Off The Record – Veterans’ Disability – Veterans’ Rating Math

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Janet Santeramo, a partner at Turley Redmond & Rosasco. I’d like to talk to you today about appealing claims that you were denied for. Anybody that knows VA Math or understands VA Math understands that usually the closer you get to that 100% mark, the harder it is to actually get there. So, when determining whether or not you should appeal a particular denial, you wanna look at the math, and see if you actually appeal that claim, could it get you to that 100%? What I have been seeing lately is a bit of a trend where veterans are putting in for increases, and what I have found is that sometimes the VA will give with one hand, so to speak, and take away with the other. So, be mindful of the risk that you’re taking. You may actually be decreased, and continue to stay at the overall percentage that you’re at, or conceivably be overall rated as less than what you originally were.

So, these are some considerations that you wanna make. I’m not suggesting that if it’s a legitimate claim, and you should get an increase, according to the rating schedule that you don’t pursue it. Just be aware that this is something that could happen. A lot of veterans seem to get clouded by the notion of getting that 100% permanent in total. And yes, it is possible, but you wanna make sure that you’re within that realm of possibility. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to appeal say a tinnitus claim and you’re sitting at 90%. That may only boost you two points and get you to 92% overall, which is gonna be rounded down to 90%. So, be mindful of that, because if it’s not gonna do anything for you, it may not be worth the risk.

If you have any questions, or if we can be of any assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at nydisabilitylaw.com. Thank you, and have a great day.