Did you know that veterans may qualify for extra schedular ratings?
Most people are familiar with the basic categories of disability benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but fewer are aware of the VA extra schedular rating. To be eligible for extra-schedular consideration, a veteran must show that their symptoms are uncommon, unusual, and exceed what is expected for the rating code. In some cases, veterans may be eligible for a rating of 100 percent.
This article will explore how a veteran can qualify for this rating and the benefits available.
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- What Is a VA Extra-Schedular Rating (3.321 B Extra Schedular Rating)?
- The Difference Between Schedular Rating and Extra-Schedular?
- How Do I Qualify for a VA Extra Schedular Rating?
- What Is Extra Schedular TDIU?
- Extra Schedular Rating for Migraines
- What Is the Highest VA Rating for Migraines?
- Extra Schedular Rating for Crohn’s Disease
- What Is the Highest VA Rating for Crohn’s Disease
- Extra Schedular Rating for Hearing Loss
- What Is the Highest VA Rating for Hearing Loss?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
What Is a VA Extra-Schedular Rating (3.321 B Extra Schedular Rating)?
A VA extra-schedular rating, also known as a 3.321 b 1 extra schedular rating, is a type of benefit granted to veterans with service-connected disabilities that are not adequately covered by the regular rating schedule.
Veterans with an unusual disability picture may be rated under the extra-schedular rating process. Factors that can make a disability unusual include marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
To receive an extra-schedular rating, a veteran must first submit evidence showing that their disability is more severe than what is reflected in the schedular rating criteria. This step can be completed either as an increase claim or an appeal claim to the VA. Once the evidence has been reviewed, the VA will determine whether or not an extra-schedular rating is warranted.
If granted, the extra-schedular rating will be assigned based on the severity of the veteran’s disability.
While an extra-schedular rating does not guarantee that a veteran will receive 100% disabled benefits, it can significantly increase the monthly compensation they are eligible to receive.
The Difference Between Schedular Rating and Extra-Schedular?
Schedular rating, specifically the 1945 Schedule for Rating Disabilities, is the system used for evaluating the degree of disabilities in claims for disability compensation, disability and death pension, and eligibility determinations. The provisions contained in the rating schedule are designed to represent the average impairment in earning capacity in civil occupations resulting from disability. The schedular rating is used to determine the percentage level of impairment an individual experiences based on the VA’s diagnostic codes.
Extra-schedular rating, on the other hand, is used to accord justice to the exceptional case where the schedular evaluation is inadequate to rate a single service-connected disability. For some exceptional cases, the application of the regular schedular standards is impractical because the disability is so exceptional or unusual due to such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
How Do I Qualify for a VA Extra Schedular Rating?
Unlike the traditional rating system, which assigns a percentage based on the severity of your disability, the extra-schedular system is more individualized.
The VA will consider your unique case and determine if you warrant a higher rating than what is assigned under the normal schedular system. To qualify for an extra-schedular rating :
- you must first show that the established schedular criteria are inadequate to describe the severity and symptoms of the claimant’s disability AND
- Show that there are other indications of an exceptional or unusual disability picture, such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
If you meet these requirements, the VA will consider all the available evidence to decide on your claim. While there is no guarantee that you will receive a higher rating, it is important to remember that the extra-schedular process exists to ensure that veterans with severe disabilities are fairly compensated for their service-connected conditions.
What Is Extra Schedular TDIU?
If you are a disabled veteran, you may be entitled to receive additional compensation from the VA in the form of Extra Schedular TDIU (Individual Unemployability).
Extra Schedular TDIU is a way for the VA to provide additional benefits to Veterans who cannot work due to their service-connected disabilities.
To be eligible for Extra Schedular TDIU :
- you must have a service-connected disability that prevents you from working.
- the disability must be so severe that it renders you unable to earn a sufficient income to support yourself.
If you are eligible for Extra Schedular TDIU, you will receive benefits at the 100% disabled rate, even if your service-connected disabilities do not individually meet the criteria for that level of benefits.
Extra Schedular Rating for Migraines
Migraines are a serious health condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Though many factors can cause migraines, they are often the result of changes in the brainstem or trigeminal nerve. These changes can cause the blood vessels in the brain to swell, which puts pressure on the nerves and leads to pain.
In addition to the pain, migraines can cause other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Such related factors can result in migraines, a disabling condition that prevents veterans from working or participating in activities they enjoy.
Migraines are recognized as a possible debilitating condition. Migraines can be given extra-schedular ratings as long as:
- the established schedular criteria are inadequate to describe the severity and symptoms of the claimant’s disability, and
- there are other indications of an exceptional or unusual disability picture, such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
If a veteran has been granted the highest possible rating for migraines but thinks his migraine should be rated higher than the schedular rating, the veteran can file an increase or an appeal claim to the VA.
