Are you or is your loved one a disabled veteran? You have the right to pursue benefits through a VA disability claim. Your compensation will depend, in large part, on your VA disability rating. Indeed, your assigned rating will have a very large effect on your benefits. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we put veterans first. Reach out to a Phoenix VA disability attorney to learn more about how VA disability ratings impact your compensation in Arizona. 

Most Common Service-Connected Disabilities for Veterans

Unfortunately, there are a number of different types of service-connected disabilities that a military member may develop as a member of the United States Armed Forces. Some of the most common service-related disabilities for veterans include: 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a serious mental health condition. It affects concentration, mood, sleep, and the ability to function in daily life. Many veterans experience long-term symptoms tied to combat or trauma exposures. 
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): All head injuries must be taken seriously. A TBI can affect memory, reasoning, balance, and emotional regulation. Symptoms can vary widely. The VA considers physical, cognitive, and behavioral components when evaluating severity. 
• Back/Spine Disorders: Lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis are common among veterans. Notably, for disabled veterans with back issues, chronic pain plays a major role in these claims.
• Hearing Damage, including Tinnitus: Tinnitus is one of the most common service-connected disabilities. Veterans exposed to weapons fire, aircraft, or machinery frequently develop ringing in the ears. Hearing loss can vary widely.
• Knee Problems and Other Joint Conditions: Meniscus tears, instability, and arthritis often stem from repetitive strain during service. Knee injuries are common, but other joints may be affected as well. Notably, many veterans have multiple joint claims.
• Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders appear in claims linked to burn pits or environmental exposure. A serious respiratory disorder can cause permanent impairment in a veteran. 

What is a VA Disability Rating?

If you are a veteran who is pursuing a disability claim for benefits, you will need a disability rating. It is a key part of the process. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) explains that a disability rating is a percentage assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs to measure the severity of a service-connected condition. The rating reflects how much the condition limits a veteran’s ability to function. Ratings range from 0 to 100 percent in 10-percent increments. 

Medical evidence is the key to determining a disability rating. The VA bases the percentage on medical evidence, examinations, and the specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. To be clear, a disability rating is not a judgment about a veteran’s service. Instead, it is a legal and medical determination about the current level of impairment. Notably, some VA disability ratings remain stable, whereas others change when the condition worsens or improves.

How Your Rating Impacts Your Compensation

VA disability ratings matter. They can have a huge impact on your benefits. Indeed, the  VA ties monthly compensation directly to the assigned disability percentage. As the rating increases, the monthly payment increases along with it. A rating at or above 30 percent also increases when the veteran has dependents. Some conditions allow combined ratings, but the VA does not simply add percentages together. The VA uses a combined rating formula that accounts for remaining “efficiency” after each condition is rated. Unfortunately, this often results in a combined rating that is lower than a simple sum.

For example, a veteran rated at 100% receives the highest level of monthly compensation. A veteran who cannot maintain substantial employment due to service-connected disabilities may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. That provides compensation at the 100% level even when the combined rating is lower. Beyond that, certain conditions qualify for special monthly compensation when they result in loss of use, severe mobility limits, or other specific impairments.

Note: Compensation does not depend on financial need. It is based solely on service connection and impairment level. Veterans in Phoenix and elsewhere in Arizona should understand how each diagnostic code works because the evidence must clearly match the required criteria. 

What You Can Do if Your VA Disability Rating is Too Low

Do you believe that you were assigned a disability rating that was unreasonably/unfairly low given your condition? You have options available. A veteran who believes their rating is incorrect has several options. The first step is usually a supplemental claim. It allows the veteran to submit new medical evidence, expert opinions, or service records that the VA did not consider. Our Phoenix VA disability appeals lawyer can help you with a supplemental claim. 

Even if your supplemental claim is not successful, you have the right to raise the matter to a higher level of review. The next option is a Higher-Level Review. It involves a more senior adjudicator who reviews the existing record and applies the law without new evidence. A veteran may also appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. A review by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals provides more formal review, including the option for a hearing.

Veterans Can Trust Our Phoenix Disability Lawyer

As a disabled veteran, you have done so much to support this country. You are entitled to support in return. Unfortunately, the system can sometimes be challenging for people to navigate. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we put veterans first. Your VA disability rating can have a major impact on your disability compensation. Our firm will make sure that the rating you are assigned is appropriate. Do not accept a disability rating that is too low. It will take money out of your pocket. Your initial consultation with our Phoenix VA disability lawyer is free and completely confidential. 

Contact Our Phoenix, AZ, VA Disability Attorney Today

At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, our Phoenix VA disability lawyer has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can trust. We are committed to helping clients secure the full and fair benefits that they are due under the law. If you have any questions about VA disability ratings, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully private case review. We represent veterans in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and throughout Arizona.