VA Disability Compensation Combined Rating Calculator
Estimate your combined VA disability rating based on individual service-connected conditions and understand how it translates to potential monthly compensation.
Disability Rating Input
Enter the VA rating percentage for the first condition (0-100%).
Enter the VA rating percentage for the second condition (0-100%).
Enter the VA rating percentage for the third condition (0-100%). Optional.
Enter the VA rating percentage for the fourth condition (0-100%). Optional.
Enter the VA rating percentage for the fifth condition (0-100%). Optional.
Your Estimated Combined VA Rating
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Unadjusted Rating
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Adjusted Rating
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Conditions Counted
The VA uses a specific formula to combine disability ratings, ensuring that the combined rating never exceeds 100%. Each subsequent condition's rating is applied to the *un-rated* portion of the previous rating.
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VA Combined Disability Rating Table
| Combined Disability Rating (%) | Without Dependent Parent(s) | With Dependent Parent(s) | With Spouse and/or Child(ren) | With Spouse and Child(ren) and Parent(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $170.05 | $181.05 | $195.05 | $218.05 |
| 20% | $338.56 | $359.56 | $394.56 | $433.56 |
| 30% | $504.93 | $537.93 | $586.93 | $640.93 |
| 40% | $664.57 | $708.57 | $774.57 | $843.57 |
| 50% | $833.67 | $889.67 | $976.67 | $1,059.67 |
| 60% | $990.77 | $1,058.77 | $1,161.77 | $1,257.77 |
| 70% | $1,186.24 | $1,265.24 | $1,389.24 | $1,501.24 |
| 80% | $1,390.41 | $1,481.41 | $1,627.41 | $1,759.41 |
| 90% | $1,610.07 | $1,712.07 | $1,876.07 | $2,020.07 |
| 100% | $3,737.85 | $3,945.05 | $4,211.05 | $4,554.05 |
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs. These rates are subject to change annually. Please consult the official VA website for the most current figures.
Compensation Rate Chart
Estimated Monthly Compensation
Max Possible Combined Rating
What is a VA Disability Compensation Combined Rating?
The VA disability compensation combined rating is a crucial metric used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine the monthly monetary benefits a veteran receives for service-connected disabilities. It's not a simple sum of individual condition ratings. Instead, the VA employs a specific formula to calculate a single, overall disability percentage, which then dictates the compensation amount. This combined rating system ensures a standardized and fair assessment of a veteran's overall impairment due to their military service.
Who should use it: Any veteran who has been diagnosed with one or more service-connected disabilities and is seeking or receiving VA disability compensation. This calculator is particularly useful for understanding how multiple conditions might be aggregated and what that means for their monthly benefit. It's also a valuable tool for veterans appealing a VA decision or considering claims for additional conditions.
Common misconceptions: A frequent misunderstanding is that if a veteran has three conditions rated at 30%, 40%, and 50%, their combined rating will be 120% (30+40+50). This is incorrect. The VA's methodology prevents ratings from exceeding 100% and uses a unique calculation process. Another misconception is that the VA rating is directly tied to the amount of pay received; while related, the rating is a measure of impairment, and compensation is derived from that rating.
VA Disability Compensation Combined Rating Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The VA's combined disability rating formula is designed to account for the cumulative impact of multiple service-connected conditions. It operates by applying each subsequent rating to the remaining "unimpaired" percentage of the veteran's overall capacity. The formula is often represented as:
R_combined = 100 – [(100 – R1) * (100 – R2) * … * (100 – Rn)] / 100^(n-1)
Where:
- R_combined is the final combined disability rating (as a percentage).
- R1, R2, …, Rn are the individual disability ratings for each condition, sorted from highest to lowest.
- n is the total number of service-connected conditions being combined.
A simpler way to think about it, as implemented in the calculator, is to sequentially apply each rating:
- Sort all individual disability ratings from highest to lowest.
- Take the highest rating (R1). This is the initial unadjusted rating.
- For the second highest rating (R2), calculate the remaining unrated percentage: (100 – R1).
- Apply R2 to this remaining percentage: R2 * (100 – R1) / 100.
