How hard is it to get a 100% VA Disability Rating?

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on understanding VA disability ratings and how to receive a 100% rating. This guide is designed to provide valuable information for veterans who are navigating the complex process of obtaining disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
As a veteran, you may have questions about what exactly a disability rating is, how it is determined, and whether or not you are eligible for a 100% VA Disability rating. We will cover all of these topics and more in this guide. So let's dive in!
A VA Disability Rating is a percentage assigned by the VA to determine the degree of disability a veteran has suffered as a result of their military service. This rating is used to determine the amount of compensation and other benefits that a veteran may receive.
The VA uses its own system, known as the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (known as the "Rating Schedule"), to assign ratings for different disabilities. The ratings range from 0% to 100%, with increments of 10%. The higher the percentage, the more severe the disability is considered.
How is a VA Disability Rating Determined?
There are two key factors that determine a veteran's VA Disability rating:
The severity of their disability
The impact the disability has on their daily life and ability to work
The VA will review all medical evidence, including treatment records and examinations, to determine the severity of a veteran's disability. They will also consider how the disability affects an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living and maintain gainful employment.
It is important to note that just because a veteran may have multiple disabilities does not mean they will receive a higher rating. Each disability is evaluated separately, and then combined using a specific formula outlined in the Rating Schedule. This is known as the VA's Combined Ratings Table.
What Does a 100% VA Disability Rating Mean?
Receiving a 100% VA Disability rating means that a veteran has been found to have a total and permanent disability. This rating is reserved for those who are considered completely unable to work and require continuous care due to their service-connected disabilities.
It is important to note that receiving a 100% rating does not mean you are completely bedridden or unable to perform any tasks at all. The VA considers your overall ability to function in daily life, including employment, when determining this rating.
Am I Eligible for a 100% VA Disability Rating?
In order to be eligible for a 100% VA Disability rating, you must meet certain requirements set by the VA. These include having one or more service-connected disabilities that significantly impact your daily life and ability to work.
Additionally, veterans with multiple service-connected disabilities may also be eligible for a 100% rating if their combined ratings reach a total of 100%, according to the VA's Combined Ratings Table.
How Can I Maximize My Chances of Receiving a 100% Rating?
Obtaining a 100% VA Disability rating is not an easy feat, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances. These include:
Keeping detailed and accurate records of your medical treatment
Providing thorough evidence of how your disabilities impact your daily life and ability to work
Seeking assistance from a VA-accredited attorney or service officer to help navigate the claims process
It is also important to understand that receiving a 100% rating may not happen overnight. The VA review process can be lengthy, and it may require submitting additional evidence or undergoing exams for further evaluation.
Receiving a 100% VA Disability rating is possible, but it requires understanding the complex rating system and providing thorough evidence of your disabilities. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of receiving the rating you deserve for your service-connected disabilities.
Thank you for reading, and we hope this guide has provided valuable insight into the reality of obtaining a 100% VA Disability rating. Remember to always seek assistance from trusted sources when navigating the claims process, and never give up on advocating for yourself as a veteran. Your sacrifice and service deserve to be recognized and compensated appropriately by the VA. So keep pushing forward, and best of luck on your journey towards a 100% disability rating!
🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[@johnknorr1140]

Unfortunately, I am veteran of the Vietnam war and I totally understand where your friend is coming from. We been screwed over so much. We don’t trust anybody and we had no idea how the system works and I did a lot of damage to claims that I filed earlier, but since I started educating myself by listening to you and other people, I learned a lot when I had my heart issues and that was all related to Agent Orange. I took all your advices and now I’m 100% P&T again thank you for everything you do for us.

[@Trump908]

No excuse!

[@stevendeen4391]

Those agent orange related issues aren’t a joke.😢

[@jasonproctor9896]

Congrats, brother! I'm glad you got what you're owed!

[@ddem3150]

We're you actually sprayed?

[@LxgxndsNeverDie]

Sitting at 90% I’ll get there, I’ve been inching closer and closer since 2021

[@joseochoa7043]

Same here man. 95% is the golden number. Are you filing an increase/secondaries?

[@bbarker5766]

I finally got my 100% P/T about 2-3 months ago. Thanks for all of the info that I got from your videos on here.

