Checking If Your Conditions Are Static
Quick Access to Your Rating Status
Pro Tip: Static means the VA won't automatically call you back for reexamination—your rating is locked in place unless you file for an increase. Combined with P&T status, static conditions represent the gold standard for rating stability.
Want to know which of your service-connected conditions are protected from routine reevaluation? You can find out in minutes without waiting for your C-file or tracking down a VSO.
Understanding Static Designations
When VA labels a condition "static," they've determined that scheduled follow-up examinations are unnecessary. The condition's severity is not expected to change significantly over time.
What static status provides: - Protection from surprise reexamination notices - Confidence that your current rating will persist - Reduced anxiety about future benefit changes - Often accompanies permanent status determinations
Conditions typically designated static: - Limb amputations - Organ removals - Disabilities stable for five or more years - Conditions that reached maximum medical improvement
Conditions often remaining non-static: - Newly rated disabilities - Conditions showing improvement potential - Mental health conditions (frequently reassessed) - Initial evaluations during stabilization periods
Accessing Your Static Status Online
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sign into your account at VA.gov
- Open a second browser tab (keep VA.gov logged in)
- Enter this URL in the new tab:
https://api.va.gov/v0/rated_disabilities - Review the results for each condition
Reading the Results
Look for the static_ind field associated with each disability:
"static_ind": true— This condition is static; no routine reexaminations scheduled"static_ind": false— This condition may be subject to future evaluation
Improving Readability
Chrome users: Enable "Pretty-print" in the upper left corner to format the data into readable sections.
Safari users: May experience better compatibility than Chrome on some Apple devices.
Bonus Information Available
The API response includes each condition's Diagnostic Code—useful for:
- Understanding exactly how VA categorized your disability
- Researching the rating criteria applied to your evaluation
- Identifying potential misclassification issues
- Finding related conditions for secondary claims
Troubleshooting Access Issues
Error Messages
"Not Found" or similar errors usually mean your VA.gov session expired. Return to your original VA.gov tab, log in again, then retry the API URL.
Browser Compatibility
If Chrome produces errors, try Safari or Firefox. Session handling varies between browsers.
Common Questions
Denied conditions show no static indicator? Denied claims lack rating decisions, so static/non-static status doesn't apply. Only granted service-connected conditions receive this designation.
P&T status but conditions not marked static? Possible explanations include: - Your P&T determination derived from conditions other than those showing non-static - System migration errors from paper to digital records - Rater oversight that may self-correct during future reviews
Can static change to non-static? Rarely. The main trigger is when you file for an increase—that action may prompt reevaluation of the static designation.
Does static equal permanent? Related but distinct concepts: - Static addresses examination scheduling (no routine reexams) - Permanent addresses improvement expectations (VA believes condition won't get better)
Most permanent conditions are also static, but the terms aren't interchangeable.
Disagree with your designation? Options exist, but proceed carefully. Raising the issue may trigger review of the underlying rating itself.
Static vs. Protected Ratings
These concepts provide different safeguards:
Static Status
- Prevents routine reexamination scheduling
- Does not prevent reduction if you request an increase and evidence supports lower rating
Regulatory Protections
- 5-year rule: After five years at the same rating, VA needs sustained improvement evidence to reduce
- 10-year rule: Service connection cannot be severed after ten years except for fraud
- 20-year rule: Ratings held twenty years cannot be reduced below the lowest rating during that period
Alternative Methods
When the API approach doesn't work:
- C-File request — Contains official documentation of all rating decisions
- VSO assistance — Your representative can check your records
- VA hotline — Call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance
- Rating decision letters — May indicate scheduled future examinations