Veterans often experience unique physical and mental health challenges after serving. Conditions like hearing loss, PTSD, and joint issues are some of the most common ailments veterans face, and these can impact their daily lives and ability to work. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes these challenges by offering VA disability benefits for a range of service-connected conditions. Understanding the most common VA disability claims can help veterans seek the support they deserve and better navigate the benefits process.
Most Common VA Disability Claims: Key Takeaways
- Tinnitus is among the most common VA disability claims, affecting millions of veterans due to service-related noise exposure, making it one of the most common VA claims.
- Limitations in knee flexion, neck strain, and arm or ankle motion are common disabilities resulting from physical strains or injuries during service.
- Hearing loss and PTSD are also prevalent claims among veterans, linked to environmental hazards and traumatic events in military service.
- Sciatica often occurs alongside back injuries, while scars and burns qualify for compensation if received during service.
- Severe conditions like migraines and combined disabilities may result in high impairment ratings, sometimes totaling 100%.
The 10 Most Common VA Disabilities
Many veterans face long-term physical and mental health conditions due to their service, and these can lead to significant challenges in daily life and work. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes several common service-connected disabilities, each with unique symptoms and specific rating criteria. Knowing the details of each can help veterans better understand their eligibility and potential compensation. Below are the ten most frequently claimed VA disabilities, along with the criteria for each condition’s rating and the process of filing a VA disability claim.
1. Tinnitus
Tinnitus, a persistent ringing, buzzing, or other noise perception in the ears, is the most commonly claimed VA disability. This condition often stems from exposure to loud noises during active-duty military service, such as gunfire, machinery, or aircraft engines. Veterans frequently experience tinnitus due to the high noise levels in active-duty settings, and it can impact sleep, concentration, and general quality of life.
Tinnitus VA Rating
Under Diagnostic Code 6260, tinnitus is rated at a maximum of 10%. Veterans do not require a specific diagnosis; a subjective report of symptoms often suffices to establish a service connection. However, higher ratings for tinnitus are rarely given unless paired with other conditions like migraines or hearing loss, as the standard maximum remains 10%.
2. Limitation of flexion, knee
Limitation of knee flexion refers to a restricted range of motion in bending the knee, which can make everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and even standing for long periods challenging. This condition often results from service-related physical strain or injuries that impact knee stability and joint flexibility. Knee issues are common among veterans due to the physical demands of training and active duty.
Limitation of Knee Flexion VA Rating
The VA rates knee flexion limitations based on the range of motion. Minor limitations may be non-compensable, while ratings range from 10% to 30% depending on the degree of movement restriction. Veterans who experience painful motion, even without full limitation, are often awarded at least a 10% rating under VA guidelines. For different degrees of motion, expect the following ratings:
- 60 degrees or more: 0% VA disability rating
- 45 degrees: 10% VA disability rating
- 30 degrees: 20% VA disability rating
- 15 degrees: 30% VA disability rating
3. Lumbosacral or cervical strain
Lumbosacral or cervical strain refers to chronic pain or stiffness in the lower back or neck, often resulting from physical strain, injuries, or overuse during military service. Veterans frequently develop these conditions due to the heavy physical demands of their roles, which can lead to lasting discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing routine activities. These strains are prevalent among veterans and can impact both their physical capabilities and quality of life, making it essential to establish a direct service connection for VA disability ratings.
Lumbosacral/Cervical Strain VA Rating
The VA rates lumbosacral and cervical strains based on the severity of the range-of-motion loss and any associated functional limitations, assessed in Diagnostic Code 5237. Ratings can vary widely, from 10% for mild cases to 100% for severe, incapacitating conditions such as unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. The rating level often considers flare-ups, pain during movement, and additional loss of function.
4. Limitation of motion of the arm
Limitations in arm motion refer to difficulties with fully moving or rotating the arm, often due to stiffness, pain, or lingering injuries from service-related activities. This condition frequently affects veterans who have sustained injuries during physical training, heavy lifting, or repeated strain in their roles. Arm motion limitations can make tasks like lifting, reaching, and carrying challenging, significantly impacting daily life and work capability.
