How to Get a Copy of Your VA Disability Rating Letter
Your VA disability rating is important. Unlike Social Security disability and many types of private disability benefits, qualifying for VA disability benefits isn’t a straight yes or no question. Instead, those who are qualified are assigned a disability rating, and that rating determines the benefits the veteran receives.
Here’s the difference your VA disability rating can make in 2024:
- 0% disability rating – no monetary benefits
- 10% disability rating – $171.23/month
- 20% disability rating – $338.49/month
- 30% disability rating – $524.31/month
- 40% disability rating – $755.28/month
- 50% disability rating – $1,075.16/month
- 60% disability rating – $1,361.88/month
- 70% disability rating – $1,716.28/month
- 80% disability rating – $1,995.01/month
- 90% disability rating – $2,241.91/month
- 100% disability rating – $3,737.85/month
As you can see, the monthly monetary benefit a disabled veteran receives varies greatly depending on their disability rating. And, it’s not even proportionate. For example, a veteran with a 10% disability rating receives just 4.6% of the full monthly benefit. That holds true even as disability ratings approach 100%. A veteran with an 80% disability rating gets just 53% of the full benefit amount.
The disability rating affects more than just the base monthly benefit, too. For example, at a 30% rating or higher, the veteran may qualify for additional benefits if they have eligible dependents. And, veterans rated below 50% are entitled to healthcare services for their service-connection condition or conditions, but those rated 50% and above get access to broader healthcare coverage. If the veteran has a permanent 100% disability rating, dependents may also receive certain benefits.
Submitting the Strongest Possible Claim
The best way to ensure that you get the highest disability rating available in your circumstances is to ensure that you have:
- Included every service-connected and secondarily-connected condition you suffer from in your VA disability claim
- Established a connection between your military service and your
- Provided thorough documentation in support of your diagnosis and showing the extent of your symptoms and limitations
If you haven’t yet submitted your VA disability claim, an experienced disability benefits advocate can help you avoid common mistakes and put together the strongest possible claim. Obviously, it’s best to get help from the beginning, since getting it right the first time can mean receiving benefits sooner. However, if you’ve already received a determination from the VA and believe your disability rating is too low, you still have options. That starts with your VA letter.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Obtaining Your Rating Letter
When the VA determines that you qualify for VA disability benefits, they’ll send you a letter. The letter will tell you your disability rating, and will provide some information about how they reached the decision. The letter will also explain the next steps available to you. You should keep this letter in a safe place, since you may need the information in it later.
For example, if you believe your VA disability rating is too low, the information about how the VA reached its determination will help you and your disability benefits advocate understand what type of additional information may be required to secure a higher rating. If you didn’t keep your letter or have misplaced it, you will need to get another copy.
Fortunately, there are three ways to do that.
- The quickest and easiest way to get a copy of your letter is to log in to your eBenefits account. You can download a copy of your letter.
- You can visit your Regional Office and request a copy of your letter. Note, though, that they won’t be able to print out the letter and provide it to you on the spot. If you use this option, it may take several days to a few weeks to receive your letter.
- If an advocate or representative is helping you, they can obtain your award letter through the Veterans Benefits Management System (VMBS).
Once you have your award letter in hand, you and your VA disability benefits advocate can review the reasons offered for the determination to find out why the VA has assigned you a lower rating than you believe you deserve. Then, your advocate will help you decide how best to proceed. That means both choosing which appeal process is best for your situation and determining what type of additional information is needed to establish the appropriate disability rating.
That may be as simple as supplementing the records supplied to the VA, or may require additional medical testing or treatment. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our advocates have extensive experience with both VA claims and appeals, and can guide you through the process and help you assemble the documentation you need. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 888-373-4722 or fill out our contact form.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
