Did you know there are five different types of 100 percent VA disability ratings?
Yep, it’s true.
A 100% VA rating is the “holy grail” of VA disability benefits, offering incredible benefits to veterans and their families.
In this article, we’ll break down the five types of 100 percent VA ratings, covering basic eligibility, monetary and non-monetary benefits, and pro tips and strategies.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- There are five distinct types of 100 percent VA disability ratings: Schedular, Permanent and Total (P&T), Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), Temporary, and Cancer-related ratings.
- A 100% VA disability rating provides veterans with full monthly compensation, comprehensive healthcare, and additional benefits like housing and education assistance, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
- “P&T” status is the pinnacle of 100% VA ratings, providing exceptional benefits and the peace of mind that the VA is highly unlikely to re-evaluate or reduce your rating.
What are the Different Types of 100 Percent VA Disability Ratings?
- 100% Schedular VA Disability Rating: A rating assigned when a veteran’s single or combined service-connected disabilities total 100 percent according to the VA’s rating schedule.
- 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA Disability Rating: A rating indicating that a veteran’s disabilities are both total (preventing gainful employment) and permanent (unlikely to improve over time).
- 100% Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): A benefit allowing veterans to receive 100 percent compensation if their service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if their combined rating is less than 100 percent.
- 100% Temporary VA Disability Rating: A rating given to veterans who are temporarily incapacitated due to a service-connected condition, such as during hospitalization or recovery from surgery.
- 100% Disability Ratings for Cancer: A rating automatically assigned to veterans with active, service-connected cancer, continuing during active cancer and for six months after treatment ends.
#1. 100% Schedular VA Disability Rating
A 100% schedular VA rating is the most common type of 100% VA rating.
Veterans can receive a schedular 100 percent disability rating in one of two ways:
- Single Disability Rated at 100%: A 100 percent rating based on one service-connected disability alone.
- Combined VA Disabilities: Multiple service-connected disabilities rated at 0% or higher that combine to 100 percent.
The VA uses “fuzzy math” to calculate your combined VA disability rating.
Use our free VA Disability Calculator to quickly calculate your combined VA rating with dependents.
Pro Tip: Ensure your medical documentation is thorough and up-to-date, clearly detailing the severity and impact of each service-connected condition. This can significantly strengthen your case for a 100% schedular VA disability rating.
#2. 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA Disability Rating
A 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating is awarded when a veteran’s disabilities are both “total”—meaning the impairments are severe enough to prevent any substantially gainful employment—and “permanent,” indicating the conditions are expected to persist for the rest of the veteran’s life.
“P&T” status is the crème de la crème of 100% ratings, offering unmatched benefits and the assurance that the VA is highly unlikely to re-evaluate or reduce your rating.
The VA will automatically grant Permanent and Total (P&T) status if you meet the eligibility criteria.
However, veterans can also apply for a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating online at VA.gov.
To strengthen your application, we recommend obtaining a P&T letter from your doctor or another private healthcare provider.
This letter should explain why you should be granted a 100% P&T rating, emphasizing the severity of your disabilities and their unlikely improvement over time.
To check for “P&T status,” follow these five steps on the VA’s website:
- Step #1. Log in to VA.gov: Go to VA.gov and log in to your account.
- Step #2. Access Your VA Letters and Documents: Navigate to the section for VA letters and documents.
- Step #3. Locate Your Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter: Find the “Benefit Summary and Service Verification” letter in your documents.
- Step #4. View the VA Benefit and Disability Information Section: Scroll down and review the VA benefit and disability information section of the letter.
- Step #5. Look for the Specific Block for P&T Status: See if the block that states, “You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled solely due to your service-connected disabilities,” is checked. If this block is checked, it confirms that you have a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating.
Pro Tip: Obtain a detailed letter from your doctor or healthcare provider that explicitly states the severity and permanence of your disabilities, emphasizing that they are unlikely to improve over time. This documentation can significantly improve your application for a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating.
#3. 100% Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a crucial benefit that allows veterans to receive 100 percent compensation, even if their combined disability rating doesn’t reach 100 percent.
Unlike schedular ratings, TDIU is based on whether a veteran’s service-connected conditions prevent them from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Veterans might be unable to work due to a combination of conditions that negatively interact with each other.
For example, a veteran might struggle to work because their mental health issues worsen their physical problems and vice versa.