[@hihaters2004]

Welcome to the hundo club bro 🎉

[@KaiatheSiberianHusky]

I did BDD and received 90% and then submitted the rest of my claim and was awarded 100% P&T. All took a total of 1 year to get to 100% P&T. The most important part for me was I showed service connected which was easy since I had just retired and I made sure to give the VA all relevent medical information. Same thing I did for my SSDI, approved first ime up and in two months. I did this without a vso because I did not even know what they were.

[@TVK830]

I am pending my BDD claim results. What is the criteria to also get SSDI? I heard it wasnt easy. Any tips?

[@KaiatheSiberianHusky]

@@TVK830 SSDI is can you work or not. The SSA has to see by your medical evidence that you cannot work. Make sure your medical evidence is complete. The SSA will send you to one of their doctors and ask you a couple of questions but mostly your medical records. And then the SSA will make its mind up. The SSA is either you can or cannot unlike the Va which has percentages so if you think you cannot work and can back it up witth medical evidence then go for it.

[@ddem3150]

Of course ssa approved you...terminal brain cancer is a no brainer.

[@TheViciousRavex]

I got 100% p & T thanks to you Craig. 27 years old 💯 my body will only age and get worse with time…

[@mikesmith1-t1n]

Good advice I’ve been listening for a while and I went from 0 to 70% just by listening and learning Like you say you have to speak VA language.

[@CombatCraig]

🤠🤠

[@jasonbeck7579]

I went from 20% to 80% with spine issues 2017. I started in 2023 and finally got my 100% April 2024 with additional issues.

[@JustKev-sz4wh]

Watching your videos for the last 2 years, building my nexus, really taking your advice & applying what you’ve said, I’m happy to say that today I received my letter for 100% VA rating. Thank you Brotha, for all the advice!

[@CombatCraig]

Welcome to the Hundo Club💰💯🇺🇸🤠

[@husker_nation]

This channel and other channels that I have watched has helped me go from 20% to 80%. Thank you so much for the advice. Need to play chess, not checkers. Need evidence and learn the VA language.

[@trevorteadtke4226]

@@husker_nation GBR

[@Iraqvet]

Just joined the Hundo club August 11,2024 all from watching your videos it took me 18 months .

[@CombatEngineer1987]

Im 100% IU. If you are planning on that route, I recommend getting a vocational report to turn in with your claim. That is the reason I won my claim. Best of luck .

[@thomasr.1bad21ultra9]

Craig is the shit. I’ve been watching his videos over and over for hell 5 or 6 years plus. I started out at 10 % and after learning everything or close to it, I’m at 80. I filed two additional claims since my issues have got worse and my recent C&P should bring me to 90. And the finale will be a claim for both Vertigo this weekend and I’ve got medical evidence and the last a claim for Menaires, I’ve got 2 final medical appointments and I’ll have the evidence I need. Long story short, listen to Craig and work your claim. No one is going to do it for you.

[@kellyswolfe]

Good for you. My husband was l00 percent, he did die, and he told me just holding on and not giving up was the only reason he got it. I got the DIC at the just making it only 6 months over the period too.

[@hkeith535]

I was listening to your channel before I retired and started my VA claims. It only took 30 days after my retirement date for my VA rating to come back as 100% P&T on the first try from having everything extremely well documented.

[@alanhobbs4498]

Ty craig. Got to 40% because of you. Never thought I'd get this high

[@CombatCraig]

Your welcome 🤠

[@Workout877]

Retired in 2020. Started at 80%, but after finding this channel and others, it helped me to educate myself on the process. Now at 100%. BUT not everyone can or should be at 100%. Just because you served doesn’t automatically qualify you to be at 100%. Keep putting out the information Craig. You are educating many. Many will never learn or want to learn.

[@dlawso23]

Circumstances are a little different for me. I started off with a non-service connected disability for depression, anxiety, and mood disorder (OIF). The Chicago Regional office switched it over to 70% service-connection for PTSD (loss of sleep) and 10% for gerd. I did obtain a lawyer., during the process. Fighting for effective date and TDIU. Symptoms, diagnosis, and Nexus letters were in place from the beginning. I did win SSDI using the same medical evidence in my VA medical file.

[@dannyrose2838]

Went to 100% P&T today.

[@showmeyourdaleel6568]

Welcome to the hundo club.

[@rogersmith7808]

Same here as of last week.

