You’re navigating life with a service-connected disability rated at 20 percent. What are your next steps? This guide is your go-to resource for understanding VA disability benefits at the 20% rating level, and how to further increase them.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Compensation for a 20% VA Disability Rating
- Key benefits for a 20% VA Disability Rating
- Social Security Benefits with a 20% VA Disability
- 20% VA Disability and Extraschedular TDIU
- Strategies for increasing your 20% VA Disability Rating
Compensation for a 20% VA Disability Rating
As of 2025, the compensation rate for a single veteran with a 20% VA disability rating is $346.95 per month.
Understanding how compensation rates work is crucial for veterans and their families, especially considering the potential for rate increases due to cost-of-living adjustments or changes in your condition. For detailed information about compensation for dependents at this rating, you can refer to the VA Disability Rates and Compensation Guide.
But Why Worry About All the VA’s Complicated Tables When We’ve Done the Work for You?
Navigating the VA’s complex disability rating tables can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s where our VA Disability Calculator comes in – a tool specifically designed to save you time and effort!
With just a few clicks, you can gain insights into:
- Your Expected Disability Rating: No more guessing or trying to interpret complicated tables. Our calculator provides a clear estimation of the rating percentage for your specific condition or combined conditions.
- Your Potential Compensation: Understand the financial support you might be eligible for. Our calculator breaks down the compensation tied to various disability ratings, giving you a clear picture of your potential benefits.
Ready to find out what your VA disability rating and compensation could look like?
Try our VA Disability Calculator now by clicking here!
Key Benefits for Veterans with a 20% VA Disability Rating
Beyond monthly compensation, veterans with a 20% disability rating are eligible for various benefits, such as:
- Access to VA Health Care: Reduced-cost health care services covering a range of needs from preventative care to mental health services.
- Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Support for career transitions, providing services like training and resume assistance.
- VA Home Loan Guarantee: Favorable terms on home loans, enabling veterans to buy or modify their homes under better conditions.
Social Security Benefits with a 20% VA Disability
Veterans with a 20% disability may also qualify for Social Security disability benefits, depending on the specifics of their conditions. These benefits offer an additional layer of financial support.
Increase Your 20% VA Disability Rating
You don’t have to stop at the 20% rating. Increasing your disability rating from 20% to 50% can significantly impact your monthly compensation, jumping to $1,102.04.
You can seek a higher rating for your existing condition or combine ratings from multiple disabilities. Consider these approaches:
- Appeal your rating decision within VA’s specified deadlines.
- File a new claim for a newly recognized condition or if an appeal is not possible.
- File for secondary conditions caused or exacerbated by your existing service-connected disability.
- Seek TDIU if your disability prevents you from keeping a job, despite the low rating.
Not sure what you qualify for? Get a free case evaluation to see if our legal team can help you appeal or obtain TDIU. We specialize in increasing ratings and overturning VA denials.
Get a free evalution of your case20% VA Disability and Extraschedular TDIU
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) could be a viable option for veterans whose disabilities significantly impair their ability to work, even if their rating doesn’t reach 100% through the standard schedule.
Understanding the criteria and application process for TDIU is essential for those who find themselves unable to maintain substantial employment due to their service-connected conditions.
Learn more about how it could benefit your situation by clicking below for further information.
Click here to learn all you need to know about IU benefits.
Content Reviewed by
Cassandra Crosby is an Accredited Agent and VA Trainer for Hill & Ponton, which she joined in the spring of 2016. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies and over 20 years of experience of management of non-profits programs in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Victim Services. A Florida native, she was a military daughter/spouse and has familial ties to the Marines, Air Force, Navy, and Army.
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