VA Disability Hub: Ratings, Claims, and Increases
Everything veterans need to understand VA disability ratings, file claims, and pursue rating increases — in plain English.
VA disability is a monthly tax-free payment for service-connected conditions, rated 0–100% in 10% increments. The amount depends on your combined rating and dependents. File with VA Form 21-526EZ and supporting medical evidence.
Key takeaways
- ✓Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.
- ✓Multiple ratings are combined with VA math, not added.
- ✓Dependents increase your monthly amount starting at 30%.
- ✓Back pay is owed from the effective date, usually your filing date.
- ✓You can file a claim for an increase at any time if your condition worsened.
Overview
VA disability compensation is paid to veterans whose injuries or illnesses were caused or made worse by military service. Ratings are assigned in 10% increments and combined using VA math, not regular addition.
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How the VA assigns disability percentages, how combined ratings actually get calculated, and what each rating level means for your monthly compensation.
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Frequently asked questions
A percentage from 0% to 100% the VA assigns to a service-connected condition, indicating how much it impairs your earning capacity.
File a claim for increase using VA Form 21-526EZ with new medical evidence showing your condition has worsened since your last rating.
Most claims take 4–6 months, though complex claims with multiple conditions or appeals can take a year or more.
No. VA disability compensation is not subject to federal income tax.