[@shondaab306]

@@rogersmith7808Me too. Last week 100%

[@CombatCraig]

Fuck yeah 👍

[@joseochoa7043]

Congrats man. Refill your meds on time. Attend all appts. Don’t file anymore claims. Most importantly, keep a low profile.

[@wiggyjones]

I'm age 63, never had a claim until August 2023. Didn’t know how to go about it. I went to a PACT Act VA outreach thing and they said write down everyone that's wrong with you, so I did. In March 2024, I logged into the VA portal and saw my claims had been denied. Well duh. I presented no evidence, no diagnosis, no nexus, nothing. But I didn't know the system. The VA PACT Act thing really screwed me, to honest. However, before they closed the claims, they sent me to a C&P for hearing. I got 10% tinnitus. Now I've been watching your videos, I've gotten hooked up with the VA for PTSD MST, treatment and filed a claim for PTSD. I've gone from zero knowledge to being able to navigate the system in a few months. But I've tried to explain all this to my veteran friends and they are having issues.

[@kevintrotter2025]

I went the tdiu route. I got approved after being denied tdiu the first time. HLR I filed got me approved on my appeal. I also got approved for ssdi also. Long road battle

[@alimmuhammad6306]

Thank you CC for all the valuable intel. Your time and talent are greatly appreciated!

[@kellyswolfe]

Love Craigs videos well worth watching.

[@chuckrobinson599]

Thanks for all you do on this channel Craig.

[@CombatCraig]

My pleasure!

[@Wraith983]

Took me 2 years, a dozen c&p exams, a full year of HLRs, a dozen private doctor visits, but I was able to do it.

[@texdoc89]

I'm in the beginning of starting a new claim for secondary connection for a few things. I just never did it sooner because everyone always told me going from 80-100 was insanely hard. I also felt like I was lucky to even get 80 and didn't want to poke the bear and mess up what I already have.

[@brianbayer9926]

I have two claims waiting to go before a judge, one for sleep apnea rated 0 with a c-pap, migraine diagnosed and not rated . I'm rated at 80%

[@richardcarte8378]

Thank you so much

[@CombatCraig]

👍

[@semperfi-1918]

100%. Only reason imheaded to 100% is becaise i am after tdiu with what all i got going on. My ailments aint letting me have a normal job. However.... if i didnt need it i woulnt be going after it.

[@BruceGordon925]

On the last day to file for the Pact Act (last hour) I filed a FDC Pact Act "Presumptive claim" on line. My VA doctor had told me to file a few times. I really just didn't think I had a chance. I had been looking at these videos and seen just how hard it was. Then 6 weeks later, out of no where I got approved for 100% P&T, Plus SMC-K Shocked. I was hoping for like 10% I still keep reminding myself of (What just happened) I keep expecting a (We made a mistake) letter. I still come back here to watch videos. I believe FDC records were the best route for me. Fast and couldn't be denied. (Throat cancer, Asbestos Presumptive) Will biden and company look for more veteran votes by approving more claims? A FDC made it easy for the raters, I'm sure they took one look and said "This ones easy" and rubber stamped it.

[@kaiwenhe5518]

I'm having a problem with the doctor downplaying my situation. It's frustrating because it takes at least two weeks to get an appointment with the doctor. Your videos help a lot.

[@BeepBopBoopBeeep]

Bold move Cotton… Let’s see how this plays off.

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

I try my hardest to get my friends and family who are still active duty to make sure they are getting everything put in their record that has happened to them but some of them just dont listen and they think that the VA just takes them at their word. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink.

[@CombatCraig]

💯💯

[@joeyholthusen6495]

I'm currently at 89 percent with a few things pending... need 6 points more.

[@wafflesishot]

I have a seriously strange question- I submitted a claim for 5 items that are all connected. The claim came back denied for all 5. I had a IMO, nexus letters from my Doctor and physiologist. I submitted a HLR and it came back as the VA found an “Error and are correcting it”. Then today I got a call scheduling all 5 C&P exams again for the 2nd time. The original was in march 2022 - denied Jan 23 - HLR submitted Sep 23 - HLR response found error on all 5 - May 24. Now in July I have to redo all 5 C&P. So my question is. What in the heck could they have found that made them “find an error in my claim” and then have me redo my entire claim 2 years later ?

[@lowbloodprsure]

People like that need to SHUT UP and listen.

[@vince12345ize]

Im a Vietnam Vet and I'm currently at 80% for PTSD. Not sure what I can do, if anything, to increase the amount.

