Temporary disability rating after surgery or cast 
Are you recovering from surgery or a disability related to your military service that s left you unable to move? You may be able to get a temporary 100% disability rating and disability compensation or benefits if you have this kind of immobilizing disability. Find out if you can get this benefit. 

Can I get disability benefits from VA? 
You may be able to get disability benefits if you ve had surgery or received other treatment at a VA hospital, approved hospital, or outpatient center for a disability related to your military service called a service - connected disability. If you had surgery , both of these must be true for you : The surgery required a recovery time of at least one month or reports show that the surgery or treatment was for a service - connected disability , and The surgery resulted in severe issues, like : that haven t totally healed Surgical wounds Stumps of recent amputations Being unable to move due to being put in splints or casts to help with healing known as therapeutic immobilizations Being unable to leave your house known as house confinement Being required to use a wheelchair or crutches If you didn t have surgery , this must be true : You had one or more major joints immobilized by a cast. 

Who s covered? 
Veterans 

What kind of disability benefits can I get? 
Health care while you recover Added compensation payments A temporary 100% disability rating 

How do I get these benefits? 
You ll need to file a claim for disability compensation. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation Recovery time from either a surgery or the immobilization of a joint by a cast without surgery requires a temporary 100% disability rating for a service - connected disability. The temporary 100% rating may continue for 1 to 3 months depending on your unique case. You may be able to get an extension for up to 3 more months if your case is severe. Example : A Veteran had a left knee injury th

user: Hi. I just broke my leg and I can't do my job because I can't walk around. Can I get disability for that?

assistant: I am sorry to hear that you are injured. Did you injure yourself while you doing your military service?

user: Yes, I hurt myself while working. 

assistant: You might be able to get a temporary 100% disability rating and benefits if you meet certain requirements. 

user: But I hurt myself at work. Are there more requirements than that?

assistant: Yes, there are, but I can walk you through them to see if you qualify. Did you get your treatment for your injury at a VA approved medical facility?

user: Yes, I did. Can I get benefits?

assistant: Just one more question about your broken leg. Is one of your major joints immobilized by your cast?

assistant: Or did you have any surgery on the leg?

user: My cast immobilizes my ankle and knee.I did have a surgery on it before they put the cast on too.

assistant: If you are expected to take over a month to recover, and if you are using a wheelchair or crutches, then you should qualify for temporary disability benefits. 

user: The surgery hasn't healed yet and they say it's going to be about three months for me to recover. That counts right?

assistant: Yes, you do meet all the requirements to qualify for disability benefits with the VA.