How to Check Your VA Disability Rating Online: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Start: Checking Your Rating on VA.gov

VA.gov is the official platform for viewing your VA disability rating, and it takes less than 60 seconds once you're signed in. Here's the fastest path:

1. Go to VA.gov and click "Sign in" in the top right corner
2. Sign in using ID.me, Login.gov, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet credentials
3. Click your name in the top right to open the account menu
4. Select "Disability rating" from the dropdown menu
5. View your combined rating and individual condition ratings

That's it. Your combined disability rating appears at the top of the page in large numbers, with all your individual service-connected conditions listed below with their respective percentages and effective dates.

Real Talk: Bookmark the direct link to your rating page once you're logged in. It saves you from navigating through menus every time. Also, take screenshots of your rating periodically - if the VA makes an error or you need to dispute something, having dated screenshots is invaluable evidence.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create and Verify Your VA.gov Account

If you don't already have a VA.gov account, you'll need to create one and verify your identity. Identity verification is required to access personal information like your disability rating.

Account Creation Options

You can sign in to VA.gov using one of four credential providers:

• ID.me (Recommended): Modern identity verification platform used by many government agencies. Requires uploading a photo ID and taking a selfie. Verification typically takes 15-30 minutes.
• Login.gov: Government-run identity verification system. Similar process to ID.me. Being promoted as the future standard for all federal websites.
• DS Logon: Department of Defense credential. If you have a Premium DS Logon from your military service, you can use it immediately. Basic DS Logon requires upgrading to Premium.
• My HealtheVet: VA healthcare system credential. If you're enrolled in VA healthcare and have a Premium My HealtheVet account, you can use it to access VA.gov.

Identity Verification Requirements

To view your disability rating, you need a verified account. Verification requires:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
• Social Security number
• Phone number capable of receiving text messages or phone calls
• For ID.me/Login.gov: Ability to take a selfie with your phone or webcam

Step 2: Navigate to Your Disability Rating

Once signed in, you have several ways to reach your disability rating:

Method 1: Account Menu (Fastest)

1. Click your name in the top-right corner
2. Select "Disability rating" from the dropdown

Method 2: Records Section

1. Click "Records" in the main navigation menu
2. Select "Download your VA letters and documents"
3. Click "View your disability rating" near the top of the page

Method 3: Direct URL

Once signed in, navigate directly to: va.gov/disability/view-disability-rating/rating

Step 3: Understanding What You See

Your disability rating page shows comprehensive information about all your service-connected conditions.

Combined Disability Rating

At the top of the page, you'll see your combined disability rating - this is your overall rating percentage (e.g., "Your combined disability rating is 70%"). This is the rating used to determine your monthly compensation amount.

Individual Conditions List

Below your combined rating, you'll see a detailed list of every condition in your file:

• Condition name: Medical diagnosis or symptom (e.g., "Tinnitus," "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder," "Lumbosacral strain")
• Rating percentage: Individual rating for this condition (0% to 100%)
• Service-connected status: Whether the condition is service-connected (yes/no)
• Effective date: Date your benefits began for this condition

Downloading Your VA Decision Letters

Your decision letters contain the official record of your VA rating decisions, including detailed explanations of how your rating was determined and your appeal rights.

How to Download Decision Letters

1. Sign in to VA.gov
2. Click "Records" in the main menu
3. Select "Download your VA letters and documents"
4. Scroll to "Benefit letters and documents" section
5. Click "Download" next to "Benefit summary and service verification letter"

Alternative method for rating decision letters specifically:

1. Sign in to VA.gov
2. Go to "Claims and appeals" section
3. Find the claim associated with the rating decision
4. Click "View claim" or "View details"
5. Look for "Files" or "Documents" tab
6. Download the decision letter PDF

What's in Your Decision Letter

VA decision letters are comprehensive legal documents that include:

• Decision summary: Which conditions were granted service connection and at what percentages
• Effective dates: When each rating begins (determines backpay)
• Evidence considered: List of medical records, exams, and documents reviewed
• Reasons for decision: Legal and medical rationale for each rating
• Monthly compensation amount: How much you'll receive
• Appeal rights: Deadlines and options for appealing if you disagree
• Dependent information: How dependents affect your payment

Tracking Your Claim Status

If you have a pending claim and want to check its progress, use the claim status tool rather than the disability rating page.