Although TDIU isn’t automatically permanent, it can be granted permanent status.
To achieve this, veterans must apply for permanent status with the VA and provide medical evidence demonstrating that their service-connected conditions are unlikely to improve over time.
Pro Tip: When applying for TDIU, include a detailed vocational assessment or an independent medical opinion that specifically explains how your service-connected disabilities prevent you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
#4. 100% Temporary VA Disability Rating
This rating is assigned to veterans who are temporarily incapacitated due to a service-connected condition.
It typically applies to situations involving hospitalization or recovery periods from surgery or severe illnesses.
There are three types of temporary 100% disability ratings:
- Pre-stabilization Ratings: Assigned to veterans recently discharged from military service with a severely disabling and unstable condition expected to continue indefinitely.
- Hospitalization Ratings: Assigned to veterans hospitalized for over 21 days due to a service-connected condition, including those under hospital observation for more than 21 days at the VA’s expense.
- Convalescence Ratings: Assigned to veterans who underwent treatment or surgery for a service-connected disability at a VA medical center or VA-approved facility. For more information, see 38 CFR § 4.30.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have thorough medical records and doctor’s notes that clearly document your hospitalization, surgery, or recovery period, and explicitly state the duration and extent of your temporary incapacity. This will help substantiate your need for temporary total disability compensation.
#5. 100% Disability Ratings for Cancer
Veterans diagnosed with active, service-connected cancer automatically receive a 100 percent disability rating.
This rating remains in effect if the cancer is active and continues for an additional six months after completing a treatment program (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery).
Six months after the conclusion of cancer treatment, the VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess the veteran’s condition.
If the cancer is in remission, the VA will then adjust the veteran’s rating based on any residual effects.
Pro Tip: When diagnosed with a service-connected cancer, promptly submit all medical documentation, including biopsy reports, treatment plans, and physician statements, to the VA. Ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the active status of the cancer and any treatments you are undergoing to secure a 100% disability rating during and after treatment.
What Benefits Do I Get With a 100% VA Disability Rating?
Veterans with a 100% VA rating qualify for a host of amazing benefits, including:
- Monthly VA Disability Compensation: Monthly compensation at the highest pay rate, which is a minimum of $3,737.85 per month.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to full medical care, including preventative care, mental health services, and specialized treatments.
- Dental Care: Full dental coverage through the VA.
- Vision Care: Comprehensive eye care services, including exams and glasses.
- Hearing Aids and Services: Coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids.
- Dependent Benefits: Additional compensation for dependents, including spouse, children, and dependent parents.
- Education Benefits: Access to the GI Bill, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can be transferred to dependents.
- Housing Assistance: Eligibility for VA home loan programs and Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants for home modifications.
- Life Insurance: Access to VA life insurance programs, such as Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).
- Commissary and Exchange Privileges: Access to military commissaries and exchanges for discounted goods.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Potential exemptions from state property taxes on a primary residence.
- Vehicle Benefits: Eligibility for a one-time grant to purchase a specially adapted vehicle or adapt a vehicle to accommodate a disability.
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): Educational and training opportunities for dependents, including college and vocational training.
- CHAMPVA Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage for eligible dependents and survivors through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): Services to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable jobs.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Additional tax-free benefits for veterans with special circumstances such as the need for aid and attendance by another person.
- Waiver of VA Funding Fee: Exemption from the VA funding fee when obtaining a VA home loan.
- Travel Reimbursement: Reimbursement for travel expenses related to VA healthcare appointments.
- Clothing Allowance: Annual payment for veterans who use prosthetic or orthopedic appliances that wear out or tear clothing.
- Priority Group 1 VA Healthcare: Highest priority for VA healthcare services.
- Veterans Pension: For veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and meet certain income and service requirements.
- VA Caregiver Program: Support and financial assistance for family members who provide care for severely disabled veterans.
- State-Specific Benefits: Additional benefits such as free or reduced-cost hunting and fishing licenses, reduced or waived vehicle registration fees, and tuition waivers for veterans and their dependents.
- Burial Benefits: Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as burial allowances and a headstone or marker.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Independent Living Services: Services to improve independence for veterans unable to work due to their service-connected disabilities.
- VA Clothing Allowance for Multiple Appliances: Multiple clothing allowances for veterans using more than one prosthetic or orthopedic appliance.
- Emergency Care Coverage: Coverage for emergency care received outside the VA healthcare system if the VA is not reasonably available.
