Temporary vs Permanent VA Disability Ratings (The Insider’s Guide)

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Navigating the VA disability rating system can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the differences between temporary and permanent ratings.

These classifications play a crucial role in determining your VA disability benefits, the likelihood of future re-evaluations, and the long-term stability of your compensation.

Knowing how temporary and permanent ratings work—and what they mean for your healthcare and financial security—can help you better manage your VA claim and plan for the future.

Here’s an in-depth look at what distinguishes temporary and permanent VA disability ratings, as well as how each type influences your VA benefits, compensation, and peace of mind.

Summary of Key Points

• Understanding Temporary and Permanent Ratings: The VA assigns temporary ratings for conditions expected to improve, such as during recovery from surgery or active cancer treatment. Conversely, permanent ratings are for conditions considered stable and unlikely to show significant improvement, often resulting from chronic or lifelong service-connected disabilities.

• Duration and Re-Evaluation for Temporary Ratings: Temporary ratings come with an anticipated review period to reassess the veteran’s condition. Depending on the outcome, the VA may adjust the rating based on whether the condition has improved, worsened, or remained unchanged. This flexibility allows the VA to account for changes in the veteran’s condition over time.

• Permanent Ratings Provide Stability and Additional Benefits: Veterans with permanent ratings benefit from consistent compensation without the need for regular re-evaluations. They may qualify for extra benefits like Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) and CHAMPVA healthcare coverage for family members. Permanent and Total (P&T) ratings generally ensure 100% VA disability compensation for life and provide long-term financial security.

• Impact on VA Disability Compensation and Benefits: The type of rating affects not only the stability of monthly compensation but also eligibility for other programs. Temporary ratings may result in fluctuating compensation due to periodic re-assessments, while permanent ratings secure long-term financial and healthcare benefits, shielding veterans from routine future evaluations and rating reductions.

What are Temporary VA Disability Ratings?

Temporary VA disability ratings are assigned when a veteran’s condition is expected to improve over time.

These ratings are commonly used in situations where a veteran is undergoing treatment, recovering from surgery, or receiving other significant medical interventions for a service-connected disability.

Key Features of Temporary Disability Ratings

• Duration and Re-Evaluation: Temporary ratings are set for a defined period based on the expected recovery or treatment timeline. For example, a veteran recovering from surgery may receive a temporary 100% rating during the healing process. After this period, the VA will reassess the condition to determine whether the rating should be adjusted based on any improvements, worsening symptoms, or continued limitations.

• Situations Eligible for Temporary Ratings: These ratings are typically assigned for conditions that show potential for improvement or stabilization. This includes recovery from surgeries, ongoing cancer treatments, or rehabilitation following a severe injury. They may also be used in cases where a chronic condition temporarily worsens, requiring short-term increased compensation.

• Likelihood of Improvement: The central aspect of a temporary rating is the anticipation that the condition may improve over time. The VA uses temporary ratings for disabilities that are not considered static or permanent, where there is some likelihood that ongoing treatment or time will bring about a change in the veteran’s health status.

• VA Rating Adjustments: Because temporary ratings are based on the anticipated improvement, they are subject to regular evaluations and potential rating updates. The VA may increase, decrease, or maintain the rating following a reassessment, depending on the veteran’s current condition. If significant improvement occurs, the rating may be lowered. Conversely, if the condition has not improved or has worsened, the temporary rating could be extended, or the condition may be re-evaluated for a permanent rating.

Examples of Temporary VA Ratings

• Surgery Recovery: Veterans may receive a temporary 100% rating during recovery from surgery if the procedure is related to a service-connected condition and involves significant complications, such as non-healing wounds or mobility issues.

• Hospitalization: If a veteran is hospitalized for 21 days or more due to a service-connected condition, they may qualify for a temporary 100% rating.

• Active Cancer Treatment: Veterans undergoing treatment for service-connected cancer may receive a 100% rating while the cancer is active, which continues for six months after the last treatment session.

• Prestabilization Ratings: Recently discharged veterans with unstable conditions may receive a temporary rating of 50% or 100% for up to one year as they recover and stabilize. This rating supports veterans during the transition from active duty to civilian life.

• Adjustments: The VA will reassess the veteran’s condition periodically. If significant improvement is noted, the rating may be reduced. Conversely, if the condition worsens, the rating could increase or convert to permanent status.

What are Permanent VA Disability Ratings?

Permanent ratings are granted when a veteran’s condition is deemed unlikely to improve over time.

These ratings typically reflect chronic or lifelong conditions resulting from service-related injuries or illnesses.

