Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Asbestos Diseases

Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Asbestos Diseases

VA disability ratings are percentages that represent how much a service-connected disability affects overall health and ability to function. VA uses the rating to determine the compensation rate and eligibility for certain other benefits. Ratings generally range from 0% to 100%, and the applicable percentage depends on the service-connected condition, medical evidence, examination findings, and VA’s rating schedule.

For veterans with an asbestos-related disease, the first issue is service connection: VA requires evidence of a disease or disability related to asbestos and a relationship between the condition and asbestos exposure during military service. Veterans beginning that process can review How to File a VA Claim for Mesothelioma and the VA Benefits & Claims for Veterans With Mesothelioma hub.

How VA Disability Ratings Work

VA states that it bases a disability rating on evidence submitted by the veteran, the results of a VA claim examination when one is required, and other information VA obtains from sources such as federal agencies. The percentage represents the severity of the service-connected disability under VA’s rating rules.

A rating is different from the decision that a condition is service connected. VA must first recognize the disability as connected to military service before compensation is paid for that condition. Once rated, the percentage helps determine the monthly compensation amount.

Mesothelioma and VA Rating Criteria

Mesothelioma is a malignancy, but the exact VA diagnostic code and rating criteria can depend on the anatomical site and facts of the claim. Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6819 assigns a 100% rating for malignant neoplasms of the respiratory system, exclusive of skin growths. The regulation provides that the 100% rating continues beyond cessation of surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedure, with a mandatory VA examination six months after treatment ends; if there has been no local recurrence or metastasis, VA rates residuals.

Mesothelioma should therefore not be described as automatically receiving the same rating in every case or indefinitely. The site of disease, active malignancy or treatment status, recurrence or metastasis, residual disability, and applicable diagnostic code matter.

Other Asbestos-Related Diseases

VA recognizes that asbestos exposure can be associated with multiple diseases, but different diagnoses can be evaluated under different sections and diagnostic codes in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. A non-malignant respiratory condition, for example, is not rated simply because asbestos caused it; VA applies the criteria associated with the diagnosed service-connected condition.

Veterans should read the diagnostic code identified in the VA rating decision and compare it with the medical evidence used by VA. The decision notice should identify the rating assigned and explain the evidence and reasons supporting the decision.

Evidence VA Uses to Assign a Rating

VA says disability ratings are based on evidence such as doctors’ reports and medical test results, a Compensation and Pension examination when VA determines one is needed, and other relevant information. For asbestos claims, VA separately requires evidence supporting military asbestos exposure and the relationship between that exposure and the disease or disability.

• Pathology and diagnostic records
• Imaging and pulmonary or other applicable test results
• Oncology and specialist reports
• Treatment records and treatment dates
• VA Compensation and Pension examination findings
• Evidence describing residual functional impairment

Proving Military Asbestos Exposure

A disability rating does not replace the need to establish service connection. VA’s asbestos compensation guidance says exposure evidence may include the veteran’s military occupational specialty and where the veteran was stationed, and the evidence must show a relationship between military asbestos exposure and the disease or disability.

Veterans who need to reconstruct exposure can use the Military Records & Documentation for Asbestos Exposure hub and Veterans Help With Identifying Asbestos Exposure. Depending on the service history, supporting research may involve military occupations, military bases, military aircraft, military vehicles, or military asbestos products and components.

Combined VA Disability Ratings

When a veteran has more than one service-connected disability, VA does not simply add the percentages together. VA uses what it calls the whole-person theory and the Combined Ratings Table to determine the combined disability rating, with the total not exceeding 100%.

This means two separate ratings do not necessarily produce a combined percentage equal to their arithmetic sum. Veterans can view their individual service-connected ratings and combined rating through VA’s online disability-rating tool after VA has issued a decision.

Ratings and Monthly Compensation

VA uses the disability rating to determine the monthly disability compensation rate. Compensation rates can change, and dependent status can affect payments at qualifying rating levels, so veterans should use VA’s current compensation tables rather than relying on an older dollar amount.

For 2026, VA’s published compensation tables are effective December 1, 2025. The current table provides rates from 10% through 100% and includes dependent-status adjustments where applicable.

Reexaminations, Treatment and Rating Changes

A rating can change when the governing diagnostic criteria call for reevaluation or when the evidence supports a different level of disability. This is particularly important for malignant neoplasms because some diagnostic codes provide a 100% rating during active disease or treatment and then require examination and rating of residuals when specified conditions are met.

Veterans should read the rating decision carefully for the diagnostic code, effective date, whether an examination is expected, and the reasons VA assigned the percentage. If the condition worsens, VA states that a veteran can file a claim for an increased rating.

Understanding the VA Rating Decision

After VA decides a disability claim, the decision notice explains whether the condition is service connected, the disability rating, and the effective date. Veterans should compare the notice with the medical evidence, claimed condition, diagnostic code, and any VA examination used in the decision.

VA also allows veterans with completed decisions to view individual ratings and the combined disability rating online. Pending claims do not appear in the disability-rating tool until VA has issued a decision.

Getting Help With a VA Rating or Claim

Veterans can seek assistance from an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, claims agent, or attorney. The page on VA-Accredited Attorneys vs. Non-Accredited Lawyers explains why VA accreditation matters when choosing claim assistance.

VA disability compensation is separate from civil asbestos compensation. Veterans researching those issues can use the Veterans Asbestos Legal Options hub. Families dealing with a pending claim after a veteran’s death can review What Happens if a Veteran Dies Before Claim Approval?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VA rate every asbestos-related disease the same way?

No. VA applies the rating criteria and diagnostic code associated with the service-connected diagnosis and its severity.

Is mesothelioma always rated at 100%?

Not as a universal rule for every site and every stage of a claim. For malignant neoplasms of the respiratory system rated under Diagnostic Code 6819, the schedule provides a 100% rating during the period specified by the regulation. The anatomical site, treatment status, recurrence or metastasis, residuals, and applicable diagnostic code matter.

What determines a VA disability rating?

VA says it considers submitted evidence, claim-examination results when an examination is required, and other relevant information it obtains.

How does VA combine multiple disability ratings?

VA uses the whole-person method and Combined Ratings Table rather than simply adding individual percentages.

Where can a veteran start an asbestos-related claim?

See How to File a VA Claim for Mesothelioma for the filing process and evidence overview.

What if the veteran cannot identify the military exposure source?

Use Veterans Help With Identifying Asbestos Exposure and How to Request Complete Service Records to begin reconstructing assignments and duties.

Confirmed Sources

• VA — About Disability Ratings
• VA — View Your Disability Ratings
• VA — Current Veterans Disability Compensation Rates
• VA — Veterans Asbestos Exposure
• Veterans Benefits Administration — Asbestos Exposure Compensation
• 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 — Schedule of Ratings, Respiratory System

Review Your VA Disability Rating

Review the service-connected diagnosis, diagnostic code, percentage, effective date, medical evidence, VA examination findings, and explanation in the decision notice. If exposure documentation remains incomplete, return to the Military Records & Documentation hub; for broader benefit information, use the VA Benefits & Claims for Veterans With Mesothelioma hub.

Call 800.291.0963 for a no-obligation case evaluation and to speak with a real person 24/7, 365 days a year. Mesothelioma Help Center is not a law firm or medical provider and does not determine VA eligibility.