More than one-third of adults in the U.S. are obese. That means millions of Americans are at risk for a wide variety of health problems. Among them are veterans who may be eligible for VA disability compensation for diseases and conditions related to obesity.
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In this article about the obesity VA rating:
What qualifies as obesity?
The most common definition of obesity is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated using your height and weight. A healthy BMI falls somewhere between 18.5 and 24.9, and a BMI of 25 to 29.9 qualifies as overweight.
Critics say BMI is not a reliable health standard and contributes to eating and body image disorders. The Centers for Disease Control acknowledges there are other ways of measuring healthy vs. unhealthy weight but says the methods are not widely available and are expensive and difficult to standardize.
Is there an obesity VA rating?
It is possible to service connect obesity even though it does not have its own diagnostic code. A veteran can receive a rating based on symptoms of their obesity that limit their ability to function. They may also receive disability for other conditions caused by their service-connected obesity.
For instance, you may have a service-related back condition that makes it painful or makes it impossible for you to exercise or to be mobile. In that case, obesity is a symptom of your larger condition, which the VA will take into consideration.
Alternatively, you may have been diagnosed with a weight-related condition during service that now causes orthopedic issues. It is possible to service connect the orthopedic issues. Additionally, if obesity caused a mental illness to develop, that mental illness could also receive service connection.
Here are some obesity-related conditions that veterans may be able to service connect and receive monthly compensation.
Back conditions related to obesity in veterans
If your service-connected back injury is debilitating enough that you can’t work out or remain mobile and contributed to weight gain, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
VA disability law will rate your back condition based on how limited your range of motion is. If your entire lower back is frozen, you could get up to a 50% disability rating, but if your upper spine is frozen in a reasonable position, you may only get a 30% rating.
Sleep apnea and obesity
One of the most common complications of obesity is sleep apnea. When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax, and your soft palette drops down, shutting off the airways in your throat. The condition can cause serious fatigue and a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you experience persistent daytime sleepiness as a result of sleep apnea, you’ll get a 30% rating. If you have to use a CPAP machine, you can get a 50% rating. If you have chronic respiratory failure or a tracheostomy, you can receive a 100% rating.
Medication and obesity
In some cases, obesity may be the result of a medication you take for a different condition. Some medications may cause you to gain weight or make it harder for you to lose weight.
Many diabetes medications, including insulin, can cause you to gain weight. Antipsychotic and antidepressant medications may also have this effect, as well as some epilepsy treatments. Steroid hormone medications, including birth control, can cause you to gain weight, as can some blood pressure-reducing medications.
If a military doctor prescribed you the medication, it could give you the connection you need to get compensation for obesity.
Diabetes and obesity
One of the other common side effects of obesity may be the risk of developing diabetes. Oftentimes, adults who develop diabetes as a result of being overweight develop type 2 diabetes. This condition, combined with the insulin you have to take to manage it, can make it difficult to lose weight.
When blood sugar levels can be managed with just a restricted diet, the disability rating is 10%. Higher ratings are given when insulin injections are required multiple times a day. A diabetic who is hospitalized more than three times a year may be granted 100%.
Heart disease and obesity
Obesity can lead to heart disease and puts you at higher risk for a heart attack and other cardiac problems. Heart disease may also limit the amount you can work out within a given time frame.
Heart disease is rated at 10, 30, 60, or 100%. If you have shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting and you need to be on medication, you’ll receive a 10% rating. However, if you are in continuous congestive heart failure, you may be eligible for a 100% disability rating.
Hypertension and obesity
Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, often goes along with both obesity and heart disease. It increases the risk of a heart attacks and strokes. If you take medication to manage your blood pressure, the medication can make it difficult for you to lose weight.
Hypertension ratings are 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%. The higher your blood pressure, the higher the rating.
Depression and obesity
Obesity can lead to decreased energy and activity as well as self-esteem issues that lead to isolation and depression. VA disability law is set to give you a 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100% rating for depression, depending on the degree to which it limits your ability to function.
TDIU for obesity and related conditions
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for conditions related to obesity. TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU.
Veterans with mental health conditions tied to their obesity may struggle to get out of bed, make it to work each day, and work well with others. Veterans whose obesity has caused sleep apnea may struggle to stay awake and alert, and may find themselves making mistakes at work. The list goes on as many conditions may be tied to obesity. However, what is important when qualifying for TDIU is proving that your service-connected conditions make is impossible for you to hold down “substantially gainful” employment.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
How Woods and Woods can help
If you need help applying for VA disability benefits or appealing a VA decision, call Woods and Woods.
Our VA disability lawyers have helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. The call is free, and we won’t charge you a single fee unless we win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is possible to service connect obesity even though it does not have its own disability rating. A veteran can receive a rating based on symptoms that limit function or for other conditions caused by their service-connected obesity.
If you have a service-connected condition that contributed to obesity or has made it difficult to lose weight, you may be eligible for VA compensation. Examples include back injuries, sleep apnea, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
