A zero percent rating is also known as a noncompensable VA disability rating. To be eligible for financial compensation, your serviceconnected injury or illness must be rated at least 10 percent. However, with a zero percent rating the VA at least acknowledges that you have a serviceconnected disability. It just isn’t severe enough at the present time to qualify for monthly cash benefits.

Even though a zero percent VA disability rating doesn’t come with a monthly benefits check, it does come with other benefits. If your household income is below certain limits set by the VA, you have access to free medical treatment, free prescription medications for your condition, and reimbursement for travel costs to a VA medical facility. Regardless of income, if you have a zero percent disability rating you can use online or inperson commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare and recreation facilities. You will be given a 10 point veterans preference if you apply for federal employment and you can apply for life insurance through the ServiceDisabled Veterans Insurance Program.

Additionally, if you have two or more zero percent rated disabilities and they interfere with your ability to work, VA regulations say the VA must give you a 10 percent rating.

If you believe your rating is incorrect, you have the right to appeal your initial zero percent rating. The appeal process starts by filing either a supplemental claim or higher level review appeal with your regional VA office. Or, can you file a Notice of Disagreement with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. All of these appeal options inform the VA that you disagree with their decision. You have one year from the date that you receive your determination letter to begin the appeals process.

If your condition has gotten worse, after the one year appeal time is up you can request an increase in your rating and compensation. You will need to submit new medical evidence of how your condition has deteriorated. In most cases the VA will schedule a new C&P exam to reevaluate your impairments.

When you submit a VA disability claim, establishing a service connection for your condition is a crucial element for winning benefits. With a zero percent rating you’ve already accomplished this, so in an appeal for a ratings increase, half your battle has already been won. If you are considering a rating increase appeal, our law firm can give you a free evaluation of your situation. If you choose to hire us, we’ll fight to ensure you get the fairest possible rating and we only get paid if you win your case. Call or email us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation