Permanent and total disability is a designation that the Department of Veterans Affairs may give to a veteran who has a service-connected disability rated as 100%. This can be an exciting time for veterans, as it qualifies them for certain benefits and rights, including access to health care and vocational rehabilitation. However, some veterans are concerned that the VA could take away their permanent and total disability status.

The answer is yes, they can. The VA can lower any disability rating, P&T or not, for various reasons. For example, if a veteran’s condition improves or they receive new information that indicates the disability is not as severe as originally thought, VA may reduce their rating.

We will explore whether or not the VA has the authority to take away PTD benefits. We will also examine what factors the VA considers when making this determination. Finally, we will provide advice for veterans who are concerned about their PTD status. So please keep reading for more information. 

Does VA Reevaluate P&T?

VA may occasionally request a periodic re-evaluation for veterans with 100% P&T ratings. However, VA does not reduce benefits or change the P&T status based on the results of this evaluation. VA recognizes that veterans with a 100% P&T rating can still carry out some level of work, and hence VA allows veterans to receive their full VA benefits at the same time they are employed. VA also provides several employment programs and resources to help veterans with permanent and total disabilities find meaningful employment.

The VA is dedicated to helping veterans succeed in civilian life by offering resources such as career counseling, job search assistance, vocational rehabilitation and training, education services, and more. Veterans should learn more about these resources available through VA so they can make informed decisions about their future. In addition, VA is committed to helping veterans with permanent and total disabilities live their lives to the fullest.

Veterans with P&T status need to stay up-to-date on VA regulations and benefits, as these can change over time. The VA may also suggest changes or modifications if it believes a veteran’s condition has improved enough to warrant a new evaluation and adjustment in benefits. Staying informed about VA policies can help veterans be prepared for any changes that may occur, so they can continue enjoying their VA benefits without interruption. 

Additionally, VA provides resources and advocacy services to assist veterans with questions or need additional assistance regarding their 100% P&T rating and associated VA benefits. With these resources available, veterans should be confident in VA’s commitment to supporting them no matter their disability rating. VA is here for veterans and ready to help them get the most out of life.

Is VA Permanent and Total for Life?

VA permanent and total is a rating VA assigns to veterans with disabling conditions that VA believes are not likely to improve. VA permanent and total ratings are often considered “lifetime” ratings, meaning VA will not reduce them unless there is significant new information or evidence that shows improvement in the veteran’s condition.

However, it is still possible for VA to periodically review a veteran’s case even if they have been given permanent and total status. These reviews can be done when VA believes the veteran’s medical condition has changed or improved. If VA finds enough evidence to support their belief, then VA may decide to reduce the disability rating — even if it was previously assigned a 100% P&T rating.

It should also be noted that VA permanent and total ratings do not prevent veterans from working. Veterans with VA permanent and total ratings can still receive VA benefits while they are employed.

Overall, VA permanent and total ratings provide veterans with stability, security, and peace of mind — knowing that their disability rating won’t have to be re-evaluated in the future. However, veterans need to stay aware of changes in their health or disabilities as VA may decide a periodic review is necessary even if a veteran has a 100% P&T rating. Additionally, VA may or may not choose to reduce the VA permanent and total rating, but veterans need to be aware of VA’s review process.

Can the VA Take Away My Disability Compensation?

The VA cannot terminate your service-connected disability benefits if they have been in effect for ten years or longer. The only times you wouldn’t be qualified are if you fraudulently obtained VA benefits, were dishonorably discharged, or failed to complete service.

For veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating from the VA, it is very unlikely that VA will reduce your VA disability benefits or re-evaluate your case. This is because P&T ratings are not simply granted; rather, veterans must undergo a rigorous review process to qualify for this status.

That being said, VA may request a periodic re-evaluation of your condition to assess any medical progress you have made since being originally rated as P&T. It is essential to note that this does not necessarily mean VA will reduce your P&T rating. They might even increase it if medical evidence justifies such an action. Even those with perfect P&T ratings can work and obtain VA disability payments.

Overall, VA benefits are not easy to come by, and it is typically a long process for veterans to become qualified for VA disability compensation. However, should you have any further questions about VA benefits and how they may be affected by your service-connected disabilities, please do not hesitate to reach out to VA’s customer service team. 

Why is My VA Disability not Permanent?

VA disability ratings are not typically permanent. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can review them anytime rather than being exempt from review. If VA determines that your circumstances or condition has changed since you were first rated, it may award you a new rating. VA can even reduce your VA disability rating, regardless if it was initially Permanent or Total (P&T).

However, VA is unlikely to reduce the VA disability rating of veterans with a 100 P&T rating. VA may request periodic re-evaluations if you appear to have made medical progress, but this does not necessarily mean that VA will lower your P&T status. In addition, it is important to note that receiving a 100 P&T VA disability rating does not exclude veterans from working and earning income—veterans are still able to receive VA benefits while working.

If you believe your VA disability rating should remain permanent, contact the VA directly with any questions or concerns. Additionally, speak with a legal professional knowledgeable in VA regulations and benefits to ensure that you receive the VA disability rating you are entitled to.

Remember, VA is committed to providing veterans with the best possible care and support—reaching out for help is nothing to be ashamed of. In addition, VA has dedicated resources available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your VA disability rating.

How Many Veterans are 100% Permanent and Total?

The number of these vets increased from nearly three million to 4.8 million or 61 percent over a decade. During the same period, the number of completely incapacitated veterans climbed by 161%, from approximately 260,000 to more than 680,000.