How to Check Claim Status

1. Sign in to VA.gov
2. Click "Claims and appeals" in account menu or main navigation
3. Select "Check your VA claim or appeal status"
4. View list of all open and closed claims
5. Click on a specific claim to see detailed status

Claim Status Stages

VA claims progress through several stages:

• Claim received: VA has your claim and assigned it a confirmation number
• Initial review: VA is reviewing what you submitted and determining what evidence is needed
• Evidence gathering: VA is collecting medical records, ordering exams, or waiting for evidence you're providing
• Review of evidence: All evidence is in, and VA is making a decision
• Preparation for notification: Decision is made, and your decision letter is being prepared
• Complete: Decision letter sent; you can view your rating online

Estimated Completion Date

The claim status page shows an estimated completion date, but this is only an estimate. Claims can move faster or slower depending on complexity, evidence availability, and regional office workload. Average claim processing time is 100-150 days, but this varies significantly.

Warning: Don't obsessively check your claim status multiple times per day - it doesn't speed up the process and can drive you crazy. The status updates in batches, not real-time. Check once a week unless you receive an email notification about a change or a request for additional evidence.

Understanding Your Payment Information

In addition to viewing your rating, you can check your payment history and upcoming payments online.

How to View Payment History

1. Sign in to VA.gov
2. Click "Payments" in the main menu or account dropdown
3. Select "View your VA payment history"
4. See monthly payments for the past 6 years

Payment History Details

The payment history page shows:

• Payment date: When money was sent to your bank
• Payment amount: Total monthly payment
• Payment type: Compensation, pension, or other benefit type
• Bank account: Last 4 digits of account where payment was deposited

Returned or Missing Payments

If a payment appears as "returned" or you didn't receive an expected payment:

• Verify your direct deposit information is current
• Check if your bank account was closed or frozen
• Look for a paper check in the mail (if direct deposit failed)
• Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 if payment doesn't appear within 3 business days of expected date

Using the VA Mobile App

The official VA mobile app (available for iOS and Android) provides convenient access to your disability rating and other information from your smartphone.

Key Features of VA Mobile App

• View your combined disability rating
• Check claim and appeal status
• View payment history
• Schedule and manage VA health appointments
• Refill VA prescriptions
• Send and receive secure messages with your VA healthcare team

Downloading and Setting Up the App

1. Search "VA: Health and Benefits" in Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Download and install the official VA mobile app
3. Open app and tap "Sign in"
4. Use your VA.gov credentials (ID.me, Login.gov, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet)
5. Enable biometric login (Face ID/Touch ID) for faster access

eBenefits vs VA.gov: What You Need to Know

eBenefits was the VA's previous online portal, but it's being replaced by VA.gov. Here's what you need to know during the transition:

Current Status

• VA.gov: Primary platform; fully functional; actively maintained and improved
• eBenefits: Being phased out; some features still work but will eventually be shut down

Why VA.gov Is Better

• Modern, mobile-friendly interface
• Faster load times and better reliability
• Integrated with VA mobile app
• Single sign-on across all VA services
• Better security and identity verification

Transitioning from eBenefits to VA.gov

If you currently use eBenefits, transition to VA.gov now to avoid disruption when eBenefits shuts down:

1. Go to VA.gov and create/verify your account
2. Bookmark VA.gov disability rating page instead of eBenefits
3. Download the VA mobile app for smartphone access
4. Update any bookmarks or saved links to point to VA.gov

