Free Resource · VA Benefits
The VA Benefits Ladder
Every VA disability rating level in one place — what each level means, what it unlocks, and what to check next. Pick your level below, or start with the key topics that span the whole ladder.
The ladder, rung by rung
0%
What it means and what unlocks
10%
What it means and what unlocks
20%
What it means and what unlocks
30%
What it means and what unlocks
40%
What it means and what unlocks
50%
What it means and what unlocks
60%
What it means and what unlocks
70%
What it means and what unlocks
80%
What it means and what unlocks
90%
What it means and what unlocks
100%
What it means and what unlocks
100% P&T
What it means and what unlocks
Key topics across the ladder
TDIU — Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability
The different door to the 100% rate for eligible veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful work.
Secondary Service Connection
The condition your condition caused — chains that can support a secondary claim.
VA Math: Combined Ratings
Why the VA doesn't add ratings — see how combined percentages actually work.
2026 VA Disability Pay Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment from the official rate tables, with the math shown line by line.
Rating Milestones
What changes at each level of the ladder, in one matrix.
"Am I Missing Benefits?" Checklist
Twelve commonly-overlooked VA benefits in one interactive checklist.
Take what you learned to a free accredited VSO.
Always verify your representative is listed as active in the VA OGC database before sharing any information.
Accredited VSOs and CVSOs will never charge a fee or demand a percentage of your back pay.
Official VA sources
Our free tools come first; the official VA pages below are where filing actually happens.
VA.gov
Apply for benefits, check claim status, and manage records online.
Disability Compensation
File or appeal a disability compensation claim for service-connected conditions.
eBenefits Portal
Sign in to manage your benefits and records in one place (redirects to VA.gov sign-in).
VA Regional Benefits Offices
Find your nearest VA regional office or facility for in-person help.
Veteran tools — all free
Find My Benefits tool
Describe what you're experiencing and get pointed to the right guide.
Rating Code Navigator
Look up your condition's VA diagnostic code and rating criteria.
Claims Preparation Guide
Build your intent-to-file letter, buddy letter, and records request.
Rating Code Book
Our searchable registry of VA diagnostic codes, linked to the official eCFR text.
VSO Directory
Find a free, VA-accredited representative near you.
All free — no signup, no account, nothing saved. Educational tools from Stand Easy Network; we are not the VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help me understand my VA benefits?
Yes — that's what the page is for: plain-language breakdowns of benefits, eligibility, and where the official forms live.
Will Stand Easy Network file or appeal my claim?
No. We're education and navigation only. Filing and appeals go through the VA and accredited representatives — we show you where, including our VSO directory and the VA's accreditation verification lookup.
Where do I find official VA forms?
Directly on va.gov — we link the official sources and never host our own copies, so you always get the current version.
Stand Easy Network provides general educational information about VA benefits. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Nothing on this page is legal, financial, or claims advice, and we make no promises about claim outcomes.
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