Can someone explain disability ratings of 0%?

SGT Mitch McKinley — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:44:27 -0400

How is it possible to be rated at 0% disabled, yet still be medically separated?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 3:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:55:44 -0400

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.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 17 at 2014 4:07 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:07:02 -0400

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.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 17 at 2014 8:07 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:07:01 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 7:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 07:28:07 -0400

It is deemed service connected but they won't pay you for it, however if the condition worsens you can always have it re-evaluated and the percentage increased.

Response by PO2 Kevin Barszcz made Sep 23 at 2014 12:22 PM

PO2 Kevin Barszcz — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:22:44 -0400

The VA and military are two separate entities. The VA recognizes you have a disability but it isn't sever enough to get a rating above 0 percent. On the other hand the military feels you are no longer able to complete the task do to your disability. You can make a claim with the military and they can pay you for the disability. But it looks like the VA said no

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 10:05 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 22:05:21 -0400

How is it possible to be rated at 0% and be medically discharge? The ratings that the PEB Boards gives to veterans is not the same as the RVSR's at the VA. 0% means it's a non-compensable rating that you will not receive any payments for your disabilities because the VA feels that you can work and have substantial gainful employment. If you have multiple disabilities that are at 0%, the VA may grant you a Compensable rating of 10%, which is payable. There are two distinct ways that a veteran files for disabilities. The first one is compensable disabilities, in other words your disability has an average earning impairment with an earning capacity by law. The other is non-compensable, you have disabilities that won't interfere with you earning capacity for substantial gainful employment. As you get older these non-compensable disabilities will get worse and may effect your employment. I hope this helps. If not go to http://www.va.gov/pubs. the law is there to read. James K.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 10:15 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 22:15:46 -0400

MSG Huffman,

I totally agree with your comments. I for one had 10 service-connected disabilities when I retired and I couldn't believe it. But my supervisor the CADVSO at San Diego informed me the same thing you just mention. Sergeant Major Arthur Rodrigues, who was an attorney that worked for CAVFW for over 40 years told me the exact same thing you did. Eventually over time my disabilities didn't get any better. Now I'm 90% with PT since I retired in 2010. Yes those 10 disabilities and another 8 more service-connected disabilities put me where I am now. James

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made Dec 15 at 2017 2:51 PM

Sgt Douglas Berger — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:51:51 -0500

A disability is service connected condition. you lost a arm while serving. Medically discharged may be due to a physical or mental issue that is not service connected, and the person is not deemed to be able to perform the tasks required to serve. My best guess,