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How is it possible to be rated at 0% disabled, yet still be medically separated?
Posted in these groups: 
Disability
Rank
Disability Rank
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 8
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I can give you general overview which may help in understanding the difference.
The Military can medically separate you if you are no longer medically qualified to serve. The VA bases the rating tables on the 'average ability to earn'. The difference between the two is that while you may be medically unable to serve in the military, that doesn't necessarily preclude the 'average persons ability to earn'. Very different definitions.
As far as a 0% rating (specifically), the VA has determined that you do have the disability AND that the disability is Service Connected but is not severe enough to entitle monetary compensation. Since you are now service connected, should the disability increase in severity, you can apply for an increased rating (actually a reevaluation of the rating).
Not all disabilities start at 10%, nor do they all go to 100%. You can look up your specific disability in 38CFR to see the actual rating table and the medical requirements for each level authorized under that disability.
Hope this helps in understanding the differences.
The Military can medically separate you if you are no longer medically qualified to serve. The VA bases the rating tables on the 'average ability to earn'. The difference between the two is that while you may be medically unable to serve in the military, that doesn't necessarily preclude the 'average persons ability to earn'. Very different definitions.
As far as a 0% rating (specifically), the VA has determined that you do have the disability AND that the disability is Service Connected but is not severe enough to entitle monetary compensation. Since you are now service connected, should the disability increase in severity, you can apply for an increased rating (actually a reevaluation of the rating).
Not all disabilities start at 10%, nor do they all go to 100%. You can look up your specific disability in 38CFR to see the actual rating table and the medical requirements for each level authorized under that disability.
Hope this helps in understanding the differences.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
MSG Huffman,
What you depict in your response is what I have experienced. I have several 0% disabilities. The only good news is they are service connected and acknowledged by the VA. Consequently you are able to have these conditions evaluated and if warranted an increase may be requested through a request for reconsideration.
If you find no other assistance don't forget Veterans service organizations such as the VFW, DAV, and Wounded Warrior Program, to name a few, will assist at no charge any veterans claim.
What you depict in your response is what I have experienced. I have several 0% disabilities. The only good news is they are service connected and acknowledged by the VA. Consequently you are able to have these conditions evaluated and if warranted an increase may be requested through a request for reconsideration.
If you find no other assistance don't forget Veterans service organizations such as the VFW, DAV, and Wounded Warrior Program, to name a few, will assist at no charge any veterans claim.
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MSG Wade Huffman
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS , you can also find a Veterans Service Officer at this link (also, all services free of charge).
http://nacvso.org/find-a-service-officer/
http://nacvso.org/find-a-service-officer/
Find a Service Officer | NACVSO
To find your local Service Officer, select your state from the list below. You will be redirected to the appropriate page if it is available.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
MSG Huffman,
Thank you. I have saved the link you shared to my favorites. Great piece of information.
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
Thank you. I have saved the link you shared to my favorites. Great piece of information.
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
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PO1 (Join to see)
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS If you need any assistance in any way - let me know. Since I'm a Service Officer for the VFW I will reach out and contact someone to assist you - without hesitation. BTW - remember this, every Veteran Service Organization that has Service Officers provides that service for free and you DO NOT have to be a member of that organization to get that help.
Welcome home.
Welcome home.
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I know alot of folks that have 0%'s on specific injuries. While the issue might not be bad now, it could get worse and is pre-vetted that it is service connect.
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CPO Ed Ball
You're absolutely correct, those conditions caused by the military may very well get worse. Additionally, what we look for in addition to those conditions that are currently rated, are what is referred to as secondary conditions that may arise. i.e., Service Connected Diabetes Mellitus Type II that affects kidneys, liver, hypertension, cardio vascular, which with a medical opinion stating the Diabetes caused/aggravated the additional problems can be rated even several years after being discharged. Another common effect that is overlooked is arthritis that shows up on Xrays. When in doubt contact your state/county veterans service officer.
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There are plenty of VA workers here on RallyPoint. Use the advance search and you should be able to find them. I will try to find some and link them up with you.
CPO Ed Ball MSG Wade Huffman are a few that may be able to at least point you in the right direction.
CPO Ed Ball MSG Wade Huffman are a few that may be able to at least point you in the right direction.
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1SG (Join to see)
Also, if you need to file a claim, you local D.A.V. office should have someone there that can help or connect with the nearest Service Officer that can.
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