Frequently Asked Questions

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You can file a pre-discharge claim if you’re 180–90 days from separation. If you’ve got fewer than 90 days left or can’t finish exams the VA will treat it like a standard claim and finish it after discharge.

Yes.

VA uses the “whole-person” method, not straight addition. Start with 100% “efficiency,” subtract the highest rating, then apply the next rating to what’s left, and so on; round to the nearest 10 at the end. Example: 50% + 30% + 10% → 50 leaves 50% left; 30% of 50 is 15 → 65; 10% of the remaining 35 is 3.5 → 68.5 → rounds to 70. Paired-limb ratings get an extra “bilateral factor” before rounding, which bumps numbers in ways that look weird but are correct.

File an “Intent to File” (ITF).

If you’ve got your evidence ready, FDC reduces back-and-forth. If you’re missing records Standard is fine.

Yes.

VA can deny for “failure to report.” With a viable reason, you can tell VA and ask to reschedule. Keep contact info current and watch for calls/texts from the exam vendor.

Not necessarily. It usually means VA still needs an exam or records for that issue. Decisions often mix “granted/denied/deferred” in one letter.

Under the modern appeals system, any favorable finding VA makes (e.g., “in-service event established”) is binding going forward. Save those lines—they reduce what you need to prove on appeal.

You’ve got one year to choose a lane:

• Higher-Level Review (HLR)

• Supplemental Claim

• Board of Veterans’ Appeals

• 5-year: if your condition’s been stable 5+ years, VA needs sustained improvement to reduce.

• 10-year: service connection becomes protected—VA can’t sever absent fraud.

• 20-year: your rating level is locked in—can’t be reduced below the level held for 20 years (absent fraud).

Also, age and long-standing stability reduce exam frequency.

“Permanent”: not expected to improve. “Total”: 100% by scheduler or TDIU. You don’t apply on a special form—ask VA to consider P&T or it may be granted based on the evidence. P&T opens Chapter 35 DEA and ChampVA for dependents.

• 100% schedular: yes, you can work.

• TDIU: you can’t maintain “substantially gainful” employment due to service-connected conditions. Marginal or sheltered work can be okay, but be careful—income and job protections matter.

If you have compensable disabilities on both sides of a pair (both knees, both arms, both feet), VA adds 10% to their combined value.

• Hospitalized 21+ days for a service-connected condition.

• Surgery on a service-connected condition requiring at least a month of convalescence or with serious residuals (cast, immobilization, long recovery).

It’s time-limited; file as soon as the surgery is scheduled and include the surgeon’s note.

DoD rates fitness for duty (what keeps you from serving). VA rates average impairment in civilian life. You can be found fit by DoD and still get VA comp—or vice versa. Different missions; different math.

At 30% or higher you get additional pay for dependents (spouse, kids, sometimes parents). Add them as soon as you’re granted 30%+; delays can cost back pay if VA doesn’t have proof (marriage/birth/adoption records).

If you served in qualifying places/times.

Yes.

It means VA doesn’t expect improvement and generally won’t schedule future exams. Static + long duration often points toward P&T, but they’re not identical.

Complete ITF, be proactive, and follow my checklist on the other page.

Not useless.

Pain alone will not be compensated.

File for an increase.

Yes.