The kinds of 100% ratings, and how to know if yours is permanent

The situation

"100%" can mean very different things. Some kinds can be re-examined and reduced; some can't easily. Some let you work; one generally doesn't. Your decision letter tells you which one you have.

The kinds of total ratings

• Schedular 100%: one condition rated 100%, or ratings that combine to 100.
• Permanent and total (P&T): total disability that VA finds unlikely to improve. Opens CHAMPVA and DEA for family.
• TDIU: paid at the 100% rate when service-connected conditions keep you from substantially gainful work (38 CFR 4.16).
• Temporary total: during hospitalization over 21 days (38 CFR 4.29) or surgery convalescence (38 CFR 4.30).
• Prestabilization: for some recently separated Veterans with unstable conditions (38 CFR 4.28).

Find the one sentence

• Look in your decision letter or benefit summary letter for "permanent and total" or "no future examinations are scheduled."
• You can download a benefit summary letter on VA.gov.
• If those words aren't there, VA may re-examine you later.

Asking for P&T

• P&T is not a separate claim form; you ask VA to consider it with medical evidence that your conditions are static.
• Long-standing, unchanged conditions and age can support it.
• Get a VSO to review before asking, since a new exam is possible.

Work rules differ

Schedular 100% (including P&T) does not bar work. TDIU generally requires that you not hold substantially gainful employment. See working while rated.

Protections

Even non-permanent ratings have safeguards: VA must give notice before reducing (38 CFR 3.105), and ratings held 5+ years need sustained improvement (38 CFR 3.344).

Related

Working while rated · Calculator · Rates 2027

Get free help

You never have to pay to file an initial VA claim. Free help: a VSO such as DAV, VFW or the American Legion, or a VA-accredited representative.