VETERANS PRESS: So you think 0% VA Disability rating gets you nothing?

Think again! 

Non-Compensable 0% VA Ratings.

Some veterans have been approved for VA disability benefits. But they received a 0% disability rating for their service-connected condition. This is pretty common. The VA calls this a non-compensable disability. 

Although it may seem nonsensical, a 0% VA disability rating is different from no rating at all. Receiving a non-compensable rating of 0% means that the VA does acknowledge the disability claim could have a service connection — but that the symptoms do not seriously impair the veteran enough to secure VA payments. 

But with a 0% rating you may be eligible for other benefits: VA Health Care Priority Group Access, Travel pay reimbursement, Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI), access to military Commissary’s, Exchanges and MWR retail facilities. 

The most important thing is you have a service-connected rating. You have your foot in the door. And it is possible to file for an “Increased Rating” if your service-connected medical condition worsens. It also might be possible to secondary connect other conditions to your rated condition.