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Can't Sign In to VA.gov

Solutions:

• Try a different sign-in option (if you use DS Logon, try ID.me instead)
• Reset your password through your credential provider's website
• Clear browser cookies and cache, then try again
• Try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Disable browser extensions that might block the sign-in process

Problem: Rating Shows 0% or Doesn't Appear

Possible causes:

• Your claim is still pending (check claim status instead)
• You have a 0% service-connected rating (no monthly pay but still service-connected)
• Your account isn't fully verified (complete identity verification)
• System delay - decision was just made (wait 1-3 business days for online update)

Problem: Individual Condition Ratings Don't Add Up to Combined Rating

This is normal. The VA doesn't simply add your individual ratings together. They use a "whole person" mathematical formula that results in a combined rating lower than the sum of individual ratings. For example, 50% + 30% + 20% doesn't equal 100% - it equals 70% using VA math. Use our VA disability calculator to verify your combined rating is correct.

Problem: Can't Download Decision Letter

Solutions:

• Check if your pop-up blocker is preventing the download
• Try downloading using a different browser
• Look in your browser's download folder - it may have downloaded without displaying
• Request a mailed copy by calling 1-800-827-1000
• Visit your local VA Regional Office to get a printed copy

Problem: Rating Information Looks Wrong

What to do:

• Download and carefully read your full decision letter
• Verify the VA calculated your combined rating correctly (use our combined ratings calculator)
• Check if effective dates are correct
• If you find an error, you can appeal or request a correction
• Contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help understanding your rating

Real Talk: If your rating looks wrong, don't panic - but don't ignore it either. First, verify the VA math is actually incorrect using our calculator. If the math checks out but you disagree with individual ratings, that's different from an actual error. For math errors, request a "Clear and Unmistakable Error" (CUE) correction. For disagreements about ratings, you'll need to file an appeal with new evidence supporting a higher rating.

Alternative Methods to Check Your Rating

If you're unable to access VA.gov or prefer other methods, you have several alternatives:

Call VA Directly

VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM ET

What they can tell you: Your combined rating, individual condition ratings, payment amount, and effective dates

Visit a VA Regional Office

You can visit any VA Regional Office in person to:

• Get printed copies of decision letters
• Speak with a VA representative about your rating
• File new claims or appeals
• Get help accessing your online account

Contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

VSOs from organizations like DAV, VFW, American Legion, and others can:

• Access your VA file and explain your rating
• Help you understand why you received specific percentages
• Identify potential claims for increases or new conditions
• Assist with filing appeals if your rating is incorrect

Request Your C-File (Claims File)

Your C-file contains your complete VA claims history. To request it:

• Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request online or by mail
• Visit VA.gov and search for "FOIA request"
• Allow 30-60 days for processing
• Receive electronic or physical copy of your complete file

What to Do After Checking Your Rating

Real Talk: Your rating isn't permanent unless it's explicitly marked as "static" or "permanent." Most ratings can be re-evaluated, which means they can go up with new evidence - but the VA can also schedule re-exams. Know your rights: ratings held for 20+ years are protected from reduction. Always document worsening symptoms for potential increases.

If Your Rating Is Lower Than Expected

• Read your complete decision letter to understand the VA's reasoning
• Review the evidence the VA considered
• Determine if you disagree with the decision or if you simply need more evidence
• Consider filing a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board Appeal
• Consult with a VSO or VA-accredited attorney

If Your Rating Seems Correct

• Review your conditions periodically and file for increases if they worsen
• Add dependents to your VA record if your status changes (marriage, children)
• Update your direct deposit information if you change banks
• Check if you qualify for additional state or federal benefits at your rating level

If You Have Additional Service-Connected Conditions

• File new claims for any service-connected conditions not yet rated
• Consider secondary service connection for conditions caused by already-rated disabilities
• File Intent to File first to lock in your effective date while gathering evidence