Veterans diagnosed with health conditions linked to their military service may be eligible for disability benefits from the VA. A 60% VA disability rating often indicates a more serious condition that impacts a veteran’s ability to function effectively in their daily life and at work. Fortunately, veterans with a 60% VA disability rating are entitled to monthly compensation, in addition to other benefits.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
This article explains what a disability rating is, what benefits are available to veterans with a 60% VA disability rating, and discusses how this rating can help veterans qualify for TDIU.
In this article about 60% VA disability?
What is a VA disability rating?
VA ratings determine what benefits a veteran with service-connected disabilities is eligible to receive. To receive a VA disability rating, veterans must submit an application for benefits for a condition that was caused or worsened due to their service. From there, the VA will review the application as well as any supporting evidence and will assign the appropriate rating to each disability granted.
The VA assesses this information and issues a VA rating between 0% and 100% for each condition the veteran is service-connected for. The majority of veterans receive VA disability for more than one health issue tied to their military service. When a veteran has more than one service-connected condition, the VA assigns a rating for each service-connected condition. To combine the ratings, the VA uses its own unique formula, often called “VA math.”
Your combined VA disability rating will determine the amount of money you receive each month.
Below is more information regarding the specific benefits and financial compensation available to veterans with a 60% VA disability rating.
How much is 60% VA disability?
As of 2025, veterans with a combined 60% VA disability rating receive a monthly tax-free payment of $1,395.93. That amount increases if the veteran has dependents or is married.
Additionally, 60% VA disability benefits give veterans access to other benefits including free health care and prescription medications, home loans, VR&E benefits, burial allowances, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and more.
“Woods and Woods will jump over any hurdles the VA throws at them! They know how the VA works and get the job DONE!! I’m now 100% P&T! My wife and I can move on with our lives! Thank you W&W and team!”
E.H. an Air Force veteran from North Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
How to increase a 60% VA disability rating
While a 60% disability rating gives veterans access to various benefits, some may believe their service-connected conditions deserve a higher rating. If you believe your current 60% rating doesn’t accurately reflect the severity of your disabilities, there are ways you can increase it.
It’s important to understand that seeking a higher rating can take time and effort. However, the additional benefits associated with an increased rating may make the process worth your while.
Seek a higher rating
If you disagree with your 60% rating or your condition has gotten worse since you originally filed your claim, you can file an appeal for a higher rating within one year of a decision. There are three ways to appeal a VA decision:
- Higher-Level Review (HLR) – When veterans do not have any additional evidence to submit but believe the VA made an error on their claim decision, they may choose to pursue an HLR.
- Supplemental Claim – If you disagree with a VA decision and want to file an appeal with new and relevant evidence, you may file a supplemental claim.
- Board Appeal – A BVA appeal allows you to request that a Veterans Law Judge review your claim. A judge who specializes in veterans law will review your case.
If you miss your one-year window for appealing a decision, don’t worry, you haven’t lost your chance to increase your rating. Veterans can also request an increased rating using form 526EZ, the same used for applying for VA disability.
Add secondary conditions to your claim
Some veterans don’t realize that a secondary health problem can also be tied to their military service.
A secondary condition is one that is caused by an existing service-connected condition. Filing a claim for one or more secondary conditions can increase a veterans combined rating, making them eligible to receive a higher combined rating and receive additional benefits.
To claim benefits for a secondary condition, veterans must submit evidence demonstrating a clear link between the new condition and an existing service-connected disability.
Apply for TDIU
Veterans with a 60% VA rating may qualify for TDIU. TDIU pays the same amount as a 100% VA rating, without the requirement of having a 100% rating.
TDIU is a benefit available to veterans with:
- At least one service-connected disability rated 60% or more OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities, with one rated at least 40% and have a combined rating of 70% or more
Having a 60% VA rating paves a simpler path to TDIU. However, in addition to having the appropriate rating, veterans must prove their disabilities prevent them from seeking or holding gainful employment.
For example, a veteran with a 60% rating for service-connected COPD may have more limited ability to perform tasks at work, and symptoms can lead to increased absences from work due to frequent hospitalizations.
Watch our video above to learn more about TDIU and how you could qualify.
How Woods & Woods can help
Our TDIU lawyers have helped thousands of veterans nationwide who can no longer work because of their service-connected conditions. Call us today for your free, confidential TDIU case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we win your claim.
Ready to get started?
Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, veterans with a combined 60% VA disability rating receive a monthly tax-free payment of $1,395.93. That amount increases if the veteran has dependents or is married.
60% VA disability benefits also give veterans access to other benefits including free health care and prescription medications, home loans, VR&E benefits, burial allowances, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and more.
Yes. TDIU is a benefit available to veterans who have at least one service-connected disability rated 60% disabling or more, or two or more service-connected disabilities, with one rated at least 40% and have a combined rating of 70% or more.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
