What Does VA Consider a Static Disability?

A static disability is a condition that is considered permanent and not expected to improve over time. VA recognizes certain disabilities as permanent in nature because they are stable and unlikely to show significant improvement or deterioration. These disabilities typically result in a fixed disability rating that is not subject to routine reexaminations or reductions.

Is There a VA Static Disability List?

VA does not provide an official list that documents these disabilities, but certain conditions (see below) are commonly recognized due to their permanent nature. Understanding whether a disability is considered static can help veterans navigate their benefits and protect their ratings.

Is PTSD a Static Disability?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be considered static if it is determined to be a chronic condition with no expected improvement. However, this is not always the case, as PTSD can vary in severity and response to treatment. VA may reexamine PTSD ratings to assess any potential changes in the veteran’s condition over time.

Is Tinnitus a Static Disability?

Tinnitus is often considered static. Once VA awards a 10% rating for tinnitus, it typically remains unchanged because tinnitus is generally a permanent condition with no known cure. As a result, veterans with tinnitus usually do not face reexaminations or rating reductions.

Examples of other Static Disabilities

• Loss of Limbs: Amputations and loss of limb function are typically permanent.
• Blindness or Severe Visual Impairment
• Deafness
• Chronic Respiratory or Cardiac Conditions: Severe and stable conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.
• Severe Musculoskeletal Injuries: Permanent damage to the spine, joints, or bones that results in lasting impairment.
• Conditions that have been in place for five or more years without any material improvement.

How Do I Know If My VA Disability Is Static?

Determining whether your VA disability qualifies for this status can be tricky. VA does not always explicitly state if a condition is eligible, but there are indicators that can help, such as: 

• Lack of Scheduled Reexaminations: If VA does not schedule routine reexaminations for your condition, it may indicate permanence. 
• Permanent and Total (P&T) Designation: If your disability is rated as Permanent and Total, it is likely considered static.
• Medical Evidence: Consistent medical records indicating no expected improvement can support the classification of your disability and signify it won’t change. 

You can call your VA regional office or representative to see if any future exams are scheduled. If there are none, then those conditions are considered static.

Can the VA Reduce a Static Disability?

In general, VA cannot reduce a static disability rating unless there is evidence of fraud or clear and unmistakable error in the original rating decision. However, veterans may still be subject to reexaminations under certain circumstances. 

Understanding what VA considers a static disability is important for veterans looking to protect their ratings. While VA does not provide a definitive list, certain conditions are widely recognized as static due to their permanent and unchanging nature. By knowing the characteristics and indicators of static disabilities, veterans can better navigate the VA system and ensure their benefits remain secure.

For more detailed information on protected ratings, please see our article on Protected VA Disability Ratings.

Content Reviewed by

Attorney Matthew Hill

Attorney Matthew Hill, licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., a dedicated advocate for disabled veterans with over two decades of experience, reviewed the information in this post.