On what basis does the VA determine the rate of disability compensation?

The correct answer is based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran's ability to work. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assesses disability compensation by evaluating how a veteran’s service-connected condition affects their daily functioning and employability. This assessment often involves a comprehensive review of medical evidence, including diagnoses and treatment records, to determine the severity of the disability.

The VA uses a disability rating system ranging from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%, which reflects the degree of impairment caused by the condition. The higher the rating, the more significant the impact on the veteran's ability to secure and maintain employment, leading to increased compensation to help offset their loss of earning potential. In this context, the focus is clearly on the condition itself and how it encumbers the veteran's life, rather than factors such as age, length of military service, or the nature of the discharge they received.