What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability?
Asked by: Dr. Asha Schowalter | Last update: September 12, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (17 votes)
If a veteran has two or more service-connected disabilities, at least one of those disabilities must be rated at 40% or higher. When these ratings are considered for the other disabilities, the veteran's combined disability rating must be 70% or higher. This is essentially how the 70-40 rule operates.
How hard is it to go from 70% to 100% VA disability?
To increase your VA disability Rating from 70% to 100% it is vital that you provide medical records to the VA that show your symptoms. Not all doctors will provide records to show your symptoms. Fortunately, the VA provides rating tools such as Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) on their website.
At what age does your VA disability become permanent?
There is no set age of when your VA disability becomes permanent. The VA rater will determine “permanence” of a VA disability if it is reasonably certain, based upon medical evidence, that the level of impairment will continue for the rest of your life. Translation: Whether you're 35 or 75 years old it does not matter.
What is the most common 100% VA disability?
- Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the most common disability among veterans, affecting over 2 million individuals. ...
- Hearing Loss. ...
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
- Clear Service Connection. ...
- Objective Diagnostic Tests. ...
- Streamlined Claims Process. ...
- Medical Documentation. ...
- Nexus Letter.
What is the hardest VA claim to get?
1. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., PTSD, Depression) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequently filed claims by veterans, but it's also one of the hardest to get approved.
The VA 70/40 Rule For a 100% Disability Rating
How much social security does a 100 disabled veteran get?
In 2023, the average number is $1.4k while the maximum benefits can go as high as $3.6k. However, SSDI doesn't adhere to the VA schedule for disability, meaning that even a 100% disabled veteran may not receive the maximum amount if their earnings don't exceed a certain threshold.
When my husband dies, will I get his VA disability?
It is unfortunate that after you pass away, your spouse will not be able to receive your VA disability compensation. However, after your passing your spouse may qualify for a monthly allowance also known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
What are the hidden benefits of 100% VA disability?
- CHAMPVA Benefits. ...
- VA Health Care Benefits. ...
- Long Term Care Benefits. ...
- Commissary and Exchange Benefits. ...
- Educational and Employment Benefits. ...
- VA Home Loan Guarantee. ...
- Free Tax Return Preparation. ...
- Student Loan Forgiveness.
What is the VA 85 15 rule?
The 85 percent rule, or 85/15 rule, prohibits Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from paying benefits to students who are enrolling in a program when more than 85 percent of the students that are already enrolled in that program have any part of their tuition, fees, or other mandatory charges paid for them ("supported ...
Does the wife of a 100 disabled veteran get benefits?
The spouse of a veteran with a 100% disability rating is entitled to benefits, including healthcare and educational. The veteran is also entitled to additional monetary help for the spouse and for other eligible dependents.
What disabilities can the VA not prove?
No, there aren't any VA disability claims that cannot be proven. In fact, all VA claims must be proven on an “at least as likely as not” basis. If you have no evidence (no proof), your VA claim will be denied. Also, you must first ensure you're even eligible for VA disability benefits under the law.
What happens to my VA disability when I turn 65?
The good news is that, in most cases, VA disability benefits continue unchanged at age 65 and beyond. Unlike some other forms of income or benefits that may be affected by reaching retirement age, VA disability compensation is designed to be a lifelong benefit for eligible veterans.
What are the easiest VA claims to get approved?
See which service-connected conditions the VA is most likely to approve for veterans disability benefits. Tinnitus, mental health conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, scars, and presumptive disorders are frequently approved VA disability claims.
Why is 100 VA disability so hard?
To receive a rating of 100 percent, there must be sufficient evidence to support the severity of the service-connected condition. This can come from medical documentation as well as testimony from friends, family, co-workers, and others who can attest to the seriousness of the disability.
Can disabled veterans fly free?
A popular perk among retirees, now eligible Veterans can take advantage of the program and fly for free. So, whether the Veteran is looking for a getaway to Hawaii or a trip to catch-up with their Veteran brothers and sisters on the other side of the country, the Space-A travel program can fly you there.
Do spouses of 100% disabled veterans get dental benefits?
Are dependents and spouses eligible for VA Dental Care? In short, yes, this program for veterans does provide dental care for the spouse and dependent children of most 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
Can veterans get 200% disability?
Veterans Disability Benefits Blog
A 100 percent disability rating, or a total disability rating is the highest percentage that can be given for service-connected compensation purposes.
What is the most approved VA disability?
- Tinnitus.
- Hearing Loss.
- Limitation of Flexion, Knee.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (Back Pain)
- Scars, General.
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve.
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle.
Do spouses of 100 disabled veterans get ID cards?
A surviving spouse and eligible children of deceased active-duty members, retired military members, Medal of Honor recipients and 100% disabled veterans are eligible for military IDs.
How long does a widow receive VA benefits?
The period of entitlement for a surviving spouse extends for 10 years from the date of the veteran's death. For surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty, benefits end 20 years from the date of death. A surviving child must generally be between 18 and 26 years of age.
What do spouses of 100 disabled veterans get?
These benefits could include health insurance, federal or state job hiring preference, commissary and exchange privileges and more. As a spouse of a disabled veteran you may be eligible for: VA Education Benefits. VA Pension.
What illness automatically qualifies for disability?
Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, benign brain tumors) Mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression) Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases) Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV infection, lupus, inflammatory arthritis)
Does VA disability count as income?
While you do not have to report VA disability benefits on your tax returns, you must file a return if you have taxable income from other sources. If you were taxed on disability income in the past, you may be entitled to a refund under The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016.