A 90% VA disability rating provides significant benefits, both monetary and non-monetary, to veterans. This rating, while substantial, may also allow for future increases if the veteran’s circumstances change. Let’s dive into the 2024 compensation, benefits, and appeal options available to veterans with a 90% disability rating.
Here’s what typically qualifies for a 90% VA disability rating:
- Multiple Service-Connected Disabilities: Veterans may have several disabilities that individually don’t reach 90%, but combined, they add up to this rating. VA uses a formula known as the “Combined Ratings Table” to calculate a total percentage when multiple conditions exist.
- Severe Impact on Daily Life: Disabilities that severely affect a veteran’s ability to function normally in day-to-day activities, such as chronic pain, mental health disorders, or mobility issues, may result in a higher overall rating.
- Chronic Physical Conditions: Conditions such as severe musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular issues, neurological impairments, or respiratory disorders can contribute to a 90% rating.
- Serious Mental Health Conditions: PTSD, major depression, or other mental health conditions that severely impair a veteran’s ability to work or maintain relationships may contribute significantly to the rating.
- Eligibility for Individual Unemployability: Veterans who cannot maintain gainful employment due to service-connected conditions, but do not qualify for a 100% rating, might be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which could pay at the 100% rate.
2024 Compensation for 90% disabled Veterans
Veterans rated 90% disabled without dependents receive $2,241.91 per month in VA disability compensation as of December 1, 2023. However, veterans with dependents may receive more:
- Veteran and Spouse: $2,428.91 (+$172 if spouse requires aid/attendance)
- Veteran, Spouse, and Parent: $2,578.91
- Veteran, Spouse, and Child: $2,565.91
- Veteran, Parent, and Child: $2,516.91
- Each additional child under 18 adds $93 per month, while children over 18 and in school add $301.
Additional Benefits for 90% Disabled Veterans
Beyond monetary compensation, a 90% rating entitles veterans to a variety of benefits. These benefits include:
- Healthcare: Veterans are placed in Priority Group 1, receiving comprehensive care, including hospitalization, mental health services, prosthetics, and dental care. They are also eligible for travel reimbursements for healthcare appointments.
- Home Improvement Grants: Veterans with service-connected conditions can receive grants for necessary home modifications to accommodate their disabilities.
- Life Insurance: Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) offers low-cost insurance, providing up to $30,000 in supplemental coverage.
Individual Unemployability (IU)
Veterans rated between 60% and 90% may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This program allows veterans to be compensated at the 100% disability rate if they can’t secure substantial employment due to service-connected disabilities.
Other key benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E): This program helps veterans re-enter the workforce through career counseling, training, and on-the-job experiences.
- Free Tax Preparation: The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax services to disabled veterans.
- Home Loan Guarantee: VA home loan guarantees assist veterans in securing favorable terms for home purchases, repairs, or refinancing.
- Burial Benefits: For service-related deaths, VA covers up to $2,000 for burial expenses. Non-service-related deaths are eligible for up to $796.
How to increase your VA rating
If a 90% rating no longer reflects the severity of a veteran’s disability, there are options to increase it. Veterans may appeal through the VA or consider filing for TDIU, which can push their compensation to the 100% level. Navigating this process can be complex, so veterans are encouraged to seek assistance from experienced attorneys.
State Benefits for 90% Disabled Veterans
States offer additional benefits that vary by location, but they often include:
While a 90% VA disability rating offers significant benefits, it’s essential to stay informed and consider appealing for an increase if your condition worsens. Working with experts can make navigating this complex process easier and ensure you receive the full compensation and benefits you deserve.