- Add this result to R1 to get a new combined rating: R_combined_2 = R1 + [R2 * (100 – R1) / 100].
- Repeat this process for each subsequent rating (R3, R4, etc.), always applying the new rating to the *currently unrated* portion. For example, for R3: R_combined_3 = R_combined_2 + [R3 * (100 – R_combined_2) / 100].
- The final result is rounded down to the nearest 10% increment.
Variables Table for VA Combined Rating Calculation
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Disability Rating (R) | The percentage assigned by the VA to a specific service-connected condition based on its severity and impact on function. | Percentage (%) | 0% to 100% (in 10% increments) |
| Combined Disability Rating (R_combined) | The overall disability percentage calculated by the VA after combining multiple individual ratings. This determines the compensation tier. | Percentage (%) | 0% to 100% |
| Unrated Portion | The percentage of functional capacity remaining after considering one or more disabilities. Calculated as 100 – Current Combined Rating. | Percentage (%) | 0% to 100% |
| Number of Conditions (n) | The total count of distinct service-connected disabilities being factored into the combined rating calculation. | Count | 1 or more |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Common Conditions
A veteran has the following service-connected conditions:
- Lower Back Strain: 40%
- Tinnitus: 10%
- Knee Injury: 20%
Calculation Steps:
- Sort ratings: 40%, 20%, 10%.
- Start with the highest rating: 40%.
- Apply the next rating (20%) to the remaining 60% (100% – 40%): 20% of 60% = 12%.
- New combined rating: 40% + 12% = 52%.
- Apply the next rating (10%) to the remaining 48% (100% – 52%): 10% of 48% = 4.8%.
- New combined rating: 52% + 4.8% = 56.8%.
- Round down to the nearest 10%: The final combined VA disability rating is 50%.
Interpretation: This veteran would be compensated at the 50% rate tier, receiving a monthly payment based on that percentage, potentially with additional amounts for dependents.
Example 2: Multiple Mild Conditions
A veteran has several service-connected conditions, each with a lower rating:
- Migraines: 30%
- PTSD: 30%
- Digestive Issues: 10%
- Sleep Apnea: 10%
Calculation Steps:
- Sort ratings: 30%, 30%, 10%, 10%.
- Start with the highest rating: 30%.
- Apply the second 30% rating to the remaining 70% (100% – 30%): 30% of 70% = 21%.
- New combined rating: 30% + 21% = 51%.
- Apply the first 10% rating to the remaining 49% (100% – 51%): 10% of 49% = 4.9%.
- New combined rating: 51% + 4.9% = 55.9%.
- Apply the second 10% rating to the remaining 44.1% (100% – 55.9%): 10% of 44.1% = 4.41%.
- New combined rating: 55.9% + 4.41% = 60.31%.
- Round down to the nearest 10%: The final combined VA disability rating is 60%.
Interpretation: Even with multiple conditions, the combined rating increases steadily. This veteran qualifies for the 60% compensation tier. This illustrates how the VA formula effectively accounts for multiple impairments.
How to Use This VA Disability Compensation Combined Rating Calculator
Using this calculator is straightforward and designed to provide a quick estimate of your combined VA disability rating.
- Enter Individual Ratings: In the input fields provided, enter the specific percentage rating assigned by the VA for each of your service-connected disabilities. The calculator accommodates up to five conditions. If you have fewer than five, you can leave the extra fields blank or set them to 0%.
- Initial Input: Start by entering the rating for Condition 1, then Condition 2, and so on. Ensure you are using the correct percentages assigned by the VA.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Rating" button. The calculator will process the inputs using the official VA combination formula.
- Review Results: The primary highlighted result will show your estimated combined VA disability rating, rounded down to the nearest 10%. You will also see intermediate values showing the rating progression and the count of conditions used in the calculation.
- Understand the Explanation: Read the brief explanation below the results to understand the basic principle of how the VA combines ratings.
- Consult the Table: Use the provided table to look up the estimated monthly compensation amount corresponding to your calculated combined rating, considering your dependency status (spouse, children, parents).