Limitation of Arm Motion VA Rating
The VA assesses arm motion limitations under Diagnostic Code 5201, taking into account the severity of restricted movement and whether the dominant or non-dominant arm is affected. Ratings range from 20% for moderate limitations to as high as 80% in severe cases where motion is severely restricted or accompanied by significant pain and functional impairment.
5. Scars, burns (2nd degree)
Scars and burns are common among veterans who may have sustained injuries from combat, training accidents, or medical procedures related to service. While many scars are superficial, some are painful, cause disfigurement, or restrict movement, impacting a veteran’s physical comfort and appearance. Burns, especially second-degree, can lead to permanent skin damage and require compensation based on their severity and location.
Scars & Burns VA Rating
The VA rates scars and burns according to the size, location, and impact of the injury under the General Rating Formula for the Skin. Ratings can reach up to 80% for more severe or disfiguring scars, particularly if they cover larger areas, cause facial disfiguration, or cause notable discomfort. Veterans can file claims for multiple scars if the injuries are separate and distinct. For non-facial scars, the size of the burn can affect the payout:
- 10% for burns at least 6 square inches and up to 12 square inches
- 20% for burns at least 12 square inches and up to 72 square inches
- 30% for burns at least 72 square inches and up to 144 square inches
- 40% for burns at least 144 square inches or more
6. Hearing loss
Hearing loss is a prevalent disability among veterans, often resulting from exposure to high noise levels in military settings such as gunfire, machinery, and aircraft. This condition can make understanding speech and sounds challenging, leading to difficulties in communication and daily life. Veterans with hearing loss may experience issues such as muffled sounds, difficulty discerning speech, and needing others to speak clearly and loudly.
Hearing Loss VA Rating
The VA rates hearing loss based on specific auditory tests, including speech discrimination and pure tone threshold evaluations, which assess how well a person can hear and understand sounds. Ratings typically range between 0% and 10% for most cases, though severe hearing loss can qualify for a higher rating if it significantly impacts functional abilities. Here’s a look at how the level of hearing loss can impact your VA rating:
- 0%: Minimal hearing loss that doesn’t significantly impact your day-to-day life
- 10%: Mild hearing loss or auditory processing issues that can cause difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- 20%: Moderate hearing loss, such as struggling to understand conversations without visual cues
- 30%: Moderately severe hearing loss, such as significant difficulty listening in nearly all situations
- 40% Severe hearing loss where you cannot understand speech without assistive hearing devices
- 50%: Profound hearing loss even with hearing aids, rendering all communication extremely difficult
- 60% to 100%: Rare for hearing loss claims, these typically involve total deafness in both ears
7. Limitation of motion of the ankle
Ankle motion limitations are common among veterans and usually stem from sprains, fractures, or repetitive strain injuries sustained during service. These limitations can hinder mobility, making it difficult to walk, run, or stand for extended periods. Veterans with ankle motion issues often experience instability and discomfort, which can impact their overall quality of life and physical capabilities.
Limitation of Motion in the Ankle VA Rating
The VA rates ankle motion limitations under Diagnostic Code 5271, with ratings typically assigned based on the degree of restricted movement. A 10% rating is awarded for moderate limitation, while a 20% rating applies to more severe limitations that significantly affect joint movement and stability.
8. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
Paralysis of the sciatic nerve, often referred to as sciatica, causes pain that radiates from the lower back through the legs. This condition is commonly triggered by compressed or damaged nerves, typically resulting from service-related back injuries or prolonged physical strain. Sciatica can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and muscle weakness, which can limit mobility and daily functioning.
Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve VA Rating
The VA categorizes sciatic nerve issues into levels of severity—mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe. Ratings range from 10% for mild cases to as high as 80% for complete paralysis, where muscle function in the leg below the knee is severely impacted. The rating depends on the extent of pain, mobility limitations, and overall impairment.