[@ltmills15a]

@@vince12345ize tdiu

[@11bravo72]

Sounds alittle bit like me I went to the VHA trying to get evidence but I should of realized it was a dead end

[@MetalsmithDan2]

I had a nervous breakdown while in the Navy. Been trying to get my service records for over 2 years. Been having bouts of depression and thoughts of suicide a long time but never tried it. I've been trusting in God. My said I had depression. even got me on antidepressants. Made feel duh. I have 10 percent dis. With hearing loss, ears ringing.

[@RAIDERJAKE4]

Stuck at 94%

[@kevinwillis1781]

@@RAIDERJAKE4 I feel ya!

[@kevinwillis1781]

I feel ya!

[@CombatCraig]

1 more point!

[@joseochoa7043]

Same here man. Are you filing for an increase/secondaries?

[@ddem3150]

best video by craig ever.

[@ericanton8151]

I am at 60%, I used Combat Craig's medical team, I hope the 2 nexus letters the medical team did for me puts me in the "hundo" club 😉, I am very nervous about my C&P exams

[@Andrewprez777]

Same boat man. I used them too. I'm currently waiting for my appointment with my VSO

[@j190phil]

@@ericanton8151 curious to why you need a nexus if you already have a rating- thought the letter was for new claims?

[@ericanton8151]

@@j190phil 2 new claims

[@scelest321cx]

Hey what two claims did you file for if you don’t mind asking

[@j190phil]

@@ericanton8151 I’m at 60 and just submitted my intent- make sure you go to the ratings calculator to figure out the math - I basically need another %150 to get to %100 from where I’m at now at %60

[@DocAdams8404]

Denied the 1st time. 70% on my 2nd try, 100% P&T 3rd try. CPTSD. Be honest, get a DAV rep.

[@charleshill3503]

Im fixin to put in a claim. I dont have much serious secondaries. However ive got significant MH. Waiting to button things up with my therapist. They are ran by a former VA rater who personally believes i should be able to get 100 for MH alone. Issue that will hold me back is i work in a field that makes it very easy to hide my symptoms (LEO). Im alone in my car majority of the day. The clinic owner asked my therapist how i am able to hold a job after looking at my file lol. Anyway...well see. Im currently at 60%. 30% anxiety disorder and for 10%'s

[@champride670]

Hello, would like some assistance for 100% P&T if possible. I appreciate your videos and the service you provide to vets.

[@MentaliTea]

I know this is a topic, but could you please do a video on how Project 2025 may impact Veterans and their compensation? Thank you!

[@fourvetperrie457]

I'm at 70% MH & just filed for increase. Anyone have any advice?

[@armytruth6860]

My advice is that was not a good idea because you can always get decreased and 70% from MH is actually probably the best majority of people will get

[@theglocktometrist3898]

​@@armytruth6860I'm rated 50 for ptsd and moderate to severe for depression and anxiety as a secondary.

[@fourvetperrie457]

@armytruth6860 hope I don't get decreased but I've had so much issues since getting out the military. 2 tours in Afghanistan with a lot of action

[@rogersmith7808]

@@armytruth6860 Depends on your symptoms. I recently went from 70% to 100% P&T for MH.

[@bigtime911]

❤Can you do a video va one day claims, vfw national convention claims, and va mobile units?Thanks

[@robertbraecklein8241]

Question... If you file something as direct service connection, and it gets denied, can you file it as secondary to another direct service connected claim? How do they view that?

[@74D50]

Under what circumstances do multiple Zero % Service-Connected Conditions add up to 10%?...... or do they?

[@tommattingly1799]

I just got 60% for my hernia. I am still waiting on my appeal for hearing loss and tinitus. Also asbestosi. With all the evidence submitted, I feel these will go through. Thoughts on getting this to 100%. Thanks

[@williamlocklear1283]

I have been trying to get my ten percent upgraded for over four years with zero success and I cannot find an attorney who is interested in taking my case. :(

[@pedromartinez-lp9wu]

Got medically discharged from the military recently with 100 percent Va rating. How and what do I need to do to get the p&t

[@Chris-ik2ov]

I filed a claim for increase. I have 6 sc disabilities on my claim. I was contacted for only 1 c&p, and i already see that a dbq was submitted, but i my 1 c&p is in 10 days. Is it normal to only have 1 c&p in that situation, and how would they submit a dbq if i haven't been examined yet?