Key Features of Permanent Disability Ratings

• Stability and Predictability: Once a disability is considered permanent, the VA generally exempts the veteran from future reexaminations. Conditions that have persisted without significant improvement for five years, have stabilized, or are considered static (unchanging) are likely candidates for a permanent rating.

• Indicators of Permanence: Certain phrases in your VA rating decision, such as “no routine future examinations scheduled” or eligibility for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), may signal that the VA considers your condition permanent.

• Permanent and Total Disability (P&T): If a veteran’s condition is considered both permanent and totally disabling, they may qualify for P&T status, which means their condition is 100% disabling for life with no reductions. Veterans with P&T ratings may be eligible for additional benefits, such as Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for their survivors.

Examples of Permanent VA Ratings

Here’s some examples of conditions that would qualify for permanent ratings as they meet the VA’s criteria indicating stability, chronicity, or no expectation of improvement over time.

The VA relies on medical evidence, the duration of the condition in its current severity, the likelihood of improvement, and the extent of functional limitations when assigning permanent disability ratings.

• Loss of Limbs or Extremities: The loss of a limb or its full function is considered a permanent disability because there is no realistic expectation of recovery or regeneration. For veterans who lose the use of both hands, both feet, or one hand and one foot, the VA assigns a permanent rating to acknowledge the significant, lifelong impact on mobility, daily functioning, and quality of life.

• Severe, Chronic PTSD or Other Mental Health Conditions: When a veteran has severe PTSD, depression, or anxiety that persists despite prolonged treatment, it may qualify for a permanent rating. The VA recognizes that for some veterans, the psychological trauma is deeply embedded and can result in lifelong symptoms that affect relationships, work, and social interactions. If these conditions have remained unchanged or worsened over several years, and there is little to no likelihood of improvement, the VA may assign a permanent rating.

• Degenerative Conditions (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, ALS): Degenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) tend to progress over time. ALS, for example, leads to muscle weakness and paralysis that worsen as the disease advances. Since these conditions are characterized by a continuous decline in function with no cure, they are often rated as permanent due to the predictable nature of their progression.

• Chronic Migraines: When migraines occur frequently and are severe enough to impair a veteran’s ability to function, the VA may consider a permanent rating. For example, if a veteran experiences debilitating migraines several times a week, despite taking medication and following medical advice, this chronic nature of the condition can warrant a permanent rating. The key factor is that the migraines are resistant to treatment and cause a consistent, long-term impact on the veteran’s quality of life.

• Severe Spinal Conditions (e.g., Degenerative Disc Disease): Spinal conditions like degenerative disc disease can cause chronic pain, limited range of motion, and nerve compression. When these symptoms persist despite physical therapy, medication, or surgery, the VA may assign a permanent rating. This is especially true for conditions that cause significant impairment and show no signs of improvement after several years.

• Blindness or Significant Vision Loss in Both Eyes: For veterans who suffer from total blindness or significant vision loss in both eyes, the VA may consider a permanent rating. The condition severely affects daily activities and independence, and because there is no expectation of vision recovery, it is considered permanent.

• Severe Respiratory Conditions (e.g., COPD, Asthma): Chronic respiratory diseases that do not improve with treatment, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or severe asthma, can qualify for a permanent rating. If the condition requires ongoing medical treatment, such as inhalers, oxygen therapy, or medications to manage symptoms, and remains stable over time without improvement, the VA may determine it as permanent.

The Impact of Temporary vs Permanent Ratings on Your VA Disability Benefits

The type of VA disability rating—temporary or permanent—significantly affects a veteran’s benefits in terms of compensation, healthcare, and other ancillary services:

VA Disability Compensation

• Temporary Ratings: Compensation for temporary ratings can fluctuate because the VA regularly reassesses the veteran’s condition. For example, if a veteran is recovering from surgery or undergoing active cancer treatment, they may receive a temporary 100% rating. This compensation could be adjusted based on the results of periodic re-evaluations to determine if the condition has improved, worsened, or remained the same.

• Permanent Ratings: With a permanent rating, compensation remains stable over time because the veteran’s condition is deemed unlikely to improve. Veterans can count on consistent monthly payments, providing long-term financial security. Additionally, permanent ratings are protected by certain rules, such as the “20-year rule,” which ensures that ratings in place for 20 years or more cannot be reduced below the original level unless fraud is proven.

VA Healthcare Benefits

• Temporary Ratings: Veterans with temporary ratings may receive standard VA healthcare benefits, but access to some specialized services may be limited. For instance, temporary ratings do not automatically provide priority access to healthcare services.

