dod disability percentages for conditions

DOD Disability Percentages for Conditions: Understanding the Rating Process

Severance pay is calculated by multiplying a soldier's base pay rate by their number of years of active duty service, up to 12 years. The rating process determines whether a soldier is entitled to severance pay based on their disabling condition(s) and its severity, which can range from 0 to 100 percent in increments of 10.

A soldier is eligible for severance pay if assigned a rating of less than 30%. However, the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) uses Army Regulation (AR) 635-40, DoD Directive 1332.18, and the Veterans' Benefits Administration Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to assign an appropriate rating if a condition was caused or aggravated by military service.

Soldiers found unfit due to a physical disability that was not incurred or aggravated during their service will be separated without benefits. Once a soldier is determined to be physically unfit for further military service, VASRD percentage ratings are applied to the unfitting condition(s). The impairment rating does not result in a disability rating unless the PEB determines that it renders the soldier unfit for duty.

Conditions that do not render a soldier unfit for military service will not be considered for determining the compensable disability rating unless they contribute to the finding of unfitness. When a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) determines a soldier is not fit for continued military service by reason of a physical disability, the disabling condition is rated in accordance with the VASRD, as modified in Army Regulation (AR) 635-40, Appendix B.

The Army's disability compensation is affected by years of service and basic pay, while VA compensation is based on a flat amount determined by the percentage rating received. Additionally, the Army's ratings are permanent upon final disposition, whereas VA ratings may fluctuate over time depending on the progress of the condition.

In conclusion, understanding DOD disability percentages for conditions requires knowledge of the VASRD and how it applies to both the Army and Veterans Administration (VA). While both agencies use the same schedule, not all general policy provisions set forth in the VASRD apply to the Army. It is essential to understand the differences between the two agencies' rating processes to ensure accurate compensation for service-connected impairments.

Dod disability percentages for conditions