Are you currently sitting at a 90% VA disability rating and wondering how to get to 100%? That last 10% may seem small, but it can actually be quite tricky to achieve. I’m Robert Hoffman with Veterans Guide. Let’s talk about what you can do to push past that 90% and reach 100%.
First, let’s talk about how the VA math works when you’re already at 90%. It’s easy to think that you’re just one step away from a higher rating, but that 10% gap is more complicated than it looks. The VA calculates your rating based on your combined disability, and once you’re at 90%, it can be harder to reach that next level.
At 90%, you might already have multiple conditions rated, but to get from 90% to 100%, you’ll need to find that one last piece—either by increasing an existing rating or by adding secondary conditions.
It’s important to note, you should only claim conditions that are directly related to your service and ones you can’t document with medical evidence. Adding new conditions or seeking increases should be done on valid, documented symptoms–not simply to increase your rating.
For example, if you have PTSD at 70% and tinnitus at 10%, you might be able to increase your PTSD rating to 100% by showing that your symptoms have worsened, such as increased depression, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts. It’s important to have solid medical evidence to back up the increase.
Another way to go from 90% to 100% is through secondary conditions. Conditions like sleep apnea, migraines, or depression can often be linked to your primary service-connected condition. If you’re already rated for PTSD or another service-connected injury, adding secondary conditions can push your overall rating to 100%.
Finally, don’t forget about Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). Sometimes, the VA will offer additional compensation if you have significant limitations due to your disability. If your combined rating is 90%, but you have other qualifying conditions, SMC can help you reach the 100% level.
At Veterans Guide, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the complexities of VA claims, rating increases, and secondary conditions. If you’re ready to see if we can get you to 100%, reach out to our team today.
Visit VeteransGuide.org today to learn how we can help you maximize your VA disability rating and ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