• Permanent Ratings: Veterans with permanent disabilities, especially those classified as Permanent and Total (P&T), may be eligible for additional healthcare services, including priority access to VA medical facilities. P&T status can also qualify dependents for healthcare coverage through CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs), which provides medical insurance to spouses and children.

Other VA Benefits

• Temporary Ratings: While veterans with temporary ratings can still receive various benefits, some programs require a permanent disability status for eligibility. Temporary ratings may not qualify a veteran’s dependents for certain educational or healthcare benefits.

• Permanent Ratings: Veterans with permanent ratings, particularly those designated as P&T, are eligible for additional benefits. These include, but aren’t limited to:
  • Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA): This program offers educational assistance to the spouse and children of veterans who have permanent and total disabilities.
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Survivors of veterans with P&T status may qualify for DIC, a benefit paid to eligible survivors of deceased service members who died from service-related conditions.
  • Other Programs: Veterans with permanent ratings may also be eligible for benefits like adaptive housing grants, vehicle adaptations, and vocational rehabilitation tailored to their needs. Click here to view the 50 best benefits for 100% disabled veterans.

Protection Against Re-Evaluations and Future Rating Changes

• Temporary Ratings: Veterans with temporary ratings are subject to regular re-evaluations, and their benefits may be reduced if the VA determines there has been improvement in their condition.

• Permanent Ratings: Permanent ratings come with added protections. Veterans over the age of 55 or those with conditions rated as static or unchanged for five years or more are often exempt from further re-evaluations. Moreover, the “10-year rule” protects veterans from having their benefits terminated after a decade of continuous compensation.

Important VA Rules Explained

The VA has specific rules and guidelines that govern how disability ratings are assigned, maintained, and adjusted.

These rules are critical for understanding how the VA evaluates a veteran’s condition over time and what protections exist for certain ratings.

Here’s a breakdown of key VA rules related to disability ratings:

The VA 5-Year Rule

• Explanation: When a veteran has had a disability rating for five years or more, it is considered “stabilized.” This means that the VA cannot reduce the rating unless there is clear and sustained evidence of significant improvement in the condition under normal life conditions.

• Purpose: This rule protects veterans from having their ratings reduced too easily after an initial period, acknowledging that conditions lasting five years or more tend to be chronic.

• Implications: To reduce a stabilized rating, the VA must demonstrate that the veteran’s condition has consistently improved and that the improvement is likely to be maintained.

The VA 10-Year Rule

• Explanation: If a veteran has received VA disability compensation for a service-connected condition for at least 10 years, the VA is prohibited from terminating the service connection for that condition. However, the VA can still reduce the rating percentage if there is evidence of improvement.

• Purpose: This rule ensures that veterans who have been receiving compensation for a decade are protected from having their service connection terminated, adding a layer of security to their benefits.

• Implications: While a reduction in the rating percentage can occur, the condition will remain service-connected, ensuring that some level of compensation continues.

The VA 20-Year Rule

• Explanation: Once a veteran has maintained the same disability rating for 20 years or more, the VA cannot reduce the rating below the original level. This rule effectively protects long-term ratings from being downgraded unless fraud is involved.

• Purpose: The 20-year rule provides a high level of protection for veterans who have long-standing disabilities, ensuring that their compensation remains stable.

• Implications: This rule guarantees that veterans who have relied on a specific level of benefits for 20 years will not face reductions, adding certainty to their long-term financial planning.

The VA 55-Year Old Rule

• Explanation: Veterans who are 55 years of age or older are generally exempt from routine future examinations. The VA recognizes that it is less likely for older veterans’ conditions to improve significantly, and they do not require reevaluations except in unusual circumstances.

• Purpose: This rule reduces the burden on older veterans to prove ongoing disability status, providing them with a more secure benefits experience.

• Implications: Veterans aged 55 and older are less likely to have their ratings re-evaluated or reduced, providing additional peace of mind.

Protected VA Ratings

• Explanation: The term “protected ratings” refers to ratings that have reached certain milestones, such as five, 10, or 20 years, which offer specific protections against reductions. Once a rating is considered protected, the VA has stricter requirements for making any changes.

• Purpose: These protections exist to ensure that veterans who have long-standing ratings are not subject to arbitrary or unjustified reductions in their benefits.

• Implications: Protected ratings provide stability and predictability in a veteran’s compensation, allowing for long-term financial planning.

Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability

• Explanation: A Permanent and Total disability rating means that the VA considers the veteran’s condition to be completely disabling and unlikely to improve in the future. Veterans with a P&T status are exempt from re-evaluations, and their rating is considered permanent.

