How does VA differ from DoD ratings?

[ArmyDDS]

I understand that the DoD adopts the VA ratings for each unfitting condition, but just am wondering if the same combining rules apply for the DoD.

Example- My 4 conditions that did not meet standards were: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Left Sacroillitis, Right Sacroillitis, and Lumbar DDD.

The VA rated by back as 40% since it combines all those into 1 back/spine rating taking the highest rating.

Does the DoD do the same or do they use the percentage for each unfitting condition and combine them?

 

[J3ffSD]

I have similar questions about the DoD ratings and how they are calculated. Based upon my conversation with legal counsel, the similar "VA math" that is used translates to the DoD. In my case, however, I have several other conditions already determining my VA rating that are NOT being considered by the DoD. So, no definitive answer other than that I will "assume" that the DoD conditions will be calculated with the largest percentage first, then apply VA math accordingly. I found two places that can do calculations - About VA disability ratings | Veterans Affairs and 2023 VA Disability Calculator I think that I saw elsewhere that you received your DA 199 - so congrats, good on you, hope it worked out the way you needed it to.

 

[ArmyDDS]

Yes it appears they used VA math for my back as I got 40% DoD.

And yes received it today, such a relief. Thank you! Best scenario.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

The rules for combining are essentially the same.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

"The evaluation of the same disability under various diagnoses is to be avoided. Disability from injuries to the muscles, nerves, and joints of an extremity may overlap to a great extent, so that special rules are included in the appropriate bodily system for their evaluation. Dyspnea, tachycardia, nervousness, fatigability, etc., may result from many causes; some may be service connected, others, not. Both the use of manifestations not resulting from service-connected disease or injury in establishing the service-connected evaluation, and the evaluation of the same manifestation under different diagnoses are to be avoided."