The amount of your monthly payment is determined by the disability rating assigned to you when you applied for disability benefits as a disabled veteran. This percentage determines the total entitlement of your repayment amount.
In general, a higher disability rating corresponds to increased compensation for injuries sustained during military service. To receive the full amount, a disability rating of 100% is required, which signifies complete and total disability—a challenging classification to attain.
90% VA Disability Bonus for Veterans
The 90% VA bonus, valued at a minimum of $1,998.52 per month in 2023, is exempt from state and federal taxes. Due to the additional benefits of a 100% VA rating, many veterans strive to achieve this level.
Explaining VA Ratings for 90% Disability
For disabled veterans, the VA employs a composite scoring system to determine eligibility for veterans’ benefits. This calculation method employs a specialized formula to ascertain the percentage for veterans with more than one disability. Unfortunately, the process is not as straightforward as merely adding up the disability rates for each condition to find the total.
For instance, if a veteran has one disability rated at 30% and another at 50%, these two percentages do not automatically add up to 80%. The VA evaluates each injury or illness individually, without considering other conditions, unless a direct relationship exists between the two.
After assigning individual disability ratings, the VA starts with the highest-rated disability and then combines the remaining disabilities. The VA employs a table to determine how these combined ratings correlate. The process can be illustrated as follows:
If a veteran has disabilities rated at 30%, 20%, 10%, and 10%, the calculation begins at 30% and moves up the table until it intersects with 20%, resulting in a combined score of 44%. Adding the two 10% disabilities, the score starts at 44% and finds an intersection between 44% and 10%, yielding a total of 50%. Repeating this process, a score of 50% intersects with 10%, resulting in a final combined rating of 55%.
Therefore, in this example, the veteran would receive a disability rating of 55%. Using the VA calculator, one can understand the challenges of attaining a 90% disability rating.
90% Disability Payment Rates
If a veteran attains a 90% disability rating through a combination of disabilities, they qualify for higher compensation. Monthly payments depend on factors such as the number of dependent children, marital status, and whether dependent parents reside in the home. Greater compensation is granted for more children and dependents.
Based on the 2022 VA disability compensation rates, the rates for a veteran with a 90% rating are as follows:
– $2,109.52 for a veteran with one child but no spouse or dependent parent.
– $2,287.52 for a veteran with one child and a spouse but no dependent parents.
– $2,421.52 for a veteran with a dependent child, spouse, and parent.
– $2,555.52 for a veteran with one dependent child, a spouse, and two parents.
– $2,243.52 for a veteran with one child, no spouse, and one dependent parent.
– $2,377.52 for a veteran with one child, no spouse, and two dependent parents.
Additional reimbursements allowed by the VA include:
– $83 for each additional child under 18.
– $268 for each child over 18 attending an eligible school program.
– $153 if the spouse is receiving Social Security.
Difference Between 90% and 100% VA Disability
While a 90% disability rating is close to 100%, the additional benefits of a 100% disability rating are substantial. Total disability at 100% indicates complete inability to work and necessitates full utilization of VA benefits. Here is the breakdown of compensation:
– $3,456.30 for a veteran with one child but no spouse or dependent parent.
– $3,653.89 for a veteran with one child and a spouse but no dependent parents.
– $3,802.99 for a veteran with a dependent child, spouse, and parent.
– $3,952.09 for a veteran with one dependent child, a spouse, and two parents.
– $3,605.40 for a veteran with one child, no spouse, and one dependent parent.
– $3,754.50 for a veteran with one child, no spouse, and two dependent parents.
Veterans with service-related injuries may receive the following VA disability benefits:
– $92.31 for each additional child under 18.
– $298.18 for each child over 18 attending an eligible school program.
– $170.38 for a married couple receiving Assistance et Enyemaka.
These rates are subject to increase based on cost of living adjustments. Whenever Social Security benefits rise due to cost of living adjustments, VA disability benefits also increase by the same proportion. Amazon Prime membership is also a facility for the Veterans.
Given the substantial difference between a 90% and a 100% VA disability award, often exceeding $1,300 per month, veterans are encouraged to aim for the 100% rating. However, achieving this rating can be challenging. Even with a disability rating of 90% for one condition and 94% for another, the disability rating table will only yield a 99% total.
The most effective approach to elevate a 90% rating to 100% is through an appeal process. If approved, this can result in increased compensation of over $1,300 per month, along with other Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. This process requires the guidance of a VA benefits attorney to ensure a proper appeal.
However, even with a single appeal, reaching 100% through the combined disability assessment system can be demanding. A more viable option is to consider Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
Does 90% Disability Qualify for Veterans’ Total Unemployability?
The TDIU program enables the VA to award veterans at a 100% rate, even with a low-level service-related disability. To qualify, the following conditions must be met:
– Must be a veteran of the United States armed forces.
– Must be unable to work due to a service-connected disability. This pertains specifically to gainful employment and does not cover part-time work.
– Must have a disability rating of 60% or higher, or a total disability rating of 70% or higher.
If the disability prevents the veteran from working, this program allows them to receive veterans’ disability benefits without undergoing a disability appeal process for an upgrade. A 90% disability rating is acceptable, provided the disability hinders gainful employment.
How Can Veterans Increase a 90% Disability Rating?
Although a 90% rating is commendable for work-related disabilities under the Combined Disability Rating Table, it still falls short of the 100% disability award rate. This lower rating comes with a significantly lower compensation. Veterans with a 90% rating who are not eligible for TDIU can seek an increase in their status.
The application process is not simple, but those veterans willing to pursue it should begin by contacting their local VA office. There, they will be provided with the appropriate VA documents to initiate the appeal. There are three potential paths to pursue:
1. Advanced Rating Method: This involves a professional rater reviewing your VA disability claim to determine the accuracy of your rating. This method does not allow for submission of new medical evidence.
2. Further Examination Process: If you believe you possess new medical records or other evidence
, this track permits their submission. The VA is also obligated to assist in gathering this evidence if you choose this route.
3. Board of Veterans’ Appeals: This is the final option, where you appeal to the Veterans Appeals Board for further review of your case. While awaiting a decision, gather evidence regarding your disabilities, unless opting for an advanced review. Be sure to consider both mental health and medical needs during this process.
The appeals process can be stressful, and seeking advice is crucial to ensure a successful appeal. Hill & Ponton, PA, has aided over 30,000 veterans in obtaining rightful benefits from their service. Our team assists in determining whether an appeal is appropriate, or if pursuing TDIU is a better course of action.
Our mission is to assist you in securing 100% disability benefits, whether through standard disability benefits or the TDIU program. Our legal team is dedicated to supporting veterans and will help you compile the necessary facts and supporting evidence for a robust appeal.
We will request your C-File and review your case on your behalf, aiding in preparing a compelling appeal with substantial facts and evidence. This approach will offer insight into the process ahead.