You’ve got a service-connected disability rated at 90 percent. Now what?
This guide covers everything you need to know about your VA disability benefits, including what they are, how they work and when disabled veterans are eligible for them.
In this post, we will cover the following topics – updated for 2025:
- What is the compensation for a 90% VA Disability Rating?
- What compensation is available for dependents at the 90% VA Disability Rating?
- What are the top 90% VA Disability Rating Benefits?
- Social Security with 90% VA Disability
- 90% VA Disability and Extraschedular TDIU
- How do you increase a 90% VA Disability Rating?
Ready to learn all about 90% benefits? Let’s dive in!
What is the compensation for a 90% VA Disability Rating?
The 2025 compensation rate for a 90% VA disability rating is $2,297.96 for a single veteran.
For more information about compensation for dependents, our VA Disability Rates and Compensation article covers everything you need to know.
It is important to consider that, a 10% rating increase, which at 100% VA disability rating is $3,831.30, could have you receiving $1533 a month more in compensation benefits!
Ultimately, a higher disability rating equates to a greater amount of monthly benefits.
If you’d like information about how to increase your rating from 90% to 100%, check out the video and the section below!
Increasing Your VA Disability Rating from 90% to 100%
Achieving a 100% VA disability rating from 90% is a significant step, as it often means a substantial increase in benefits.
However, it’s important to understand that this jump requires demonstrating either a worsening of existing conditions or the existence of additional, service-connected disabilities.
Key Steps to Consider:
- Medical Evidence: Gather updated medical records and evidence showing the progression or worsening of your disabilities. Detailed documentation is crucial.
- New Claims: If you have new disabilities that are service-connected, file claims for these. Each new, valid claim can contribute to increasing your overall rating.
- Expert Support: Consider consulting with a VA-accredited attorney or agent. They can provide valuable guidance through the complexities of VA claims and help strengthen your case.
- Regular Check-ups: Keep up with your medical appointments. Continuous medical records provide strong evidence of your disability’s current status.
Every veteran’s situation is unique, and the process can be complex.
Persistence and attention to detail are key.
For additional support and resources, reach out to local veterans’ advocacy groups or your VA representative.
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Get a Free Case EvaluationWhat are Some of the Top 90% VA Disability Rating Benefits of 2025?
In addition to the aforementioned VA disability compensation benefits and compensation for dependents, veterans may also be entitled to different types of VA benefits.
Health Care Benefits
Veterans at a 90% VA Disability Rating are eligible to be placed in VA Health Care Priority Group 1, which is the highest priority group for receiving health care benefits.
Members of Group 1 will receive health care services with no copays.
Some of the services they are entitled to include:
- Preventative care
- In-patient services
- Mental health care
- Medical equipment
- Medication/supplies
- Dental care, glasses and hearing aids
- Emergency care at non-VA facilities
- Medical travel benefits
VA Pension
Veterans Pension is a tax-free benefit for low-income, wartime veterans, including those who are 90 percent disabled.
It is based on financial need, disability and age.
90 percent disabled veterans may be eligible for VA pension benefits if they were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and:
- Started active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days with one day during wartime
- Started an active duty after September 7, 198, and served at least 24 months with at least one day during wartime
- “Countable family income” and net worth are below a yearly limit set forth by law
- At least one of these is also true:
- 65 years of age or older
- Have a permanent and total disability
- A patient in a nursing home or long-term facility because of a disability
- Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance
Concurrent Retired and Disability Pay (CRDP)
Veterans who rate at 90 percent disabled may qualify for concurrent retired and disability pay (CRDP). CRDP restores your service pay by eliminating the VA waiver. There is no application process.
If veterans meet the eligibility requirements, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will automatically eliminate the VA waiver.
To be eligible for CRDP, veterans must:
- Be receiving retired pay and VA compensation
- Be a 20-year or more retiree
- Have a service-connected condition rated at 50 percent or higher
VA Home Loan Guarantee
The VA will guarantee a home loan by a private lender to ensure favorable terms on a mortgage.
This means that veterans usually qualify for lower interest rates and down payments on their homes.
These loans help veterans buy, repair, rebuild or maintain their present home.
Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Individuals with 90 percent VA disability ratings are eligible for VR&E benefits.
These benefits provide career services and counseling, including training, resume development, and other assistance.
Use of commissaries, exchange and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) facilities
VA Special Monthly Compensation
CHAMPVA Medical Insurance
90% VA Disability and Extraschedular TDIU
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a disability benefit that allows veterans to be compensated at a 100% disability rate, even if their combined schedular rating does not equal 100 percent.
TDIU is awarded when veterans are unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected condition(s).
In order to qualify for TDIU, a veteran must have:
- One service-connected condition rated at 60 percent or higher; or
- Two or more service-connected conditions, one of which is rated at least 40 percent disabling, with a combined rating of at least 70 percent.
Those who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for TDIU, but their case must be referred for extraschedular consideration, by filing VA Form 21-8940, Veterans Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.
Veterans rated at 90 percent disabled should consider applying for TDIU if the circumstances warrant.
TDIU is a way for veterans to receive the highest amount of disability compensation possible.
Want to learn more about TDIU and why it might be a great additional benefit for you? Click below!
