By Cynthia Gomez

For many veterans, reaching the 90% disability rating is a milestone—but it often comes with frustration. A 90% rating pays significantly less than 100%, yet the difference in the level of disability experienced by veterans in this range is often minimal. Many veterans living with severe service-connected conditions find themselves unable to work, sleep, or function normally, yet remain stuck at 90%.

The good news?

There are clear, legal, evidence-based paths to move from 90% to 100% VA disability, either through a schedular increase or Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

This article breaks down how 90% veterans can finally secure the full benefits they deserve.

Understanding the Jump from 90% to 100%

The difference between a 90% and a 100% VA disability rating is massive:

• 90% compensation (2024): ~$2,241/month

• 100% compensation (2024): ~$3,737/month

That’s nearly $1,500 more every month, plus additional benefits such as:

• CHAMPVA for dependents

• Commissary & exchange access

• State property tax exemptions (varies by state)

• Travel reimbursement

• Vocational rehabilitation (if applicable)

• Priority medical care

For most veterans, hitting 100% can be life-changing.

Why So Many Veterans Get Stuck at 90%

The VA’s combined rating formula makes it mathematically difficult to reach 100%. At 90%, the VA assumes a veteran is already 90% “disabled” and only has 10% “functional capacity” left to lose.

To reach a schedular 100% rating, a veteran must have:

• A single condition rated at 100%, or

• A combination of ratings that mathematically combine to 95% or higher (which rounds to 100%)

This is why moving from 90% to 100% often requires:

✔ A rating increase for existing conditions

✔ Adding secondary conditions

✔ Using strong medical evidence

✔ Considering TDIU when appropriate

Paths to Move from 90% to 100%

1. Increase an Existing Rating

Many veterans underestimate how much their conditions have worsened. Common conditions that are often underrated include:

• PTSD / Depression / Anxiety

• Back pain with radiculopathy

• Migraines

• Sleep apnea

• GERD / IBS

• Knee, ankle, and hip injuries

• TBI residuals

If your symptoms match a higher rating level, you can request an increase with:

• Updated medical records

• A new DBQ

• A personal statement

• Buddy statements

• Private specialist opinions

2. Add Secondary Conditions

Secondary claims are one of the easiest ways to reach 100%.

Examples:

Back Pain → Radiculopathy

Each leg can be rated 10%–40%, which adds up fast.

PTSD → Sleep Apnea

OSA secondary to PTSD is commonly approved with a strong nexus.

Tinnitus → Migraines

Migraines can be rated up to 50%.

Chronic Pain → Depression or Anxiety

Mental health ratings often range from 30–70%.

Joint injury → Arthritis in adjacent joints

Overuse leads to secondary wear-and-tear.

Secondary conditions are powerful because they stack onto existing ratings and push the combined percentage upward.

3. File for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

TDIU pays the same as 100% even if your combined rating is less than 100%.

You qualify if:

✔ You have ONE disability rated 60%+, OR

✔ You have multiple disabilities with ONE rated 40%+ AND a combined rating of 70%+, AND

✔ You cannot maintain substantial, gainful employment due to service-connected conditions

You do not need to be unemployed—just unable to maintain stable, competitive work.

TDIU is one of the most overlooked paths to 100% benefits.

4. Request a New C&P Exam

If your symptoms worsen, the VA must consider an updated evaluation. Before requesting a new exam:

• Gather medical evidence

• Write a detailed statement about worsening conditions

• Document how daily life and work have been impacted

Veterans often receive rating increases after updated C&P exams reflect a more accurate picture of disability severity.

Evidence That Strengthens 90% → 100% Claims

Providing strong, objective evidence significantly increases approval odds.

Best evidence includes:

✔ Private DBQs

✔ Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs)

✔ MRI / X-ray / sleep study results

✔ Specialist notes

✔ Mental health evaluations

✔ Occupational impact documentation

✔ Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138)

✔ Lay statements describing functional limitations

✔ Work history and employment issues

The VA needs proof, not assumptions—clear medical evidence wins claims.

Common Mistakes Veterans Make (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Underreporting symptoms

Veterans often minimize their pain or limitations.

❌ Missing secondary claims

Secondary conditions are routinely overlooked.

❌ Relying only on VA doctors

Private specialists often document symptoms more thoroughly.

❌ Not submitting nexus letters

A strong nexus is often the difference between approval and denial.

❌ Filing without evidence

Even valid claims can be denied if documentation is poor.

Example Scenario: How One Veteran Jumped from 90% to 100%

The Veteran:

• 90% combined rating

• Chronic back pain

• PTSD

• Tinnitus

The Strategy:

• Filed radiculopathy secondary to back pain (40% right leg, 20% left leg)

• Requested PTSD increase from 50% to 70%

• Submitted DBQs + private IMO

• Provided daily impact statements

The Result:

• Combined rating exceeded 95%

• Rounded to 100% schedular

This path is extremely common for veterans stuck at 90%.

Final Thoughts from Cynthia Gomez

Reaching 100% VA disability is absolutely possible—whether through schedular ratings, secondary conditions, or TDIU. The key is understanding the system, gathering strong evidence, and filing strategic claims that reflect the full impact of your service-connected disabilities.

If you are at 90%, you are far closer to 100% than you think.

Your conditions, your pain, your limitations—they matter.

And you deserve the highest level of benefits available.