Veterans may find it difficult to understand some disability benefits such as the difference between 100% VA disability rating and 100% P and T (Permanent and Total disability benefits. These benefits provide support to veterans and their families but they have differences that might possibly impact the lives of veterans. Thus, veterans need to be familiar with these differences to know which is appropriate for their disability.
What is a disability rating
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a disability rating is based on the severity of your disability, determined in percentage. This rating is what the VA uses to determine how much you receive as a benefit. The ratings vary across veterans based on their different disabilities.
How does the VA determine veteran’s disability rating
The VA determines a veteran’s disability rating using the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASES) to assess your condition on a scale of 0% to 100%.
What is a 100 VA Disability Rating?
A 100% VA disability rating is the highest rating of a veteran’s disability receiving the highest amount of monetary compensation. This rating is given to veterans whose service-connected disabilities are considered so severe or are completely disabled which affects their ability to work and function normally in everyday activities. If your rating is 100%, you may be entitled to a monthly payment and according to the VA, the amount paid is based on having dependents or not.
Monthly Payment for veterans with 100% disability rating is determined based on whether the veteran is:
- Alone with no dependent – $3,737.85
- Only spouse (no parent and children) – $3,946.25
- With spouse, one parent and no children – $ 4,113.51
- With spouse and two parents – $4,280.77
- With one parent, no spouse and children – $3,905.11
- With two parents, no spouse and children – $4,072.37
Veterans with 100% disability rating may also be entitled to other benefits such as health care, commissaries and exchange benefits, clothing and other benefits. Note that the VA will schedule future examinations to reassess your medical condition, any improvements can lead to a reduction in the rating and consequently, a reduced monthly benefits.
What is 100% P and T disability
100% Permanent and Total disability (P and T) is a rating given to individuals who are considered as totally disabled with no expectation of any improvements. So basically, this means that the VA have assessed the individual’s service connected condition to be both total (rated at 100%) and permanent with no likelihood of future improvements. As a result, the VA will not schedule any future appointments to re-examine the veteran’s disability status offering a level of security not provided by a regular 100% rating. Other benefits offered to veterans with a P and T disability include:
- Dependent’s benefits: Dependents of veterans with a P and T rating can receive the dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) if the veteran passes away as a result of the disability.
- Dependent’s medical care: The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) offers medical care for dependents and veteran survivors with P and T rating.
See full list of other benefits veterans with different types of rating, including 100% rating can take advantage of.
What is the difference between 100 VA and 100 P and T benefits
100% VA rating and 100% P and T rating both indicate total disability. However there are differences between them as well:
- Permanence: The most outstanding difference is the permanence of the P and T rating while a 100% rating can possibly change based on the severity of the veteran’s disability.
- Examinations: Veterans with a 100% VA disability will be subjected to future examinations to ascertain their disability condition. This may result in improved conditions for some veterans thus reducing their disability rating. However, with the P and T disability, veterans are not required to undergo any future examinations.
- Dependent’s benefits: Dependents of veterans with P and T disability are considered for additional benefits via the DIC and CHAMPVA initiative, which are not available for dependents of veterans with 100% disability rating.
- State level benefits: Some states may offer additional benefits for veterans with a P and T rating. These benefits may include exemptions from taxes and reduced tuition fees for dependents in colleges or universities. However, veterans with 100% disability rating may not be considered for this provision.
