Permanent & Total (P&T) — The Benefits Most Veterans Don't Know About

P&T status unlocks exclusive benefits for you and your family that go far beyond the standard 100% rating.

Section 1

What Is P&T?

P&T means the VA has determined your disability is both 100% disabling AND not expected to improve. It is not a separate rating — it is a designation on your existing 100% rating (schedular or TDIU).

P&T is a designation, not a separate rating percentage
It applies to 100% schedular ratings and TDIU
Not all 100% ratings are P&T — some are temporary or subject to future exams
Section 2

How to Know if You're P&T

  • Check your rating decision letter — look for the words "permanent and total" or "no future examinations scheduled"
  • Check on VA.gov: Benefits → Disability → View your rated disabilities
  • Use the VA API method: va.gov/v0/disability_compensation_form/rated_disabilities — look for "static_ind: true"
  • Request your code sheet from the VA — it will show permanent status for each condition
Section 3

P&T-Exclusive Benefits

CHAMPVA

Free/low-cost healthcare for your spouse, children, and dependents. Covers most medical, dental (limited), pharmacy, and mental health services.

Chapter 35 DEA

Up to $1,574/month in education benefits for your spouse and children. Up to 36 months of benefits per eligible dependent.

No Future Re-Examinations

Your rating is locked. The VA will not schedule routine C&P exams to re-evaluate your conditions.

Automatic DIC Eligibility

If you are P&T and married, your surviving spouse automatically qualifies for DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) if married 10+ years.

State Benefits

Many states reserve their best benefits for P&T veterans — full property tax exemption, free vehicle registration, free college for dependents. See state benefits.

Section 4

Rating Protection Rules

5-Year Rule

38 CFR 3.344

If your rating has been in place 5+ years, the VA must show sustained material improvement (not just one good exam) to reduce it.

10-Year Rule

38 CFR 3.957

After 10 years, the VA cannot sever service connection for a condition. They can still change the percentage, but cannot take away the connection itself.

20-Year Rule

38 CFR 3.951(b)

After 20 years at the same rating, it cannot be reduced below that level unless fraud is proven.

Age 55 Rule

The VA generally will not schedule routine re-exams for veterans over 55, though they technically can.

100% for 20 Years = P&T by Law

If you have been rated 100% for 20 continuous years, you are P&T by statute regardless of what your rating decision says.

Section 5

How to Get P&T

File for 100% or TDIU if your conditions warrant it, and emphasize permanence in your medical evidence. Use language like "not expected to improve," "chronic and progressive," and "permanent impairment."

Conditions More Likely to Be Rated Permanent

  • PTSD (chronic)
  • Amputations
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) with lasting effects
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Diabetes requiring insulin
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Cancer in remission 5+ years
If you believe you should be P&T but aren't: File a supplemental claim or request a review with evidence showing permanence of your conditions.
Section 6

What P&T Does NOT Mean

  • You CAN still work (unless you are on TDIU, which has income restrictions)
  • You CAN still file for increases on individual conditions
  • You CAN still file new claims for new conditions
  • The VA CAN still review based on fraud allegations (extremely rare)
Benefits by Rating Payment Calculator State Benefits TDIU Guide