Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability Status
What Is P&T?
Being deemed "Permanent and Total" (P&T) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) refers to a disability rating status assigned to certain veterans. When a veteran is rated as P&T, it means that their service-connected disabilities are considered permanent and will not improve significantly over time. Additionally, the P&T designation carries certain benefits and protections for the veteran. Here's a breakdown of what it means to be P&T with the VA:
1. **Permanent Disability:**
- The term "permanent" indicates that the service-connected disabilities are expected to persist throughout the veteran's life. These disabilities are not expected to improve based on medical evidence.
2. **Total Disability:**
- The term "total" refers to the level of disability, indicating that the veteran's impairments are severe enough to prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful employment. A total disability rating typically corresponds to a disability rating of 100%; however, VA may assign the P&T designation following an award of Individual Unemployability as well.
- **Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU):** Veterans with a P&T designation may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which provides compensation at the 100% disability rate even if the veteran's combined disability rating is less than 100%. TDIU is granted when a veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities.
3. **Continued Monitoring:**
- While the P&T designation suggests that the disabilities are considered permanent, the VA may still evaluate involved conditions if the veteran initiates review of a condition, such as by asking for an increased evaluation. A rating is never truly permanent until it has been in effect for 20 years.
4. **Ancillary Benefits of P&T Designation:** Generally, there are ancillary benefits available with any level of service connected disability. However, the available benefits continue to increase as a veteran approaches and achieves a total disability rating. Read more information here on ancillary benefits that may be available to you.
5. How do I know I’ve been rated P&T?
- Usually, the easiest way to determine if you’ve been rated P&T is to review your prior VA award letters for an award of Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) Benefits. This benefit is only awarded based on permanent and total status. If you need additional verification for purposes of state benefits, such as tax exemptions, you can request a Summary of Benefits letter from the VA.