The VA assigns a permanent disability rating when a veteran has a service-connected condition that isn’t expected to improve.
However, award letters do not always make it clear if your rating is permanent. If your award letter states “no future examinations scheduled,” this is one good indication. Since permanent and total ratings are generally not subject to re-evaluation, conditions that have little to no chance of improving will not require follow-up compensation and pension (C&P) exams.
Another clue that you likely have a permanent rating is that you receive benefits that are awarded only to those with permanent and total ratings, such as Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA).
Ratings may also be protected or stabilized, but these are not the same as a permanent disability rating.
