What condition must be met for a veteran to have an extra-schedular evaluation approved?

For a veteran to have an extra-schedular evaluation approved, the condition concerning the permanence and likelihood of the veteran's disabilities is critical. The Board of Veterans' Appeals may consider an extra-schedular evaluation when the standard rating schedule does not adequately reflect the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disabilities. Typically, this is because the disabilities present an unusual or exceptional circumstance that is not fully captured by the regular evaluation criteria.

Permanent and likely disabilities indicate that the veteran's condition has a significant impact on their daily life and ability to function, which may warrant additional compensation beyond the standard ratings. This permanency reinforces the justification for an extra-schedular evaluation, as it shows the lasting nature of the impairment and its profound effect on the veteran’s quality of life.

The other conditions listed, such as income levels, part-time employment, or status as a former prisoner of war, do not directly establish the need for an extra-schedular evaluation. Instead, they are more indicative of the veteran's overall socioeconomic situation or past experiences rather than the current severity or permanence of their disabilities related to service. Thus, the focus on the disabilities being permanent and likely distinguishes the criteria necessary for considering an extra-schedular evaluation.