• Purpose: The P&T rating provides veterans with assurance that their compensation will not be reduced in the future and allows access to additional benefits, such as Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) and CHAMPVA for dependents.

• Implications: Veterans with P&T status can receive stable, lifelong benefits without the concern of periodic VA reviews.

How to Know If Your VA Rating Is Temporary or Permanent

#1. Check Your Latest VA Rating Decision Letter

Your latest VA rating decision letter typically indicates whether a rating is considered temporary or permanent.

Look for phrases like:

• “No future examinations scheduled”: This usually indicates that your rating is permanent, as the VA does not plan to re-evaluate your condition.

• “Future examination required”: This suggests a temporary rating, meaning the VA expects your condition could improve and plans to reassess it at a later date.

#2. Review Your VA Rating Code Sheet

Your VA rating code sheet indicates whether a rating is permanent or temporary.

If you see “static disability” next to a specific condition that means it is permanent and unlikely to improve over time.

Also, if you see annotations like “no future exams,” this also means the rating is permanent.

#3. Download Your VA Benefits Summary Verification Letter Online

Your VA benefits summary verification letter will indicate whether you’re 100% permanently and totally disabled.

Look for the section that says: “You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due solely to your service-connected disabilities.”

It will either say “yes” or “no” along with the effective date of your P&T status.

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent VA disability ratings is essential for maximizing benefits and planning for the future.

Veterans should stay informed about their rating status, keep medical documentation updated, and communicate regularly with the VA to ensure they receive the appropriate rating.

Being proactive can help veterans navigate the complexities of the VA claims process and secure the benefits they have earned.

For more detailed information on VA ratings, refer to 38 CFR § 3.340, 3.344, and 4.30​.

Temporary vs Permanent VA Ratings: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent VA disability rating?

A temporary VA disability rating is assigned when the veteran’s condition is expected to improve, such as post-surgery recovery or active cancer treatment. The VA may periodically re-evaluate the condition to see if the symptoms have changed. Permanent ratings are given when a condition is stable and unlikely to improve significantly over time, meaning the disability has reached a point of “maximum medical improvement.” Veterans with permanent ratings generally don’t need future exams, offering stability in compensation.

2. How does the VA decide if a rating is temporary or permanent?

The VA looks at medical evidence and prognosis to determine whether a condition is temporary or permanent. Conditions likely to show improvement through treatment or natural recovery are considered temporary. For example, a veteran recovering from a recent surgery would likely receive a temporary rating. Conversely, conditions that have remained static for several years or are chronic (like severe PTSD) are more likely to be classified as permanent. The VA also considers if the condition has persisted without material improvement for five years or more, suggesting stability.

3. What types of conditions typically receive temporary VA ratings?

Temporary ratings are commonly given for conditions expected to change over time. Examples include:

• Post-surgery recovery: If a veteran undergoes surgery for a service-connected disability, they may receive a temporary 100% rating during recovery.

• Active cancer treatment: Veterans with service-connected cancers receive temporary 100% ratings during treatment and for six months post-treatment.

• Hospitalization: Veterans hospitalized for 21 or more days due to a service-connected condition may qualify for a temporary 100% rating. These ratings cover recovery periods when the disability is particularly severe but not expected to last indefinitely.

4. When does a temporary 100% disability rating apply?

A temporary 100% rating applies when a veteran is recovering from surgery, undergoing cancer treatment, or experiencing a severe episode related to a service-connected disability. The VA grants full compensation during this period, which may last from one to three months, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, the rating may be extended for up to three additional months if the veteran’s condition remains severe. For instance, a veteran recovering from knee surgery with a lengthy recovery time may receive a temporary 100% rating.

5. How often are temporary ratings re-evaluated?

The VA schedules re-evaluations based on the nature of the condition and the likelihood of improvement. Temporary ratings may be reassessed every 2 to 5 years. The timing depends on factors like the anticipated healing period or treatment course. For some conditions, re-evaluations may occur sooner, such as six months after cancer treatment concludes, while other conditions with slow progression may have longer intervals.

6. Can a temporary rating be made permanent?

Yes, a temporary rating can be converted to permanent if there is evidence that the condition is stable and unlikely to improve further. Veterans can request a review of their rating, submitting medical evidence showing that their condition has not changed over a significant period. The VA may upgrade the status to permanent if the condition meets the criteria for stability, often after five years of consistent medical evaluations without material improvement.

7. What are the benefits of having a permanent VA disability rating?

A permanent rating provides stability, as veterans no longer need to undergo routine re-evaluations. It ensures that their compensation level remains consistent for life. Additionally, a permanent rating can make veterans eligible for extra benefits, such as Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) for family members and CHAMPVA healthcare benefits for dependents. It also provides peace of mind by guaranteeing long-term financial support.