9. Migraine
Migraines are intense, debilitating headaches that can disrupt daily activities, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Many veterans experience service-related migraines due to factors like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), stress, or mental health symptoms such as those associated with PTSD. Severe migraines can limit a veteran’s ability to work and participate in daily life.
Chronic Migraines VA Rating
The VA rates migraines under Diagnostic Code 8100, focusing on the frequency, severity, and impact of each episode. Ratings range from 0% for less frequent migraines to 50% for those that are “completely prostrating” and lead to significant economic hardship. Veterans with frequent, severe migraines that require bed rest or medical intervention often receive the highest rating.
10. Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is a mental health condition that affects veterans who have experienced traumatic events, such as combat exposure, serious accidents, or military sexual trauma. In addition to PTSD, many veterans also suffer from major depressive disorder, which can further complicate their mental health and daily functioning. PTSD can lead to flashbacks, severe anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance of situations that trigger memories of the trauma. This condition is another of many common VA disability claims, and it can deeply impact a veteran’s personal relationships, work capabilities, and overall quality of life.
PTSD VA Rating
The VA rates PTSD under 38 CFR § 4.130, with ratings ranging from 0% to 100% based on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Common ratings for severe cases are 70%, while the highest rating of 100% is given when PTSD symptoms prevent veterans from maintaining employment or functioning independently in daily life.
What Is the Most Common 100 Percent VA Disability?
Achieving a 100 percent VA disability rating often involves a combination of conditions rather than a single diagnosis. PTSD, for example, can reach 100 percent if symptoms are severe enough to prevent employment and independent functioning. However, many veterans achieve a 100 percent rating through a combined evaluation of multiple service-connected disabilities, where each contributes to an overall disability level that impairs day-to-day life significantly.
Other common VA disability claims that are frequently awarded 100 percent ratings include severe physical impairments such as paralysis, blindness, and the loss of limbs, often resulting from injuries sustained in combat. Some veterans with conditions like advanced traumatic brain injury (TBI) or degenerative diseases also reach this rating. A combined VA rating provides comprehensive benefits, acknowledging the compounded impact of multiple service-related health issues on a veteran’s life.
How Much Can You Get For Your Service-Connected Disability?
VA disability compensation varies based on the assigned rating percentage for each service-connected condition, making it crucial to file a comprehensive VA claim. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings qualifying veterans for greater monthly benefits. For example, a 10% rating may yield a modest monthly payment, while a 100% rating provides the maximum monthly compensation. Compensation amounts also increase if a veteran has dependents, such as a spouse or children.
When a veteran has multiple disabilities, the VA combines individual ratings to calculate an overall rating. This process uses the VA’s “whole person” method, where combined ratings do not simply add up but follow a specialized formula to prevent exceeding 100%.
If you’ve received a VA rating, take a look at the below table to see what your payout might be if you don’t have any dependents:
- 0% disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10% disability rating: $171.23 per month
- 20% disability rating: $338.49 per month
- 30% disability rating: $524.31 per month
- 40% disability rating: $755.28 per month
- 50% disability rating: $1,075.16 per month
- 60% disability rating: $1,361.88 per month
- 70% disability rating: $1,716.28 per month
- 80% disability rating: $1,995.01 per month
- 90% disability rating: $2,241.91 per month
- 100% disability rating: $3,737.85 per month
Contact a VA-Accredited Lawyer to Help With Your Disability Claim
Navigating the claims process for common VA disability claims can be complex, especially when seeking a fair rating for multiple service-connected conditions. VA-accredited disability lawyers specialize in supporting veterans through initial applications, appeals, and claims for increased ratings. They understand the documentation requirements and evidence needed to accurately reflect each condition’s impact on daily life.
An experienced lawyer can help veterans gather medical records, submit lay statements, and secure nexus opinions that link their conditions to military service when preparing their VA disability claim. With professional assistance, veterans are better positioned to receive the compensation they deserve and ensure no condition is overlooked or underrated. Consulting a VA-accredited lawyer is an effective step toward maximizing VA benefits and achieving a fair outcome.