How to Read a VA Rating Decision
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every VA disability claim is unique, and Veterans should consider consulting an accredited representative or attorney regarding their individual circumstances.
When Veterans receive a VA rating decision, one of the first things they usually want to know is whether their claim was granted or denied, and understandably so. A rating decision, however, contains much more than the outcome of your claim. The explanation in the rating decision often determines what, if anything, you should do next. The good news is that a rating decision follows a fairly consistent format, making it easier to know where to look for the information that matters most.
This article focuses on VA rating decisions issued under the current Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) system. If you are reviewing an older “Legacy” rating decision (i.e., issued before February 19, 2019), you may notice that some sections discussed below are organized differently or are not included at all.
Understanding Your VA Rating Decision
Every VA rating decision is a little different, but most follow the same basic structure. Knowing what each section is designed to tell you can help you better understand VA’s decision and your options moving forward.
Most rating decisions begin with a notification letter summarizing the outcome of your claims and explaining your available review and appeal options. Attached to that letter is the rating decision, which explains the evidence VA considered, the applicable law, and the reasons for their decision on each issue. Although both documents are important, this article focuses on understanding the rating decision itself.
The Outcome of Each Claim
The first thing most Veterans look for is the outcome of each claimed condition. In the rating decision, each claim will generally be identified as granted, denied, deferred, or, in some cases, dismissed. While the outcome is important, it is only the beginning. The explanation that follows is often just as important because it explains why VA reached that result.
If you claimed multiple conditions, each will usually have its own outcome. Some claims may be granted while others are denied or deferred. For that reason, it is important to review each claimed condition individually rather than focusing only on the overall outcome. Once you know the outcome of each claim, the next step is understanding why VA reached that conclusion.
The Evidence VA Considered
Every rating decision contains a section identifying the evidence VA considered in reaching its conclusions. This may include service treatment records, military personnel records, VA medical records, private medical records, Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination reports, lay statements, and other documents.
Reviewing this list carefully is important. If a significant piece of evidence you submitted is missing, it may be worth taking a closer look to determine whether VA considered it. In some cases, however, evidence may have been considered even if it is not specifically listed in this section.
If the rating decision relies heavily on a C&P examination or medical opinion, reviewing that report can often help explain why your claim was granted, denied, or assigned a particular evaluation.
Favorable Findings
One of the most valuable sections of many AMA rating decisions is the Favorable Findings section. This section identifies facts that VA has already accepted as established. Favorable findings may include determinations that you have a current disability, that an in-service event occurred, that a particular period or location of service qualifies for a presumption or other VA benefit, or other favorable factual findings that generally remain binding on VA unless rebutted by clear and unmistakable evidence.
When deciding how to respond to a denial, favorable findings can be especially important because they identify facts that generally do not need to be proven again.
The Reasons for the Decision
The most important part of a rating decision is often the section explaining the reasons for each determination. This is where VA applies the facts of your case to the law and explains why they granted, denied, deferred, or assigned a particular evaluation for each issue.
Rather than stopping after seeing the outcome, take the time to read this section carefully. It often identifies exactly what evidence VA found persuasive, what evidence it discounted, and what legal requirements they concluded were or were not satisfied.
If you disagree with the decision, this section frequently provides the roadmap for determining your next step. Understanding why VA reached its conclusion can help you decide whether additional evidence is needed, whether a legal error may have occurred, or whether another review option may be appropriate.
Putting It All Together
After reviewing the outcome of each issue, the evidence VA considered, the favorable findings, and the reasons for each determination, you should have a much clearer understanding of why VA reached its decision. If you disagree with one or more determinations, the next step is identifying exactly what issue or issues remain in dispute. Sometimes additional evidence is needed. In other cases, the issue may involve how VA applied the law or evaluated the existing evidence.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a VA rating decision can be overwhelming, especially if one or more claims were denied. Taking the time to read the entire decision, rather than focusing only on whether a claim was granted or denied, can provide valuable insight into why VA reached its conclusions and what options may be available moving forward. Understanding your rating decision is often the first step toward deciding what, if anything, to do next.
If, after reviewing your rating decision, you’re trying to understand why VA denied a claim, you may also find the article “Why VA Denied Your Disability Claim and What to Do Next” helpful.
Finally, make sure the rating decision addresses every claimed issue you expected it to address. Keep in mind that if you filed multiple claims at different times, VA may issue separate rating decisions addressing different claims. However, if a claimed condition or a reasonably raised theory of entitlement appears to have been omitted, additional review may be appropriate. Both situations deserve a closer look and will be discussed in a future article.
An Experienced Review Can Make a Difference
Understanding a VA rating decision is an important first step, but determining the best course of action is not always straightforward. An experienced review of the decision, the evidence, and the applicable law can help identify whether additional evidence is needed, whether VA may have made a legal or factual error, or which review option may be best suited to the circumstances.
If you have questions about your VA Rating Decision or would like an experienced attorney to review your decision, Worsham Veterans Law, PLLC may be able to help.
If you are preparing to file a claim, see our article “Filing a VA Disability Claim: Common Mistakes to Avoid” for some common pitfalls to avoid.
About the Author
Eric Worsham is the founder of Worsham Veterans Law, PLLC. He began representing Veterans in VA disability claims and appeals in 2007. From 2019 to 2025, he served as an attorney with the VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), where he reviewed claims files, analyzed the evidence and applicable law, and drafted decisions in Veterans’ appeals. He now represents Veterans nationwide in VA disability claims and appeals.