When veterans call my office after a VA disability denial, one of the first questions they ask is how the VA actually calculates disability ratings. Many veterans feel the process is confusing, mechanical, and unfair. I understand that frustration. A rating determines not only the amount of compensation you receive, but also your access to additional benefits, medical care, and long-term support. When the VA makes mistakes or overlooks critical evidence, the impact can be severe. That is why understanding how ratings work is essential for anyone fighting to secure the compensation they deserve.
VA disability ratings are governed by federal law through 38 U.S.C. § 1155, which directs the VA to compare a veteran’s symptoms to the rating schedule in the Code of Federal Regulations. While Illinois disability law does not control federal VA ratings directly, Illinois statutes such as 20 ILCS 5/5-535 protect veterans’ rights when seeking state benefits and services. When I represent clients in Illinois, I pay careful attention to both sets of rules to ensure that the VA does not overlook medical findings that support a higher rating.
The VA uses a schedule that assigns percentage ratings in ten percent increments. Each condition has specific criteria describing the level of impairment. The VA must compare a veteran’s symptoms to the closest match in that schedule. In many cases, raters use incomplete medical records or ignore functional limitations that should raise the rating. I work closely with doctors and specialists to ensure that all symptoms, flare-ups, and limitations are documented clearly. Strong medical evidence gives you the best chance to secure the rating you deserve.
When veterans have more than one service-connected disability, the VA uses a combined rating table rather than simple addition. This process often results in a combined rating that looks lower than expected. For example, two disabilities rated at fifty percent do not equal one hundred percent. Instead, they combine using a complex formula that rounds down. Veterans frequently misunderstand this calculation and assume an error occurred. I review each rating decision carefully to determine whether the VA applied the formula correctly or improperly reduced the combined rating.
For veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from working, the VA offers Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability. This benefit pays at the one-hundred percent rate even if the combined rating is below one hundred percent. Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16, veterans may qualify if they cannot secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities. Many veterans meet these standards but are wrongfully denied because the VA undervalues their limitations. I step in to gather work history, medical evidence, and vocational reports to build a strong appeal.
The VA compares your symptoms to specific rating criteria in the Code of Federal Regulations. Each condition has defined levels of impairment. The VA must choose the level that best matches your symptoms. When the VA ignores important medical records, pain levels, or limitations, the rating may be lower than it should be. Detailed medical documentation is essential for a fair decision.
Combined ratings do not add together normally. Instead, the VA applies a formula that reduces the impact of each additional disability. This method can produce a result that feels unfair. I analyze the decision to confirm whether the VA applied the rule correctly. If the VA misapplied the formula or underrated one of your conditions, we can challenge the decision.
Yes. Veterans may request an increased rating if their condition worsens. The VA requires updated medical evidence showing the decline in your health. Many veterans assume the VA will review their case automatically, but the responsibility to request the increase falls on the veteran. I help clients prepare strong evidence to support a higher rating.
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability is available to veterans who cannot work due to service-connected disabilities. You may qualify even if your combined rating is below one hundred percent. The VA reviews your work history, functional limitations, and medical records. When the VA denies TDIU unfairly, I gather additional evidence to strengthen your claim.
You should not accept the decision without reviewing it closely. Many denials and low ratings happen because the VA misses medical evidence, misstates symptoms, or misapplies rating criteria. I examine the decision line by line, gather the necessary evidence, and appeal aggressively to correct the error.
Illinois law does not control federal VA ratings, but Illinois benefits programs sometimes rely on VA findings. Illinois statutes, such as 20 ILCS 5/5-535, provide support services for veterans and may be affected by your VA rating. Understanding both systems helps protect your access to the full range of benefits.
If the VA underrated your condition or denied your disability claim, I am ready to fight for you. At Harold W. Conick & Associates, I work with veterans across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and the greater Midwest to correct unfair decisions and secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact our Chicago veterans disability lawyer at Harold W. Conick & Associates by calling (800) 608-8881 to receive your free case evaluation. Harold W. Conick & Associates fights for benefits for veterans throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and the entire Midwest.
