What Is a Non-Compensable Disability Rating?
March 03, 2021
Although it may seem nonsensical, a zero percent VA disability rating is different from no rating at all. Receiving a non-compensable rating of zero percent means that the VA does acknowledge the disability claim could have a service connection but that the symptoms do not impair the veteran enough to secure VA payments.
What is the point of pursuing a zero percent rating if there is no compensation available? The VA grants specific benefits to veterans with a non-compensable disability. They include:
- VA Healthcare—A zero percent rating will put the veteran into a higher priority group for VA healthcare. There are income guidelines that come into play, but if the veteran’s income falls below the threshold, they will likely be placed into Priority Group five. If it is above, they will probably be in Group seven.
- Dental Care—Depending on what the zero-rated condition is, it could qualify the veteran for VA dental care.
- Life Insurance—A zero percent rating allows a veteran to apply for life insurance through the Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance Program (S-DVI) within two years from the date the zero percent rating is granted.
In addition to these benefits, state level benefits could be available. Plus, should the zero-rated disability ever get worse, an Increased Rating Claim can be filed. Because one of the most difficult parts of a disability claim is already done and the necessary service connection has already been established, this can be easier.
Veterans who have two or more non-compensable disabilities that affect their ability to work are eligible to combine the zero percent ratings into a 10 percent rating. This is allowed only if there are no other ratings in place.
If you have a question regarding a VA disability claim, Legal Help for Veterans can help. Call 1.800.693.4800 to speak with a member of the Legal Help for Veterans team.