree of disability will not be considered.
The burden is on the veteran to provide medical documentation and other evidence to establish that they are totally disabled due to service-connected conditions.
Permanent Disability
In most circumstances, the VA leaves the door open to reassess a VA disability rating. Most medical conditions change over time (for better or worse), so the VA typically schedules follow-ups to assess the current severity of a rated condition and determine whether the established disability rating is still appropriate. However, when there is significant medical evidence that the condition will not improve, In that case, the VA will assign a permanent rating, eliminating the need for periodic reassessment.
Benefits of a P&T Rating
Any 100% VA disability rating has benefits. The most obvious is a significant increase in monetary benefits. The base monthly benefit for a veteran with a 100% disability rating is $3,831.30 for 2025. At the next highest possible rating–90%–that drops to $2,297.96. When the rating is permanent, additional benefits are available, including educational benefits and medical benefits for certain dependents.
What if I Don’t Qualify for P&T?
First, know that having been denied a P&T VA disability rating and not qualifying for permanent and total disability may not be the same. Sometimes, a claim is denied or a lower disability rating assigned because the veteran didn’t have or didn’t submit sufficient evidence. Sometimes, the VA makes mistakes.
So, if you believe you should be entitled to P&T disability rating and didn’t receive one, your first step should be to speak with an experienced VA disability benefits advocate. A knowledgeable advocate can review your determination letter and advise you on whether a supplemental claim or appeal might change the outcome. In some cases, simply knowing what type of additional evidence is required can make all the difference.
If you truly don’t qualify, you may still qualify for another type of rating that offers some or all of the benefits of a P&T VA disability rating. For instance, you may qualify for a 100% (total) disability rating, even if it isn’t permanent. Or, you may qualify for a permanent disability rating at less than 100%. There is even one possibility–TDIU–that offers all of the benefits of a P&T disability rating.
Total Disability Without a Permanent Rating
Some veterans receive a 100% disability rating, but not assigned a permanent rating. In that situation, the veteran does not receive the added dependent benefits described above, and will be subject to periodic reassessment of their disability rating. However, they will receive monetary benefits at the 100% level, align with healthcare and other benefits.
Permanent Disability Ratings of Less Than 100%
It’s also possible to be assigned a permanent disability rating of less than 100%. For example, the scheduled rating for amputation of the non-dominant hand is 60%. Amputation is obviously permanent, so the disability rating assigned will likely also be permanent.
Total Disability Due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Veterans who do not qualify for a P&T disability rating because they are considered less than 100% disabled may qualify for TDIU classification. Like a 100% disability rating, TDIU classification may or may not be permanent.
The TDIU classification is for veterans whose VA disability ratings are less than 100%, but who nonetheless are unable to earn a living due to their service-connected medical conditions. In most cases, the veteran must also meet certain minimum disability rating requirements, which can be fulfilled in one of two ways:
- A VA disability rating of 60% or higher for a single condition, or
- A combined VA disability rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher
In some very limited circumstances, a veteran who does not meet these requirements may be considered for extraschedular TDIU classification.
A veteran with a TDIU classification is treated just like a veteran with a 100% disability rating. They receive benefits at the 100% level. If the TDIU rating is permanent, that includes benefits specific to P&T, such as healthcare and educational benefits for qualifying dependents.
Get the Help You Need with a VA Disability Claim
Whether you are just starting out to file a claim for VA disability benefits, you have been denied benefits, or you have received a disability rating you think is too low, Disabled Vets is here to help.
A knowledgeable guide who thoroughly understands the process for establishing a service connection, the medical and other evidence required to demonstrate the degree of disability, how to choose the right next step if you’ve been denied benefits or rated too low, and generally how to navigate the VA disability claims and appeals processes can make all the difference.
To learn more about how Disabled Vets can put our extensive experience to work for you, call us at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form here.
