When Navy veteran Ron opened his VA decision letter, he did not celebrate right away. He stood still, read the words again, and felt the weight of decades lift all at once.
“I was in tears,” he said. “I had to gain my composure before I could tell my wife. This is a life-changer.”
For nearly 27 years, Ron served aboard U.S. Navy ships in physically punishing roles that demanded constant endurance. He retired as an E-9 believing his 40 percent VA disability rating was final. What he did not know was that his conditions were significantly underrated and that the VA system allowed for change when disabilities worsen or are improperly evaluated.
Why Many Long-Serving Veterans Remain Underrated?
VA disability ratings are not permanent by default, but many veterans believe they are. The Department of Veterans Affairs allows increases when service-connected conditions worsen or when overlooked conditions are properly documented.
Ron described his understanding of the system after retirement bluntly. “It was all Greek to me,” he said. “I didn’t know my VA rating could change.” Like many senior enlisted leaders, he focused on duty during service and assumed the VA’s decision at retirement was final.
Veterans advocates note that long-serving personnel often underreport injuries while in uniform, especially those in leadership positions. That pattern frequently leads to ratings that fail to reflect the true impact of decades of service.
A Career at Sea and the Physical Toll It Took
Ron enlisted in the Navy in 1974, driven by economic uncertainty and the promise of opportunity. He quickly adapted to shipboard life, spending long days climbing ladders, working in confined engine rooms, and handling heavy equipment.
As a Shipboard Engineering Plant Program Manager (NEC 4206), the physical demands never eased. Back pain emerged early, but medical care was minimal.
“I’d go to sick bay for my lower back,” Ron recalled. “But the only answer I ever got was 800 milligrams of Motrin.”
He explained why he rarely pushed further. “The last thing you want to do is complain about this or that when you’re in a leadership position,” he said. Over time, those untreated issues compounded.
By retirement at age 66, Ron’s health had sharply declined. Chronic pain, numbness in his legs and feet, and mobility problems became daily realities. He underwent shoulder replacements, hip replacements, and repeated orthopedic procedures. Despite extensive medical evidence, his VA rating remained at 40 percent.
Service and Health Snapshot at Retirement
| Service Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Branch | U.S. Navy |
| Years of Service | 27 years |
| Rank at Retirement | E-9 |
| Primary Duties | Shipboard engineering leadership |
| Key Health Issues | Spine damage, radiculopathy, joint degeneration |
| Initial VA Rating | 40 percent |
The Moment Ron Realized His Rating Did Not Match His Reality
The turning point came years later at ship reunions. Ron reconnected with sailors he had trained and supervised, many of whom carried significantly higher VA ratings despite similar service histories.
“That made me realize I was seriously underrated,” Ron said.
The conversations forced him to confront a difficult question: if others with comparable duties and injuries were rated at 70, 80, or even 100 percent, why was he still at 40?
For the first time, Ron understood that his rating did not reflect the full scope of his service-connected conditions.
Learning How the VA Disability System Actually Works
Ron eventually enrolled in the Elite Program offered by VA Claims Insider. What he found was not shortcuts, but education and structure.
He learned how the VA evaluates severity, why worsening conditions qualify for increases, and how secondary conditions can be rated separately when supported by medical evidence. For Ron, this knowledge alone changed everything.
Identifying Overlooked Conditions That Changed the Outcome
Working with his Veteran Coach, Ron reviewed decades of medical records. Together, they identified nerve-related conditions tied to his spine, including radiculopathy, that had never been properly evaluated despite years of documented symptoms.
Rather than filing claims randomly, Ron followed a strategic, evidence-driven approach focused on accuracy and documentation.
From 40 Percent to 80 Percent in Under Six Months
| Stage | VA Rating | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Rating | 40 percent | At retirement |
| First Increase | 80 percent | Under six months |
| Final Outcome | 100 percent P&T | Under one year |
Less than six months after filing for an increase, Ron’s rating jumped to 80 percent. The decision confirmed what his medical history had long suggested: his disabilities were far more severe than the VA had originally recognized.
The Final Decision: 100 Percent Permanent and Total
With continued documentation and coaching support, Ron pursued the remaining claims. When the final decision letter arrived, it awarded him 100 percent Permanent and Total disability status.
“I was in tears,” Ron said again, describing the moment. “This is a life-changer.”
The designation meant no future reexaminations and long-term financial security. It also came with 16 months of retroactive pay, acknowledging years of undercompensation. A representative familiar with policy at the Department of Veterans Affairs noted that P&T status is reserved for veterans whose conditions are severe and unlikely to improve.
Financial and Quality-of-Life Impact
| Category | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| VA Rating | 40 percent | 100 percent P&T |
| Monthly Compensation | About $800 | Over $3,900 |
| Retroactive Pay | None | 16 months awarded |
| Future VA Exams | Required | Not required |
Beyond the financial impact, the rating brought validation. Ron no longer has to prove the reality of his pain or worry about future reductions.
What Ron’s Experience Shows Other Veterans?
Veterans advocates say Ron’s case is not unique. Many veterans remain underrated simply because they do not know how the VA evaluates secondary conditions or worsening symptoms.
Ron now shares one message consistently with fellow veterans. “Never give up,” he said. “Keep the goal in mind, and you’ll get there.”
Final Thought
Ron’s journey from a 40 percent rating to 100 percent Permanent and Total status shows that VA decisions are not always final. With education, proper documentation, and persistence, long-overdue recognition is possible.
While his health challenges remain, Ron now has peace of mind and stability. The system that once felt impossible finally reflects the true cost of his service.
FAQs
Can a VA disability rating be increased after retirement?
Yes, the VA allows rating increases when service-connected conditions worsen or were previously underrated.
What does 100% Permanent and Total mean?
It means the VA considers the disabilities total and unlikely to improve, with no future reexaminations.
How long did Ron’s VA rating increase take?
Less than one year from 40% to 100% Permanent and Total.
Are secondary conditions rated separately by the VA?
Yes, conditions such as radiculopathy can receive separate VA ratings.
Is VA retroactive pay common after a rating increase?
Yes, veterans may receive back pay when the VA determines benefits were owed earlier.
