Question:

I am going into my VA medical center next month for back surgery. I will be laid up for a few months recovering. I am currently employed and am not rated at 100% but my doctor says I will not be able to work for a while. My doctor said I could be eligible for some type of temporary rating? Any idea what he is talking about?

Answer:

You may be eligible for a temporary 100% (total) rating even if your rating is less than 100%. Temporary 100% ratings are available where:

  • You are hospitalized for more than 21 days for treatment of a service-connected disability. The temporary total rating for hospitalization will remain in effect from the date of admission into the hospital until the last day of the month in which you are discharged.
  • You have undergone surgery for treatment of a service-connected disability which requires at least one month of convalescence, or which has resulted in severe post-operative residuals. A temporary total rating for convalescence may also be granted where a major joint is immobilized by a cast. The rating becomes effective on the date of hospitalization or treatment and runs for up to 90 days from the date of discharge from the hospital or release from treatment. Extensions of the 100% rating may be available for up to one year, if medically warranted.
  • You are separated from military service with a stabilized condition that began during service and that has resulted in a severe disability that renders substantially gainful employment either not feasible or unadvisable.

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