Calculating your VA combined disability rating is not a matter of simple addition. Use our best VA disability calculator to determine your exact combined rating and estimated compensation using the official “VA Math” system.
Best VA Disability Calculator
Your Combined Rating
Raw Score: 0%
Best VA Disability Calculator Formula
The VA uses a descending efficiency scale. Instead of adding 30% + 30% to get 60%, they take 30% of your 100% health (leaving 70%), then 30% of the *remaining* 70%, which is 21%. Total: 30% + 21% = 51%.
Source: VA.gov Official Rating Schedule
Variables:
- Individual Ratings: The percentages assigned to each specific service-connected disability.
- Efficiency Scale: The assumption that a veteran starts with 100% efficiency.
- Combined Rating: The final integer rounded to the nearest 10%.
What is the Best VA Disability Calculator?
A VA disability calculator is a tool designed to simulate the Department of Veterans Affairs’ method of combining multiple disability ratings. Because the VA doesn’t use standard math, veterans often find it difficult to predict their final compensation tier.
Our tool applies the “Whole Person” theory, ensuring that your total disability can never exceed 100%. This is the most accurate way to estimate your monthly benefit amounts for 2024 and beyond.
How to Calculate VA Disability (Example)
- Sort your ratings from highest to lowest (e.g., 50%, 30%, 10%).
- Start with 100% efficiency. Subtract the first rating: 100% – 50% = 50% remaining.
- Apply the second rating to the remainder: 30% of 50% = 15%. Remaining: 50% – 15% = 35%.
- Apply the third rating: 10% of 35% = 3.5%. Remaining: 35% – 3.5% = 31.5%.
- Total Disability: 100% – 31.5% = 68.5%.
- Round to nearest 10%: 68.5% rounds to 70%.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is 50% + 50% not 100%?
A: The VA calculates based on what’s left. After the first 50%, you only have 50% “health” left. The second 50% rating applies to that remaining half, adding 25%, totaling 75% (rounded to 80%).
Q: Does the order of input matter?
A: No. Our calculator automatically sorts your ratings from highest to lowest as required by VA regulations.
Q: How do bilateral factors work?
A: If you have disabilities on both arms or both legs, a 10% bonus is added to the combined value of those specific ratings before merging with the rest.
Q: What is the maximum rating?
A: The maximum combined rating is 100%, which results in the highest base monthly compensation.