When veterans file a claim for disability compensation, one of the most critical steps in the process is the assignment of a disability rating. This rating, expressed as a percentage, directly impacts the amount of monthly compensation a veteran receives. In 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to refine how these ratings are determined, aiming for more accuracy and fairness while also making the process more transparent. Understanding how ratings are assigned can make a huge difference in preparing a strong claim.
The VA bases disability ratings on the severity of the veteran’s service-connected condition and how much it affects their ability to work and perform daily activities. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10. A 0% rating recognizes the condition as service-connected but does not qualify the veteran for monthly compensation, while higher ratings bring increased benefits. In 2025, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring that veterans’ functional limitations, not just their medical diagnoses, are considered when assigning percentages.
To determine a rating, the VA relies heavily on the results of Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams. These exams are performed by VA or VA-contracted medical providers who evaluate the severity of the condition, review medical records, and sometimes conduct physical or psychological testing. For example, a veteran with a back injury may undergo range-of-motion tests, while a veteran with PTSD may have their symptoms evaluated against the VA’s mental health rating criteria. The 2025 guidelines also include updates for certain conditions like sleep apnea and tinnitus, where rating criteria are being closely reviewed and could impact thousands of veterans.
Another important factor is the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), which provides standardized criteria for evaluating medical conditions. Each condition has specific diagnostic codes that describe how it should be rated. For example, hearing loss, migraines, or orthopedic issues all have detailed tables and benchmarks. In 2025, the VA has been working to modernize these codes, aligning them with current medical knowledge. This means some conditions may now be evaluated differently than they were in past years, either increasing or reducing the chances of receiving a higher rating.
Veterans with multiple conditions often face additional complexity. The VA does not simply add percentages together but uses what’s called the “VA math” method, which combines ratings in a way that reflects the overall impact without exceeding 100%. For example, a veteran with a 50% rating for PTSD and a 30% rating for a knee injury won’t automatically receive 80%. Instead, VA math would result in a combined rating that is slightly lower, often leaving veterans confused and frustrated. Understanding this formula is key to managing expectations and planning for appeals if the rating seems unfair.
One of the biggest challenges veterans face is ensuring that their medical evidence clearly supports the rating they deserve. Submitting private medical opinions, buddy statements, or detailed documentation of symptoms can strengthen a claim. For example, if a veteran’s migraines regularly force them to miss work, this evidence should be highlighted in the claim. In 2025, the VA has made some improvements to digital claim submissions, allowing veterans to upload additional evidence more easily through VA.gov. However, many veterans still find themselves denied or underrated due to vague medical records or incomplete C&P exams.
Ultimately, knowing how VA ratings are determined empowers veterans to be proactive in their claims. By understanding the process, providing strong evidence, and being prepared to appeal if necessary, veterans stand a much better chance of receiving a fair rating. For those facing denials or low ratings, options like Higher-Level Reviews and Board Appeals remain critical tools. As updates to the rating system continue into 2025, staying informed about these changes can mean the difference between a denied claim and a fully granted benefit.
