Permanent & Total (P&T)

What P&T means

Permanent & Total is not a separate rating — it is a designation applied to a 100% rating (either schedular or TDIU) when the VA determines the disability is unlikely to improve. The designation appears on your rating decision as 'permanent' and 'total,' and is reflected in the no-future-exam status.

P&T status is governed by 38 CFR § 3.327 and § 3.340. It is the gateway to many ancillary benefits that ordinary 100% ratings do not unlock.

Benefits unlocked by P&T

• CHAMPVA — health insurance for spouse and dependent children.
• Chapter 35 DEA (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance) — up to 36–45 months of education benefits for dependents.
• Many state property tax exemptions (varies by state — California, Texas, Florida, and others have generous exemptions).
• Free or discounted state hunting, fishing, and recreation licenses (state-specific).
• Commissary and exchange access for dependents in some cases.
• No future scheduled C&P re-exams (with rare exceptions).
• Faster processing of dependent benefits and survivor claims (DIC eligibility).

How P&T status is granted

P&T is sometimes granted automatically when the rating is assigned, especially for clearly permanent conditions (loss of limb, total blindness, advanced terminal disease). For other conditions, the veteran can request P&T consideration by submitting evidence that the conditions have stabilized and are unlikely to improve.

1. Confirm you hold a 100% combined rating (schedular or TDIU).
2. Gather medical evidence showing the conditions are static or progressive — not improving. Long-standing diagnoses, failed treatments, and chronic specialist care all help.
3. Submit a written request via VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim) asking the VA to designate the rating as permanent.
4. Reference 38 CFR § 3.327 and explain why the conditions are not expected to improve.

P&T and re-examinations

One of the most valuable aspects of P&T is the elimination of routine future exams. Without P&T, the VA can schedule periodic re-examinations to check for improvement, and a missed exam or finding of improvement can lead to a proposed reduction. P&T removes that ongoing risk.

Where these claims break down

• ×Assuming a 100% rating automatically equals P&T — it does not.
• ×Not requesting P&T explicitly when the rating decision is silent on permanence.
• ×Forgetting to apply for CHAMPVA and Chapter 35 once P&T is granted — these are not automatic.
• ×Failing to claim state property tax exemptions and other state-level P&T benefits.
• ×Confusing P&T with TDIU — TDIU is a path to 100%; P&T is a designation about permanence.

Frequently Asked Questions