What Is the Highest VA Rating for Migraines?
The VA evaluates disability claims for service-connected conditions using a thorough and well-established process. One of the first steps in this process is to assign a disability rating, which is intended to reflect the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran’s ability to function.
Ratings are assigned on a scale from 0 to 100 percent, in increments of 10.
For migraines, the highest possible rating is 50 percent. This rating may be assigned if the veteran experiences migraine headaches with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. In addition, the VA may also consider other factors, such as the veteran’s treatment and whether the condition is expected to improve over time.
Extra Schedular Rating for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Chronic inflammation can lead to symptoms like severe abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. In some cases, the disease can also cause life-threatening complications.
Because of the potentially serious nature of the condition, people with Crohn’s disease may be eligible for an extra schedular rating.
As for migraines, patients with Crohn’s disease can be given extra-schedular ratings as long as:
- the established schedular criteria are inadequate to describe the severity and symptoms of the claimant’s disability, and
- there are other indications of an exceptional or unusual disability picture, such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
What Is the Highest VA Rating for Crohn’s Disease
The highest disability rating for Crohn’s disease is currently 100%.
The 100% disability rating is also given when a Veteran has a service-connected condition that requires constant hospitalization or regular outpatient treatment.
If you have Crohn’s disease, it is important to track your symptoms and update your doctor on your condition. A high VA rating can help you get the benefits and assistance you need to manage your Crohn’s disease.
Extra Schedular Rating for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabling conditions in the United States. Although hearing loss can occur at any age, it is most common among older adults. One in three adults over the age of 60 suffers from some degree of hearing loss. While hearing loss causes many causes, exposure to loud noise is one of the most common culprits.
It may be possible for individuals who suffer from hearing loss to get a special extra schedular rating if
- the established schedular criteria are inadequate to describe the severity and symptoms of the claimant’s disability, and
- there are other indications of an exceptional or unusual disability picture, such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
If you are successful in establishing your entitlement to benefits, you may be entitled to receive a monthly benefit payment as well as free healthcare and other benefits.
What Is the Highest VA Rating for Hearing Loss?
To receive the highest rating of 100 percent, a veteran must be unable to hear any sound in one ear and have only limited hearing in the other. Veterans who can still hear some sounds in both ears may be eligible for lower ratings.
The VA will consider the veteran’s age, employment history, and educational background when determining the appropriate rating. Hearing loss can significantly impact someone’s quality of life, so getting an accurate VA rating is important.
We hope this guide has been helpful. We’re insiders and here to walk you through everything you need to know. Remember, if you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the VA Rating Criteria for Extra Schedular Consideration?
The VA rates disability veterans’ claims on a scale from 0 to 100 percent, in 10-percent increments. This extra schedular evaluation determines the level of benefits a Veteran receives. The higher the rating, the greater the level of benefits. Sometimes, a veteran may believe their condition warrants a higher rating than the VA assigned. When this happens, they can file for extra schedular consideration.
The VA will only approve extra schedular consideration under certain conditions. Remember, it is only possible to get an extra schedular rating if
- the established schedular criteria are inadequate to describe the severity and symptoms of the claimant’s disability, and
- there are other indications of an exceptional or unusual disability picture, such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.
If the VA approves extra schedular consideration, the veteran will be assigned a higher VA disability rating and receive greater benefits.
What Is a Diagnostic Code?
When getting an extra schedular rating, the appropriate diagnostic code is essential. This code is used to help identify the specific condition that the veteran is experiencing. Without the right code, getting the appropriate level of benefits cannot be easy.
The VA uses various resources to help determine the appropriate code, including medical records and examinations.
How Do You Get 100% Schedular Ratings?
A 100% schedular rating is the highest possible rating a veteran can receive from the VA.
To qualify for a 100% schedular rating, a veteran must be so severely disabled that they cannot work or earn a living. In most cases, a 100% schedular rating is only given to veterans who experience frequent hospitalization or require constant care.
However, there are some exceptions – for instance, veterans who are blind or amputees may also qualify for a 100% rating.
How Much Compensation Can a Veteran Receive With an Extra Schedular Rating?
Veterans can receive various compensation benefits based on their service-related injuries or illnesses.
One type of benefit is an extra schedular rating, which can provide additional monthly payments above the standard rate. These extra payments depend on the veteran’s circumstances, but it typically ranges from 10 to 30 percent of the standard compensation rate.
In some cases, veterans may also be eligible for other benefits, such as special monthly allowances or one-time lump sum payments.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Founder & CEO
Brian Reese is a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, and founder of VA Claims Insider – “The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”
His frustration with the 8-step VA disability claims process led him to create “VA Claims Insider,” which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim.
Brian is also the CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.
His eBook, the “9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim” has been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans.
He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
