Do you need to be in combat to qualify for VA disability?
One Navy veteran recently found out just how far a conversation can go. For years, he assumed you had to be deployed or see combat to qualify for VA disability. That is a common belief among veterans, but it is not true.
He shared online, “I thought you had to deploy or be in combat to file for disability until last year. I was chatting with a Navy vet at my job and she told me to file for my anxiety. I was still hesitant but I did anyway.”
That moment of advice turned into a major win. He just received a 90% disability rating for conditions that many would not think to claim—gastritis, tinnitus, and depression.
What disabilities did he get rated for?
This veteran’s claim included three conditions:
- Depression — Rated at 70%
- Gastritis (a gastrointestinal issue) — Rated at 60%
- Tinnitus — Rated at 10%
Although the total percentages add up to more than 100%, the VA uses a combined rating formula that reduces the total. His actual combined rating came to 89%, which was rounded up to 90%.
How does the VA calculate combined disability ratings?
If you are wondering how the math works, here is a quick breakdown:
- The VA does not add the percentages directly. Instead, they calculate each new condition based on the percentage of your body that is still “whole.”
- For example, after rating one issue at 70%, your body is considered 30% “unaffected.” So a new 60% rating only applies to that 30%, not the whole 100%.
- It can get tricky, which is why veterans often get surprised by their final percentage.
In this case, the vet ended up with 89% overall—which qualifies for the 90% benefit level.
Should you apply for an increase if you are at 90%?
A few people in the comments suggested pushing for 100%, especially since he mentioned migraines. But others gave a word of warning.
Here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Only file for an increase if you have strong medical evidence that your condition has worsened.
- Be cautious if your current ratings are over 30%, because the VA may decide to lower a rating if they think the condition has improved.
- If you have a 0% service-connected condition, that is often safer to increase.
One user said it clearly: “Do your research, gather solid evidence, and beware of the potential of the VA trying to take something away.”
How peer support made a difference
What stood out the most in this veteran’s story was the role of peer support. A quick chat with a coworker led to life-changing benefits. Others in the thread shared similar stories—some were encouraged to refile years later, even after being denied the first time.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, “Hey, you should file.” And that can make all the difference.
Continue reading:
Are the National Guard and Reserves considered veterans and what VA benefits do they qualify for?
How can I apply for educational assistance for children of disabled veterans?
