What Is an Extraschedular VA Disability Rating?

An extraschedular VA disability rating is one that grants you a higher rating than the one you would receive based on the standard rating schedule used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In situations where the VA’s schedule of ratings does not adequately reflect your degree of disability, you and your attorney can make a case for an extraschedular rating.

What Are the Requirements to Receive an Extraschedular VA Disability Rating?

VA regulation 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1) lists the criteria you must meet for the VA to consider granting you an extraschedular VA disability rating. First, you must display an “exceptional or unusual disability picture with such related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization as to render impractical the application of regular [schedular] standards.”

This means your condition must be unique enough that the standard disability rating schedule does not adequately or accurately reflect the degree to which your disability limits your functional capacity.

Most importantly, the condition that you are arguing deserves an extraschedular rating must be service-connected. This means you and your attorney must be able to demonstrate a clear, unambiguous nexus between a specific event in your military service, such as a combat mission or training exercises, and the diagnosis of the condition in question. If the VA believes that a non-military event might have caused or contributed to your condition, it will probably decline your application.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive with an Extraschedular VA Disability Rating?

Whether your disability rating is schedular or extraschedular, your monthly compensation depends on what that rating is. The higher your VA disability rating, the greater the amount of your monthly compensation.

As of December 1st, 2023 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:

• 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
• 10 percent disability rating: $171.23 per month
• 20 percent disability rating: $338.49 per month
• 30 percent disability rating: $524.31 per month
• 40 percent disability rating: $755.28 per month
• 50 percent disability rating: $1,075.16 per month
• 60 percent disability rating: $1,361.88 per month
• 70 percent disability rating: $1,716.28 per month
• 80 percent disability rating: $1,995.01 per month
• 90 percent disability rating: $2,241.91 per month
• 100 percent disability rating: $3,737.85 per month

With a 30 percent rating or higher, you can receive additional benefits for dependents living in your household, such as your spouse, children, or dependent parents.

Call 800-544-9144 for a Free VA Disability Consultation

An experienced VA disability lawyer can review your claim and determine if applying for an extraschedular VA disability rating is a realistic possibility. At Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, our focus is on helping veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Let us put our resources to work for you. For a free consultation, call our office at 800-544-9144.