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VA cheat sheet
A one-page reference for VA terms, rating thresholds, TDIU, SMC, and deadlines — unlock Download PDF after entering your email.
VA Disability Cheat Sheet
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VA Disability Cheat Sheet
Quick reference for ratings, TDIU, SMC, and deadlines. Educational only — not affiliated with the VA.
Key VA terms
- Service-connected: VA links the disability to military service.
- Combined rating: Whole-person method, not simple addition.
- Effective date: When benefits start — drives back pay.
- C&P exam: Compensation & Pension medical examination.
- Nexus: Medical link between service/primary condition and claimed disability.
- Intent to file: Can protect an earlier effective date if a claim follows within a year.
Rating thresholds
- 10–20%: Often no dependent increases.
- 30%+: Dependent pay increases generally begin.
- 60% / 70%: Common TDIU schedular pathways (with other criteria).
- 100%: Schedular total; P&T is a separate finding.
TDIU quick check
- One disability ≥ 60%, OR
- Combined ≥ 70% with one disability ≥ 40%, AND
- Unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to SC disabilities.
- Marginal employment may still allow TDIU.
SMC triggers (high level)
- SMC-K: Anatomical loss / loss of use add-on — $139.87 (rates effective Dec 1, 2025).
- SMC-L through O: Higher levels for severe disabilities / A&A needs (replace schedular).
- SMC-S: Housebound criteria (schedular or factual).
- Levels can replace base schedular pay; K often stacks (except with some high SMC).
2026 pay anchors (veteran alone)
- 10% $180.42 · 50% $1,132.90 · 70% $1,808.45 · 100% $3,938.58.
- Spouse-only examples: 70% $1,961.45 · 100% $4,158.17.
- Verify full dependent tables on VA.gov — rates effective December 1, 2025.
Important deadlines
- Appeal / review lanes after a decision — calendars matter; act quickly.
- Intent to file: generally 1 year to submit the formal claim.
- Supplemental claims need new and relevant evidence.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.