My service-connected disability has been rated at 90 percent. What do I do next?
This guide explains everything you need to know about VA disability benefits, including what they are, how they work, and when disabled veterans become eligible for benefits.
This post covers the following topics, updated for 2024:
How much compensation is there for a 90% VA disability rating? What compensation is available for dependents of a 90% VA disability rating? What is the top benefit for a 90% VA disability rating? Social Security for 90% VA Disability 90% VA Disability and Unscheduled TDIU How do I increase my 90% VA disability rating?
Ready to learn all about the benefits of the 90%? Let’s get started!
How much compensation is available for a 90% VA disability rating?
The compensation rate for a 90% VA disability rating in 2024 is $2,241.91 for a single veteran.
For more information on compensating dependents, our article on VA disability rates and compensation has all the information you need.
It is important to consider that a 10% rating increase ($3,737.85 at a 100% VA disability rating) could mean you receive approximately $1,500 more per month in compensation benefits.
Ultimately, the higher your disability rating, the higher your monthly benefit amount will be.
Watch the video and the section below to learn how to increase your rating from 90% to 100%.
H&P Quick Hits: How to get from 90% to 100%, tips from our expert lawyers
Raise VA disability rating from 90% to 100%
Increasing your VA disability rating from 90% to 100% is an important step because it often means a significant increase in benefits.
However, it is important to understand that this raise requires proof of an aggravation of a pre-existing condition or the existence of an additional service-connected disability.
Important steps to consider:
Medical Evidence: Gather up-to-date medical records and evidence showing progression or worsening of your disability. Detailed documentation is essential. New Claims: File these claims if you have new service-connected disabilities. New, valid claims contribute to a better overall rating. Expert Support: Consider consulting with a VA-certified attorney or agent. They can provide valuable advice on the complexities of VA claims and help strengthen your case. Regular Check-Ups: Don’t miss your medical appointments. Ongoing medical records provide strong evidence regarding the current state of your disability.
Every veteran’s situation is different, and the process can be complicated.
Persistence and attention to detail are key.
Please contact your local veterans support organization or VA representative for additional support and resources.
What are the top 90% of VA disability rated benefits for 2024?
In addition to the VA disability compensation benefits and compensation for dependents mentioned above, veterans may also be eligible for various other types of VA benefits.
Medical benefits
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 90% are eligible for placement in VA Medical Priority Group 1, the highest priority group for receiving medical benefits.
Group 1 members can receive health care services without any out-of-pocket costs.
Some of the services they can receive include:
Preventive care Inpatient services Mental health care Medical equipment Drugs/medical supplies Dental care, eyeglasses, hearing aids Emergency care at non-VA facilities Medical travel benefits
VA Pension
VA pensions are tax-free benefits to low-income war veterans, including 90% disabled veterans.
It is based on financial need, disability and age.
Veterans who are 90% disabled may be eligible for VA pension benefits if they were discharged under conditions other than a dishonorable discharge and if they meet the following criteria:
You began active duty before September 8, 1980 and served at least 90 days, one of which was during wartime. You began active duty after September 7, 198 and served at least 24 months, one of which was during wartime. Your “countable household income” and net worth are below the statutory annual limits. And at least one of the following conditions is true: You are 65 years of age or older. You are permanently and totally disabled. You are in a nursing home or long-term facility because of your disability. You are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Benefits (CRDP)
Veterans who are 90 percent disabled may be eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP). CRDP restores service benefits by eliminating the VA exemption. There is no application process.
If a veteran meets the eligibility requirements, the Defense Financial Accounting Service (DFAS) will automatically remove the VA exemption.
To be eligible for the CRDP, veterans must meet the following criteria:
Receiving retirement benefits and VA compensation Retired for more than 20 years Service-connected illness rating of 50% or more
VA Home Loan Guarantee
The VA guarantees mortgage loans made by private lenders to ensure favorable mortgage terms.
This means veterans typically qualify for lower interest rates and down payments on homes.
These loans help veterans buy, repair, rebuild or maintain their current homes.
Career Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Individuals with a VA disability rating of 90 percent are eligible for VR&E benefits.
These benefits include career services and counseling, including training, resume writing and other assistance.
Access to food stores, exchanges, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) facilities
VA Special Monthly Compensation
CHAMPVA Medical Insurance
90% VA Disability and Unplanned TDIU
Total disability benefits based on an individual’s inability to work (TDIU) are disability benefits that compensate a veteran at the 100% disability rate, even if the veteran’s overall schedule rating does not equal 100%.
TDIU is awarded when a veteran is unable to secure or engage in adequate gainful employment due to a service-connected medical condition.
To be eligible for TDIU, a veteran must meet the following criteria:
One service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, or two or more service-connected disabilities, one of which is rated at at least 40 percent impairment, with a combined rating of at least 70 percent.
If you do not meet these requirements, you may still be eligible for TDIU, but you will need to submit VA Form 21-8940 (Application for Increased Veterans Compensation Based on Inability to Employ) to be referred for off-schedule consideration.
Veterans who are rated at 90% disability should consider applying for TDIU if their circumstances warrant.
TDIU is a way for veterans to receive the highest possible disability compensation.
Want to learn more about TDIU and why it could be a great added benefit for you? Click below.
Click here to read more about IU.