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Achieving a 100% VA disability rating is a monumental milestone, worth at least $3,831.30 per month in 2025.
It means the VA has fully recognized the severity of your service-connected disabilities.
But does that mean your VA claim journey is over?
Not necessarily.
Many veterans at the 100% rating level may qualify for additional VA benefits, whether by securing Permanent & Total (P&T) status, qualifying for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), or accessing additional specialized benefits.
However, filing a new claim at 100% isn’t without risk, and the last thing you want is an unexpected rating reduction.
So, should you file?
The answer depends on your unique situation.
In this article from VA disability expert Brian Reese, we’ll explore the top 5 reasons why you might consider filing a new VA claim—even with a 100% rating—along with the potential risks and expert strategies to protect your VA benefits.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Achieving a 100% VA Disability Rating is a Major Milestone: Veterans receiving at least $3,831.30 per month in 2025 at the 100% rating level may still qualify for additional benefits, including Permanent & Total (P&T) status, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), and specialized VA benefits.
- Filing a New Claim at 100% Can Provide Additional Protections: Veterans may consider filing a new claim to upgrade to 100% P&T status, access SMC benefits, or protect against potential future rating reductions by establishing service connection for additional disabilities.
- There Are Risks to Filing Additional Claims: Submitting a new claim can trigger a VA rating review, which may result in a rating reduction if the VA finds evidence of improvement or incorrect past ratings. Veterans should carefully weigh the benefits versus the risks before filing.
- Expert Guidance Can Help Protect Your Benefits: Consulting with a VA claims expert, conducting thorough research, and understanding VA rating protections (5, 10, and 20-year rules) are crucial steps. VA Claims Insider has helped over 25,000 veterans maximize their benefits—📞 Call 737-295-2226 now!
Should I File a New Claim After Securing a 100% VA Rating?
Here are the top 5 reasons to consider filing VA claims after receiving a 100% VA disability rating:
#1. Upgrading a 100% Schedular Rating to 100% Permanent & Total (P&T) Status
Having a 100% schedular VA rating means a veteran is receiving the maximum monthly compensation based on the VA’s rating schedule, but it does not automatically grant Permanent & Total (P&T) status. Without P&T designation, the VA may reevaluate disabilities over time, and benefits such as Chapter 35 Dependent Educational Assistance (DEA) and certain state-level tax exemptions may not be available. Veterans who believe their service-connected conditions are permanent and unlikely to improve can file for P&T status by submitting medical evidence demonstrating the chronic, long-term nature of their disabilities. Receiving a 100% P&T rating generally ensures lifetime protections, removes the risk of future reductions, and grants additional benefits for dependents.
#2. Accessing Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Benefits
The VA provides SMC to veterans with specific severe disabilities that go beyond the standard rating schedule. Conditions such as the loss or loss of use of limbs, blindness, deafness, or the need for regular aid and attendance can qualify a veteran for SMC, resulting in compensation above the 100% schedular rate. For instance, if you’re unable to perform daily living activities without assistance, you might be eligible for SMC under the aid and attendance provision. Filing a claim for SMC can lead to increased financial support, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by such severe disabilities.
#3. Qualifying for Special VA Benefits
Certain VA benefits are contingent upon specific service-connected conditions. For example, the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Automobile Adaptive Equipment grant are designed for veterans with particular disabilities, such as the loss of use of lower extremities or severe visual impairments. Even with a 100% rating, if you haven’t claimed the specific condition that qualifies you for these benefits, filing a new claim can open doors to essential resources that enhance your quality of life.
#4. Upgrading From TDIU to 100% P&T Status
While Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows veterans to receive compensation at the 100% rate, it comes with limitations that can impact long-term benefits. TDIU status is tied to employment restrictions—earning above marginal income can result in losing this benefit. Additionally, TDIU does not guarantee Permanent & Total (P&T) status, which affects eligibility for state-level benefits and protections. Filing for additional claims to establish a 100% Permanent & Total rating can provide greater security, ensuring that benefits remain intact regardless of employment status and eliminating the risk of future reductions.
#5. Protecting Against Potential Future Rating Reductions
While a 100% rating is substantial, it’s not always permanent. The VA periodically reviews disability ratings, and if evidence suggests improvement in your condition, there’s a possibility of a rating reduction. By establishing service connection for additional disabilities, you create a safety net. If one condition’s rating decreases, the combined ratings of your other service-connected disabilities can help maintain your overall compensation level. This proactive approach ensures sustained support, reflecting the full scope of your service-related health challenges.
The Risk of Filing Additional Claims With a 100 Percent VA Disability Rating
While there are clear benefits to filing additional claims if you already have a 100% VA rating, it’s crucial to approach this decision judiciously:
Risk of a VA Rating Reduction
Submitting a new claim can prompt the VA to review your entire disability file. During this review, if the VA determines that any of your conditions have improved or were previously rated incorrectly, there’s a risk of a rating reduction. This is particularly pertinent if the new claim is related to an existing service-connected condition, as the VA aims to prevent “pyramiding,” or compensating twice for the same symptoms.
Pro Tips and Strategies for Veterans With a 100 Percent VA Rating
- Get a Pre-Filing VA Claims Review From an Expert: Before submitting a new VA disability claim, veterans should have their entire VA claims file (C-File) reviewed by an experienced VA claims expert. A thorough review helps identify potential risks, such as conditions that could trigger a rating reduction, and ensures the new claim is well-supported for success.
- Conduct Thorough Research: Before filing a new claim, explore the specifics of your condition and understand the VA’s rating criteria in 38 CFR, Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Ensure that the medical evidence supports the severity and service connection of the condition you’re claiming.
- Consult With Medical Professionals: Engage with your healthcare providers to discuss your condition’s progression and gather comprehensive medical documentation. A detailed request for 100% P&T status letter from a private healthcare provider can substantiate that your disabilities are unlikely to improve over time.
- Understand Rating Protections: Be aware of the various VA rules for disability, especially the 5, 10, and 20-year rules:
- VA 5-Year Rule: The VA 5-year rule allows the VA to reevaluate your existing VA disability rating within 5 years of your initial examination, but only if your disability condition is expected to show “material improvement” over time.
- VA 10-Year Rule: The VA 10-year rule states the VA can’t eliminate a rating that’s been in place for 10 years or more. Important: Your VA rating can still be reduced (not eliminated) if medical evidence shows that your disability has improved.
- VA 20-Year Rule: The VA 20-year rule means if your rating has been in effect for 20 years or more, the VA can’t reduce it below the lowest rating it has held for the previous 20 years.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
Reaching a 100% VA disability rating is a major achievement, but your journey doesn’t necessarily stop there.
Filing additional claims could unlock more benefits, greater financial security, and additional protections—but it’s crucial to navigate this process carefully.
Before taking action, make sure you understand the potential risks and rewards.
A single misstep could lead to rating reductions or unexpected VA reviews.
That’s why expert guidance is key.
At VA Claims Insider, we’ve helped 25,000+ veterans like you maximize their benefits, protect their ratings, and secure the compensation they deserve.
If you’re unsure about your next move, we’ve got your six!
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