[@Leadingourownpath]

How do you get social security and get payed by VA

[@lareins56]

What kind of ID do you receive if you get 100% for TDIU or P & T is it a DOD or CAC, (USID) etc?

[@PsychoHollyhood]

@@lareins56 dod 100% disabled card

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

I just sabotaged mine. Submitted an intent to file and immediately got a 30 day deadline. What happened to 12 months? I can't even get my prescription in 30 days.

[@patrickodonnell9388]

Its next to impossible I'm at 80% now I need to get another 50% just to rate 100% this is just crazy my actual rating is 130% but with VA math its 80%.

[@TROLOL204]

90 to 100 is hard. 100% to 100% P&T is easier.

[@gavyncordova9682]

What’s the difference?

[@alfredtineo3023]

@@gavyncordova9682p&T the VA doesn’t reevaluate you ever. Unless u committed fraud, got caught up in quality control and or poke the bear and start opening up new claims. In addition, u unlock all the additional benefits.

[@armytruth6860]

Took me 9 months

[@CombatCraig]

💯💯

[@nickusmp]

I am waiting for a HLR that will put me at 100. It's been 3 years. I have another solid claim that could put me at 100. If I file and get 100, and the HLR goes through, do I still get backpack, or how does that work?

[@rtox99]

I feel bad for those who have to fight hard for va disability ratings. I got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while in the Air Force and automatically got 90 percent after the med board. Went back a year later and got 100 percent. I sometimes get imposter syndrome bc i didnt have to fight. It happened organically.

[@Smitty1369]

I was at 70% got sleep apnea at 50% and went to total now 80%, just doesn’t seem right

[@westusaroadtrips2021]

Hi combat craig, I was granted 60 percent on one rating and 10 percent on another. But my combined rating is only 60 percent. Is this right? Also, the VA is withholding my benefits. Can i get normal military retirement and my va benefits at the same time. Ant ideas on this?

[@JamesKennett-q6e]

Same happened to me, I am retired and they held my V A compensation until DFAS did an audit to pay me for what V A took out of my pay as I was not yet 50% a couple months later both paid up. Went back to my original filing date.

[@toxicbigot]

Been listening for a couple years. Finally went from 80 to 100.

[@williamwilson9283]

💯👍

[@CombatCraig]

🤠🤠

[@wer113]

Hello, I brought my military time 4 years Air Force honorable discharge. And added it to my postal time. Can I claim VA? I have been going to the VA for the past 6 years. I am 0% and VA put me in hotel for stress test. Send me for Colonoscopy. VA give me slept study. Said I had sleep apnea. I have my CD from Kansas from active duty. Thank you!

[@blackOneTime]

I'm at 60% but I'm overseas.. is it possible to get 100% without the evaluation

[@wowzers1069]

Having helped people with the process of getting service connected *everything* Craig says here is exactly what I have experienced. If they haven't sabotaged their own case already, they won't listen. If they haven't got their evidence together and don't know how to, well according to them you don't know either. It is almost a waste of time to help vet's anymore for me, as I have grown frustrated with the incredible stupidity of some of these people - and if you are vet that is that GD dumb shouldn't you be listening instead of talking. Rant over.

[@ThomasGLee]

I'm at 94% (rounded down to 90%). I would be at 95%, but after my last C&P, they lowered my allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0%. It has taken me 2.5 years to get to 90%.

[@stevendeen4391]

Did you get ever get your c file or requested the examiner report

[@brendanorris4368]

Don't give up. What other symptoms do you have?

[@joseochoa7043]

Same here bro. Have you looked at potential increases/secondaries?

[@TenTonNuke]

I forget if I asked this before (perks of being submitted to repeated concussive blasts), but my 100% doesn't allow me to make more than a few thousand dollars on my own without disqualifying me. Yet you seem to have a monetized KZbin channel with 177k subscribers. How does that work?

[@alcozar5905]

Wow.

[@davidmiller6981]

Took me 9 years starting 10% then 30% then started watching craig jumped 90% then unemployabity 100% 😂

[@mikedegnan5252]

It was a pain in the ass!

[@VDD-2766]

Maybe mental health is the problem and why the story is screwed up

[@krissanchez4816]

Not hard at all.

[@VDD-2766]

Maybe mental health is the problem and why the story is screwed up