- Employment Assistance for Spouses: Employment resources and job placement assistance for the spouses of 100 percent disabled veterans.
- Free National Park Access: Free access to national parks and federal recreational lands through programs like the America the Beautiful Pass.
- Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay and VA Disability Compensation: Concurrent payments for veterans eligible for both.
- Enhanced Survivor Benefits: Enhanced Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits for survivors of veterans with a 100 percent disability rating.
- Adapted Housing Grants: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants for veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant: Assistance for medically necessary improvements and structural changes to homes.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Employment Services: Programs to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and retain employment.
- Caregiver Stipend: Monthly stipend for primary family caregivers of eligible veterans who require personal care services.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
Understanding the different types of 100 percent VA disability ratings can help you maximize your benefits and ensure you receive the support you’ve earned for serving our country.
Whether you’re dealing with a single severe condition or multiple interacting disabilities, knowing your options is key.
For personalized guidance and support with your VA disability claim, reach out to VA Claims Insider.
Our team of VA claim experts is here to help you navigate the confusing and complicated VA disability system and secure the benefits you’ve earned!
100 Percent VA Disability Ratings: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a 100 percent VA disability rating mean?
A 100 percent VA disability rating signifies the highest level of disability according to VA standards. It indicates that a veteran’s service-connected conditions are severe enough to impair their ability to work and perform daily activities. Note: A 100% percent scheduler or 100% P&T rating does not mean you’re unable to work. You can still be gainfully employed with a 100 percent scheduler or P&T rating.
2. What are the benefits of a 100 percent VA disability rating?
Benefits include full monthly VA disability compensation at the highest pay rate, comprehensive VA healthcare coverage, VA housing and education assistance, and various other monetary and non-monetary perks for veterans and their families.
3. How can I apply for a 100 percent VA disability rating?
You can apply for a 100 percent VA disability rating by submitting a claim through the VA’s website or by working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or a VA disability claims expert.
4. What are the different types of 100 percent VA disability ratings?
There are five different types of 100% VA disability ratings:
- 100% Schedular VA Disability Rating
- 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA Disability Rating
- 100% Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
- 100% Temporary VA Disability Rating
- 100% Disability Ratings for Cancer
5. How can I qualify for a 100% schedular VA disability rating?
You can qualify by having a single service-connected disability rated at 100% or multiple service-connected disabilities that combine to 100%.
6. How does the VA calculate combined disability ratings?
The VA uses a unique method to combine disability ratings, often referred to as “fuzzy math.” To simplify this process, you can use a combined VA rating calculator.
7. What does 100% “P&T” status mean?
“P&T” stands for Permanent and Total. It means that a veteran’s disabilities are both total (preventing gainful employment) and permanent (unlikely to improve over time), providing unmatched benefits and security from re-evaluation or rating reduction.
8. How can I apply for a 100% P&T VA disability rating?
While the VA may automatically grant P&T status if you meet the criteria, you can also apply online at VA.gov. Strengthen your application with a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the severity and permanence of your disabilities.
9. What is 100% TDIU?
TDIU allows veterans to receive 100 percent compensation if their service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if their combined rating does not equal 100 percent.
10. Can TDIU be granted permanent status?
Yes, TDIU can be granted permanent status if veterans apply for it and demonstrate that their service-connected conditions are unlikely to improve over time.
11. What are the types of temporary 100% VA disability ratings?
There are three types of temporary 100 percent ratings:
- Pre-stabilization Ratings: For veterans recently discharged with a severely disabling and unstable condition.
- Hospitalization Ratings: For veterans hospitalized for over 21 days due to a service-connected condition.
- Convalescence Ratings: For veterans who underwent treatment or surgery for a service-connected disability at a VA facility.
12. How long do temporary 100% VA disability ratings last?
Temporary ratings last as long as the veteran is incapacitated, hospitalized, or recovering from surgery, with specific durations and requirements depending on the type of temporary rating.
13. How does the VA handle 100% disability ratings for cancer?
Veterans with active, service-connected cancer automatically receive a 100 percent disability rating. This rating continues while the cancer is active and for an additional six months after completing a treatment program.
14. What happens after cancer treatment ends?
Six months after cancer treatment ends, the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination to assess the veteran’s condition. If the cancer is in remission, the VA adjusts the rating based on any residual effects.
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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.
