Big Changes: Veterans with Mental Health Ratings / Claims / Increase Compensation
The VA is set to implement significant changes to the mental health rating schedule, projected to be finalized in August 2025. These changes could impact veterans who are filing new claims or seeking increases in their current ratings. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they might affect you.
Overview of the Changes
The new rating schedule will increase the minimum disability rating for mental health conditions from 0% to 10%. This means that all veterans with service-connected mental health conditions will receive a compensable rating, which is a positive change. Additionally, the VA will remove the outdated part of the rating schedule that prevents veterans from receiving a 100% rating for mental health conditions if they are able to work. This opens the door for veterans who are currently rated at 70% to potentially move up to 100%.
Five Domains of Impairment
The new rating schedule will evaluate mental disorders based on five domains of impairment: cognition, interpersonal interactions and relationships, task completion, life activities, and navigating environments. Each domain will be assigned a severity rating from 0 to 4, with 4 being the most severe. The overall rating will be determined based on the severity ratings across these five domains.
Impact on Current Ratings
Veterans who currently receive compensation for service-connected mental health conditions will not see any changes to their current ratings based on the new schedule. However, they can apply for increased compensation if their symptoms warrant a higher rating under the new schedule. Importantly, no reductions will be made unless there is shown to be an improvement in the veteran’s disability based on the last schedule used to assign their evaluation.
Filing for Claims
If you have not yet filed for mental health conditions, either as a standalone condition or as a secondary condition, it is advisable to file now. This will lock in your rating under the current schedule, and you can apply for an increase once the new schedule takes effect. If you already have a claim in process, the VA will evaluate your claim under both the current and new schedules and give you the more beneficial rating.
Preparing for the Changes
To prepare for the changes, it is important to document your symptoms and severity in each of the five domains. Discuss these domains with your mental health provider and ensure that your medical evidence is clearly outlined. This will help you achieve the highest rating you qualify for under the new schedule.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Veterans are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers and legal advisors to understand how these changes may impact their individual situations.