Understanding the VA 70/40 Rule: How It get More Benefits Directly to Veterans. The government of the United States provides various types of benefits to retired or discharged with honour from the military services through Veterans Affairs (VA). The government provides additional advantages and financial support to disabled veterans through VA disability benefits. To learn about the benefits provided to all veterans and the new VA 70/40 rule, read the complete article below.
Understanding the VA 70/40 Rule
To understand the VA 70/40 rule, you must first know about the VA disability ratings. So, the VA disability ratings are basically ratings starting from 0% and ending at 100%. These ratings are based on the severity of the impairment. The 70/40 rule makes sure that veterans having multiple serious disabilities are correctly assessed and getting the assistance they deserve, frequently qualifying for higher compensation rates or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployment (TDIU).
To understand the TDIU in brief, read the key points given below:
- A disabled veteran pursuing TDIU must have a single service-connected disability rated at least 60% or higher OR
- A combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one service-connected disability rated at 40% or higher.
Importance of 70/40 Rule
For veterans without a total disability rating, the 70/40 rule is one of the easiest ways to get the most benefits. There is a huge difference between the compensation amounts of seventy percent and forty percent. The current VA disability rate benefit amounts during December 1, 2023, were as follows:
| Disability Rating Percentage | Total Amount |
| 0 per cent disability rating | $0.00 per month |
| 10 per cent disability rating | $175.51 per month |
| 20 per cent disability rating | $346.95 per month |
| 30 per cent disability rating | $537.42 per month |
| 40 per cent disability rating | $774.16 per month |
| 50 percent disability rating | $1,102.04 per month |
| 60 percent disability rating | $1,395.93 per month |
| 70 percent disability rating | $1,759.19 per month |
| 80 percent disability rating | $2,044.89 per month |
| 90 percent disability rating | $2,297.96 per month |
| 100 percent disability rating | $3,831.30 per month |
Benefits of the VA 70/40 Rule
There are many significant benefits of the 70/40 rule that directly affect the lives of veterans and make it better. Increased disability benefits and other resources may become available to those who meet this requirement.
- Eligibility for TDIU: To qualify for the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), the veterans must meet the 70/40 criteria. It means that they are given compensation at a disability rate of 100%, and the combined ratings are not necessary to be 100% here. This can provide vital relief to the veterans if they are unable to work because of their disabilities.
- Healthcare Benefits: Veterans who are eligible for the TDIU may also receive access to entire healthcare services through the VA, which may include individualised care for conditions related to services.
- Additional Monthly Compensation: Veterans who have a combined rating under the 70/40 rule mostly qualify for increased monthly compensation rates, which can significantly boost their financial stability, especially for those who are unable to maintain a stable profession due to their disabilities.
Explanation of 70/40 Rule
- Main Criteria: To be qualified for disability compensation, a veteran should have at least one service-connected condition with a disability rating of 10% or higher.
- Combined Ratings: The VA uses a particular formula to combine ratings if a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions.
- Highest Rating: The primary or highest-rated condition is the one where the VA first considers the condition with the highest disability rating.
- Extra Ratings: The VA uses a particular formula to combine each rating if a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions. However, the extra conditions must be rated at least ten percent individually to be taken into consideration.
- 70% Combined Rating: When the combined disability ratings of all service-connected conditions reach 70% or more, then the 70/40 rule will take effect.
- 40% Rule: The VA takes into account the possibility of additional compensation through the 40% rule once a veteran’s service-connected conditions have a combined rating of 70% or higher.
Impact of the VA 70/40 Rule On Veterans’ Daily Life
The successful application of the VA 70/40 rule can make a huge difference in the daily life of a veteran. They will be provided with the financial support they need to cover their necessary expenses and the needs of their families. There has been a positive impact on many veterans’ lives by the 70/40 rule. The increased compensation is very beneficial for them by allowing them to pay for the medical care they need and many other expenses they couldn’t afford before.
