VA Disability Benefits Calculator

The calculator estimates your combined VA disability rating by applying the VA’s method for combining multiple service-connected disability ratings. Instead of simply adding percentages together, VA considers each additional disability in relation to the portion of the veteran that remains unaffected. The final combined value is then rounded to the nearest 10% to determine the combined disability rating.

VA disability ratings are not simply added together. For example, a veteran with a 50% disability and a separate 30% disability does not automatically receive an 80% combined rating. Under VA’s Combined Ratings Table, 50% and 30% combine to 65%, which is then rounded to a 70% combined VA disability rating.

The bilateral factor may apply when a veteran has qualifying disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired extremities. When applicable, VA combines the qualifying disabilities and adds an additional 10% of their combined value before that value is combined with other disabilities.

“VA math” is an informal term commonly used to describe the VA’s method of combining multiple disability ratings. Each additional disability is applied to the remaining percentage considered unaffected rather than to the original 100%. This is why adding your individual disability ratings normally does not produce your actual combined VA rating.

VA uses a combined ratings system rather than ordinary addition. Each additional disability is considered against the portion of the veteran that remains unaffected after previous disabilities are applied. As a result, individual ratings that total more than 100% mathematically do not necessarily result in a 100% VA disability rating.

After qualifying disability ratings have been combined, VA rounds the final combined value to the nearest 10%. Values ending in 1 through 4 are rounded down, while values ending in 5 through 9 are rounded up. For example, a combined value of 64% becomes a 60% disability rating, while 65% becomes a 70% rating.

They can. Veterans with a combined VA disability rating of at least 30% may qualify for additional compensation for certain dependents, including a spouse, children, or dependent parents. The additional amount depends on the veteran’s rating and dependent status.

If you believe VA underrated a service-connected disability, failed to properly consider a condition, or made an error when deciding your claim, you may have options for challenging the decision or pursuing an increased rating. The appropriate approach depends on the facts of your claim, the evidence available, and the VA decision involved.

Stevens & Sullivan helps veterans evaluate VA disability claims and appeals and determine what options may be available. Contact our team for a Free Case Evaluation.