8. How does a permanent and total (P&T) disability rating differ from a regular permanent rating?

A P&T rating signifies that a condition is both permanent and totally disabling, preventing the veteran from securing gainful employment. This classification ensures 100% compensation for life and may come with additional benefits, such as Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors. A regular permanent rating can be any percentage, depending on the severity of the condition, whereas P&T guarantees the highest level of compensation.

9. What is a prestabilization rating, and how does it work?

A prestabilization rating is a temporary rating assigned to recently discharged veterans with an unstable condition. These ratings are given for up to one year and aim to support the veteran financially while the condition is still changing. Ratings may be set at either 50% or 100%, depending on the severity of the condition. After one year, the VA re-evaluates the condition to determine a permanent rating based on its current state.

10. Can a permanent rating be reduced?

Generally, permanent ratings are protected from reductions unless there is clear and sustained evidence of improvement under regular life conditions. If a veteran’s rating has been in place for at least five years without improvement, the VA must demonstrate that any observed changes in the condition are not temporary or attributable to factors like rest. Permanent ratings that have been continuously assigned for 20 years or more cannot be reduced except in cases of fraud.

11. What are protected VA ratings?

Protected ratings are those that have remained unchanged for a specific period, providing extra security for veterans. For example, ratings in place for five years are considered “stabilized,” meaning reductions are only allowed if there is sustained improvement. Ratings in place for 20 years or longer are considered “continuous” and cannot be reduced below the original level. The VA has strict guidelines on reducing ratings to ensure that veterans’ benefits remain stable.

12. How does the VA handle cancer-related disability ratings?

When a veteran is diagnosed with a service-connected cancer, the VA assigns a temporary 100% rating during active treatment. This rating continues for six months following the last treatment session. After that, the VA re-evaluates the condition to determine the residual effects, which may lead to a new rating reflecting the severity of any lasting symptoms, such as nerve damage or organ impairment.

13. Are veterans over a certain age exempt from reexaminations?

Veterans who are 55 years old or older are generally exempt from routine future examinations, with some exceptions. For example, if there is strong evidence suggesting that the condition may improve, the VA may still require a re-evaluation. Other exemptions may apply if the veteran’s condition is static or the rating has been in place for many years.

14. What happens if a veteran misses a re-evaluation for a temporary rating?

If a veteran misses a scheduled re-evaluation, it could lead to a reduction or termination of benefits. The VA may reduce the rating or suspend payments until the examination is completed. It’s important for veterans to reschedule any missed appointments as soon as possible to avoid interruptions in compensation.

15. Can a permanent rating be assigned to a mental health condition?

Yes, mental health conditions like PTSD, major depression, and anxiety disorders can be assigned permanent ratings if they are considered chronic and unresponsive to treatment. The VA looks at factors such as the duration of the condition, response to therapy, and overall stability when determining if a mental health disorder qualifies for a permanent rating.

16. Is a permanent rating always 100%?

No, permanent ratings can be any percentage that accurately reflects the severity of the veteran’s condition. A permanent rating simply means that the condition is unlikely to improve, but the level of disability may still vary. For example, a veteran could have a permanent 50% rating for a chronic back condition that remains stable over time.

17. Can a veteran appeal the decision if the VA assigns a temporary rating instead of a permanent one?

Yes, veterans can appeal a temporary rating decision by providing additional medical evidence that supports the claim for a permanent rating. This evidence should show that the condition has not improved or is unlikely to improve in the future. The appeal process may involve submitting a Higher-Level Review request, filing a Supplemental Claim, or appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

18. How does a temporary rating affect other VA benefits?

Temporary ratings can limit access to certain VA programs that are reserved for veterans with permanent ratings, such as CHAMPVA and DEA for dependents. While temporary ratings provide compensation for the duration of the recovery, the veteran may not qualify for long-term benefits that require a permanent classification.

19. Can a condition that has been rated for over 20 years be reduced?

A disability rating that has been in place for 20 years or more is considered a “continuous rating” and cannot be reduced below the original level, except in cases of fraud. This protection ensures that veterans with long-standing service-connected conditions maintain their level of compensation.

20. How does the VA evaluate “material improvement” for rating reductions?

Material improvement means a significant and sustained reduction in symptoms or functional impairment. The VA considers whether the improvement has persisted over time and occurs under the ordinary conditions of life, not due to temporary relief factors such as rest or recent surgery. Any reduction must be based on comprehensive medical evidence showing that the veteran’s condition has genuinely improved.

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