The VA bilateral factor adds an extra 10% to a veteran’s combined disability rating when the veteran has multiple conditions affecting bilateral limbs (paired body parts, such as both arms or both legs).
This factor acknowledges that disabilities on both sides of the body can create a compounded impact on a veteran’s overall ability to function. To account for it, VA adds 10% to the combined rating of these bilateral disabilities, wanting to offer fair compensation for the increased severity of the veteran’s condition.
So for example, if the conditions are rated at 20% and 10% and combined equal 28%, then you would add 2.8% to the rating, bringing it to 30.8%.
Am I Eligible for the VA Bilateral Factor?
To qualify for the bilateral factor in your VA disability claim, certain criteria must be met:
- Bilateral Disabilities: You must have disabilities on both sides of your body. This can include conditions affecting both arms, both legs, or any other paired organs or areas.
- Paired Disabilities: The conditions do not have to be the same on both sides but must affect paired body parts.
- Service Connection: The disabilities must be service-connected, directly related to or aggravated by your military service.
Evaluating Your Conditions
Consider the following to determine if the bilateral factor might apply to you:
- Do your service-connected conditions affect bilateral body parts (e.g., right and left limbs)?
- How do these conditions impact your daily life and functionality?
- Have you consulted with a VA representative or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to discuss the specifics of your case?
Understanding whether you are eligible for the bilateral factor is important for accurately assessing the extent of your disabilities and ensuring you receive the proper compensation level.
If you believe the bilateral factor applies to your situation, presenting a comprehensive case with detailed medical evidence is key to supporting your claim.
Cassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
