VA Disability Rating Schedule and Compensation
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2008/09/07 - Updated: 2025/12/27
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disabled Veterans - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information explains how the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates service-connected disabilities and determines compensation payments. The article outlines the VA's rating methodology, which requires evidence that a condition was incurred during military service, and describes how combined disabilities are calculated using a formula that doesn't simply add percentages together. For veterans navigating the claims process, the detailed compensation tables covering 10% through 100% disability ratings - with variations based on dependent status and number of children - provide concrete figures that help veterans and their families understand their potential benefits. The explanations of how the VA applies each disability rating to the remaining healthy percentage gives veterans a clear picture of how their combined conditions affect their final evaluation, which is particularly useful for those managing multiple service-connected conditions - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
How the VA disability rating system works and a list of 2008 VA compensation rates for veterans with a disability rating of 10 percent or higher.
The evidence of record must show the claimed disability was incurred during military service. The medical evidence provided by the veteran and/or the service department must show the claimed disability. If the disability pre-existed service, such as a leg condition, the evidence must show that the condition became worse during military service.
Main Content
If service medical records show the claimed disability exists, then it must be determined how disabling the condition is today. The claimant usually under goes a medical examination at the nearest VA Medical Center. The examining doctors report is then sent to the Regional Office for review.
The VA compensation rating specialist then consults a rating schedule (See Chart Below). The findings will then be compared to the descriptions given to the various percentages. The percentage, which is closest to the examining physician's findings, will be given as an evaluation of the disability. VA compensation disability benefit valuations are rounded to the closest 10%.
If a veteran is found to have more than one disability (each of which is considered at least 10% disabling) they will apply a VA compensation schedule for a combined evaluation. Note: Individual disabilities are not added together to give a final percentage.
For example: A veteran may have 3 disabilities: arm, leg, and psychological. And each disability is rated 50% disabling. The veteran is not evaluated as 150% disabled. Each percent is applied to the remaining healthy percent.
With no disabilities the veteran is considered 100% healthy.
When the arm condition is considered, the veteran is now 50% disabled and 50% healthy.
Next the 50% evaluation of the leg is applied to the healthy 50% and he/she is considered 75% disabled and 25% healthy.
As evaluations rounded to 10% increments the veterans evaluation is now rounded to 80% disabled and 20% healthy.
The 50% psychological condition is then applied to the remaining 25% healthy. As the previous combined evaluation was 75% and was rounded to 80%. He/she is now 88% disabled.
The 88% evaluation is then rounded to a final figure of 90% disabled and 10% healthy.
NOTE: Always insist on a discharge physical examination.
VA compensation
Book C Covers:
Appendices:
Subpart A - General Policy in Rating
Subpart B - Disability Rating
- Skin
- Digestive System
- Endocrine System
- Mental Disorders
- Respiratory System
- Genitourinary System
- Cardiovascular System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Organs of Special Sense
- Dental and Oral Conditions
- Hemic and Lymphatic Systems
- Impairment of Auditory Acuity
- Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders
- Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast
- Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders and Nutritional Deficiencies
List of 2008 VA compensation rates for veterans with a disability rating 10 percent or higher
10% - 20% Disability Rating (With or Without Dependents)
| Percentage | Rate |
| 10% | $117 |
| 20% | $230 |
VA compensation 30% - 60% Disability Rating Without Children
| Dependent Status | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
| Veteran Alone | $356 | $512 | $728 | $921 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $398 | $568 | $799 | $1006 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $432 | $613 | $856 | $1074 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $466 | $658 | $913 | $1142 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $390 | $557 | $785 | $989 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $424 | $602 | $842 | $1057 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $39 | $52 | $64 | $77 |
VA compensation 70% - 100% Disability Rating Without Children
| Dependent Status | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
| Veteran Alone | $1,161 | $1,349 | $1,517 | $2,527 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,260 | $1,462 | $1,644 | $2,669 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $1,339 | $1,553 | $1,746 | $2,783 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $1,418 | $1,644 | $1,848 | $2,897 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,240 | $1,440 | $1,619 | $2,641 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $1,319 | $1,531 | $1,721 | $2,755 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $90 | $103 | $116 | $129 |
VA compensation 30% - 60% Disability Rating With Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Spouse & Child | $429 | $610 | $850 | $1068 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $384 | $550 | $776 | $978 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $463 | $655 | $907 | $1136 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $497 | $700 | $964 | $1,204 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $418 | $595 | $833 | $1046 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $452 | $640 | $890 | $1114 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $21 | $28 | $35 | $42 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $68 | $90 | $113 | $136 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $39 | $52 | $64 | $77 |
VA compensation 70% - 100% Disability Rating With Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Spouse & Child | $1,332 | $1,545 | $1,737 | $2,772 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $1,228 | $1,425 | $1,603 | $2,623 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $1,411 | $1,636 | $1,839 | $2,886 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $1,490 | $1,727 | $1,941 | $3,000 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $1,307 | $1,516 | $1,705 | $2,737 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $1,386 | $1,607 | $1,807 | $2,851 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $49 | $56 | $63 | $71 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $158 | $181 | $204 | $227 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | $90 | $103 | $116 | $129 |
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While these 2008 rates have long been superseded by current VA schedules that are adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases, the methodology explained here remains fundamentally the same. Veterans and their families should verify current compensation rates directly through the VA, as rates change yearly, but understanding the mechanics of how disabilities are combined and evaluated - rather than simply added together - remains essential knowledge for anyone pursuing or managing a disability claim. The article's clear walkthrough of the combined rating formula, illustrated with practical examples, addresses a common point of confusion that trips up many veterans when they first encounter the rating system - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.