Many retired Veterans are surprised to learn that their VA disability pay is reduced if their rating is below 50%. This reduction can cause frustration, as many who have served twenty or more years expect to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Under current law, however, Veterans with ratings under 50% see their VA compensation offset against their retirement pay, meaning it is subtracted rather than added. For instance, if a retiree receives $1,600 in military retirement and a $500 VA disability payment for a 30% rating, the $500 is deducted from the retirement check, leaving total monthly income unchanged. At United Veteran Benefits Agency, we specialize in helping Veterans navigate VA Benefits for Retired Veterans Under 50%, reviewing claims to ensure all eligible condition are accurately represented to increase ratings to 50% or higher. Achieving that threshold can qualify you for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), allowing you to receive the full benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
Start Your Claim Review
UVBA walks Veterans through every stage of the VA claims process, ensuring clarity, confidence, and stronger documentation for higher disability ratings and faster results.
Our team reviews every detail to prevent common filing errors, missing documentation, or incorrect forms that often lead to claim delays, denials, or lower-than-deserved disability ratings.
Every Veteran’s story is unique, and UVBA tailors support to specific conditions, service history, and goals to build claims that reflect your experience and the full benefits you’ve earned.
UVBA streamlines the process with an organized process and proactive follow-up that helps Veterans receive accurate decisions and increased pay as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Even if you’re receiving VA benefits for retired Veterans under 50%, there are still important programs and opportunities available. While a disability rating below 50% doesn’t qualify you for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or the VA’s Highest Health Care Priority Group, you can still access a wide range of valuable benefits. These include comprehensive VA health care, VA-backed home loans, life insurance coverage, and support through the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, which helps Veterans re-enter the workforce or start new careers. United Veteran Benefits Agency helps identify every benefit you’re eligible for and ensures you’re taking full advantage of them. Our team also works with Veterans to strengthen claims and pursue rating increases when possible, so your service and sacrifices are recognized with the complete benefits you’ve earned.
Receive Free Help with Applications for Retired Under 50%
Every successful VA disability claim, or request for a rating increase, starts with the right documentation. For retired Veterans under 50%, gathering complete medical evidence can make the difference between offset pay and full Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) eligibility. At United Veteran Benefits Agency (UVBA), we help Veterans identify and organize everything the VA needs to see: medical records from both VA and private doctors, proof of worsening conditions, and buddy statements from those who witnessed their struggles firsthand. These records provide more than dates and diagnoses. They prove how your service-connected conditions affect daily life. By building a stronger case, you not only increase your chances of approval but also position yourself for a rating increase that pushes you over the 50% mark, unlocking full retirement pay, full VA benefits, and the financial support you’ve rightfully earned.
Get Started with Expanding Medical DocumentationVeterans rated below 50% fall under an offset rule that reduces retirement pay by the amount of disability pay. It’s frustrating, but once your rating reaches 50% or higher, you qualify for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), allowing you to receive both in full.
Raising your VA rating to 50% or higher removes the offset entirely. You’ll receive full retirement pay plus full disability compensation, which can mean hundreds of dollars more each month.
Updated medical records, clear documentation of worsening symptoms, and credible buddy statements can make a major difference. UVBA helps ensure the VA fully understands the impact of your conditions.
Yes. Many Veterans successfully increase their ratings by submitting new or stronger evidence. UVBA helps review denied claims, identify what was missing, and rebuild a case that reflects your true level of disability.
Veterans helping Veterans isn’t just a quick saying or a motto; it's who we are and what we do at United Veterans Benefit Agency. If you are interested in learning more about whether or not you qualify for VA disability benefits for the first time, send us a message to start the process with a knowledgeable team member. If you have questions or are concerned about how you may increase your VA disability rating, don’t hesitate to contact us today. If you are running into consistent roadblocks with medical documentation or the VA process, we’re here to help. We understand the challenges of the disability rating process and are ready to help you file successful claims and receive the life-changing benefits you deserve. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to supporting you and your family throughout the entire process. Send us a message or give us a call to get started.
1-888-4-VA-CLAIM | 573-412-5100
555 Marshall Drive
St. Robert, MO 65584