Temporary 100% rating after surgery or a cast
Full 100 percent pay while you recover, then your normal rating returns.
What it is
If you have surgery for a service-connected disability, or a cast on a major joint, and you need time to recover, VA can give you a temporary 100 percent rating. That means increased compensation for a short time. It is often called a convalescent rating (38 CFR 4.30).
Who qualifies
VA says you may qualify if you had surgery at a VA hospital, an approved hospital, or an outpatient center for a service-connected disability and the surgery needed at least 1 month of recovery, or your records show the surgery caused severe problems. VA lists these problems: surgical wounds that have not healed, a recent amputation stump, a major joint that is immobilized, being confined to the house, or needing a wheelchair or crutches. You can also qualify without surgery if a cast immobilizes one or more major joints.
How long it lasts
VA says the temporary rating usually lasts 1 to 3 months depending on your case, and can be extended up to 3 more months for severe cases. Under 38 CFR 4.30, the period starts from the first day of the month after hospital discharge or outpatient release, and a longer extension for some cases needs approval by the Veterans Service Center Manager. After it ends, VA follows with an appropriate regular rating, or an exam if the evidence is not enough.
Convalescent rating
How to get it
- Keep your hospital discharge paperwork or your outpatient release records. 38 CFR 4.30 says these reports are what establish entitlement.
- File a claim with VA. VA says you can file online, by mail, in person, or with help from a trained professional. Start at How to file a VA disability claim.
- Ask about an extension if you are still not healed when the period ends.
Trap to avoid
It only applies to a condition that is service connected. Surgery for a condition VA has not connected does not qualify. Being in the hospital more than 21 days is a different rule, covered on our page Temporary 100% for a hospital stay over 21 days.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- VA benefits hotline, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET: 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). Source: VA regional benefit office page and Helpful VA phone numbers
- Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7: 988, then select 1. Source: Helpful VA phone numbers
Official pages
Free accredited help
- Find an accredited representative (attorney, claims agent or Veterans Service Organization representative). VA says VSO representatives are always free.