Did you know that there are different levels of VA disability ratings, and that some of them come with extra benefits and protections?
In this article, I am going to explain what 100% total and permanent VA disability means, how to get it, and why you should.
What is 100% total and permanent VA disability?
In light of this, it’s important to understand that a 100% total and permanent (P&T) disability rating is the highest level of VA disability benefits. Having a single condition or a combination of conditions rated at 100% and not expected to improve over time means that you qualify for additional benefits and services that other veterans do not receive.
A VA disability rating is a percentage that reflects how much your disability affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. The higher the rating, the more compensation you receive.
A 100% disability rating means that you have a total impairment that prevents you from working or earning a living.
However, not all 100% ratings are the same. Some of them are temporary, meaning that they can be reduced or removed if your condition improves.
Others are permanent, meaning that they are unlikely to change for the rest of your life. A permanent rating also protects you from future reductions, unless there is clear evidence of fraud or error.
How to get 100% total and permanent VA disability?
There are two ways to get a 100% P&T rating:
- by meeting the schedular criteria
- by applying for individual unemployability (IU)
The Schedular Criteria
They are based on the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities, which assigns a percentage to each type of disability according to its severity and impact.
To get a 100% P&T rating by meeting the schedular criteria, of which you must have one or more service-connected disabilities that add up to 100% according to the VA’s math.
You must also show that your disabilities are permanent and stable, meaning that they have not improved for at least five years or are unlikely to improve in the future.
Applying for Individual Unemployability (IU)
The other way to get a 100% P&T rating is by applying for IU. IU is a special benefit that allows veterans who cannot work due to their service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%.
To qualify for IU, you must have one service-connected disability rated at least 60%, or two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% and a combined rating of at least 70%.
You must also show that your disabilities prevent you from performing any substantial gainful occupation (SGO), which is defined as any work that pays more than the federal poverty level.
If you meet the requirements for IU, you will receive a 100% rating, but it may not be permanent. The VA can review your case periodically and reduce or terminate your IU benefits if they find evidence that you can work or that your condition has improved.
However, if you have been receiving IU benefits for at least 20 years, or if you are over the age of 70, your IU rating becomes protected and cannot be reduced unless there is fraud or error.
Why should you get 100% total and permanent VA disability?
Getting a 100% P&T rating is not only beneficial for your financial security, but also for your access to other benefits and services that can improve your quality of life. Some of these benefits include:
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VA health care
You will receive free health care from the VA for all your medical needs, not just your service-connected conditions. You will also be exempt from copayments and enrollment fees.
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Dental care
One will be eligible for free dental care from the VA for any dental condition, not just those related to your service-connected disabilities.
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Dependent compensation
You will be able to add your spouse, children, and dependent parents to your monthly compensation payments. The amount of additional payment depends on the number and age of your dependents.
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Education benefits
You will be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or children, or use them yourself to pursue higher education or vocational training.
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Home loan guaranty
One will be eligible for a VA home loan guaranty, which helps you buy, build, repair, or refinance a home with no down payment and lower interest rates.
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Automobile allowance
You will be able to receive a one-time payment of up to $21,488.29 (as of December 1, 2019) to buy a vehicle that is adapted to your disability.
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Specially adapted housing grant
Also you will be able to apply for a grant of up to $90,364 (as of December 1, 2019) to build, buy, or modify a home that suits your disability.
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Clothing allowance
As of December 1, 2019, you can receive an annual payment of $830.56 to purchase clothing damaged by your prosthetic or orthopedic device or medication.
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Life insurance
One will be able to apply for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI), which provides up to $10,000 of life insurance coverage. You may also be eligible for a waiver of premiums if you are totally disabled.
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Survivor benefits
Your spouse, children, and dependent parents will be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which provides monthly payments to survivors of veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities or while on active duty. They may also be eligible for other benefits, such as education, health care, home loan, and burial benefits.
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Commissary and exchange privileges
You will be able to shop at military commissaries and exchanges, which offer discounted prices on groceries, household goods, and other items.
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State benefits
You may also qualify for additional benefits from your state of residence, such as property tax exemptions, tuition waivers, license plates, and more. Check with your state’s veterans affairs office for more information.
Conclusion
As you can see, getting a 100% P&T rating can make a huge difference in your life.
If you think you qualify for this rating, you should apply as soon as possible. You can do so online, by mail, or in person at your nearest VA regional office.
Getting a 100% P&T rating is not easy, but it is worth it. It is a recognition of your sacrifice and service to your country, and a way to ensure that you and your family are taken care of.
Don’t hesitate to seek the benefits you deserve. Feel free to visit our website for more assistance.