- Use the Chart: The dynamic chart visually represents how your combined rating impacts potential monthly compensation compared to the maximum possible rating.
- Copy Results: If you need to save or share your calculated rating and key figures, use the "Copy Results" button.
- Reset: To start over with new inputs, click the "Reset" button, which will restore the default values.
Decision-Making Guidance: While this calculator provides an estimate, it's essential to remember that it does not guarantee an official VA rating. The VA's decision is final based on their comprehensive review of your medical evidence. However, understanding the combination formula can help you assess potential outcomes, prepare for claim reviews, or decide if an appeal is warranted. If your calculated rating significantly differs from what you believe is accurate based on your conditions, consult with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or an accredited claims agent.
Key Factors That Affect VA Disability Compensation Results
Several factors influence the final VA disability compensation amount a veteran receives:
- Individual Disability Ratings: The severity of each service-connected condition, as determined by VA medical examiners and rating specialists, is the primary driver. Higher individual ratings contribute more significantly to the combined score.
- The Combination Formula: As detailed earlier, the VA's unique methodology for combining ratings means that adding more conditions doesn't always lead to a proportional increase in the combined rating, especially as the combined rating approaches 100%. The 'diminishing returns' effect on subsequent ratings is a key factor.
- Dependency Status: Veterans with a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents are eligible for additional monthly compensation beyond the base rate for their combined disability percentage. The number of dependents and their relationship to the veteran affects the total amount.
- Effective Date of Claim: The date on which the veteran's claim was filed or received by the VA determines the start date for compensation. Earlier effective dates mean more back pay.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If a veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, they may be eligible for TDIU. This rating pays at the 100% compensation rate, regardless of the actual combined percentage, provided specific criteria are met.
- Changes in Medical Condition: If a veteran's service-connected condition worsens and their medical evidence supports a higher rating, they can file a claim for an increased rating. This can lead to a higher combined rating and increased compensation.
- Future Rate Adjustments: VA disability compensation rates are adjusted annually for inflation (Cost-of-Living Adjustment – COLA). This means the monetary value of a specific combined rating can increase over time.
- Concurrent Receipt (e.g., retired pay): Veterans receiving military retired pay may have their disability compensation offset against their retired pay, depending on the circumstances and the disability percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How does the VA calculate the combined rating if I have multiple conditions?
The VA uses a specific formula that applies each subsequent disability rating to the remaining 'unimpaired' percentage of the veteran's capacity. It is not a simple addition of percentages. The formula ensures the combined rating never exceeds 100%.
Q2: Can my combined VA disability rating be over 100%?
No, the VA's combined disability rating system caps the maximum possible combined rating at 100%. Even if the calculation results in a figure higher than 100%, it is officially rated as 100%.
Q3: What is the difference between the combined rating and the compensation amount?
The combined rating is a percentage (0-100%) representing the overall severity of your service-connected disabilities. The compensation amount is the monetary benefit you receive monthly, which is determined by this combined rating percentage and your dependency status.
Q4: Does the calculator account for dependents (spouse, children, parents)?
This calculator estimates the combined disability *rating* only. The actual monthly compensation amount, which depends on dependents, can be found in the VA's official rate tables, which are included on this page for reference.
Q5: What if I have more than five service-connected conditions?
The calculator handles up to five conditions. If you have more, you should enter the five highest individual ratings into the calculator. The VA formula will still apply correctly, as subsequent ratings have a diminishing impact. For precise calculations with many conditions, consult a Veterans Service Officer.
Q6: How accurate is this calculator compared to the official VA rating?
This calculator uses the standard VA formula for combining ratings and provides a highly accurate estimate. However, it is an estimation tool. The official VA rating is determined after a thorough review of all medical evidence and C&P examinations.
Q7: What are VA math errors?
VA math errors occur when the VA incorrectly applies the combined disability rating formula. If you suspect a math error in your rating decision, you can appeal the decision and request a review. This calculator can help you identify potential discrepancies.
Q8: When should I consider filing for an increased rating?
You should consider filing for an increased rating if your service-connected condition(s) have worsened since your last examination or rating decision, and you have new medical evidence to support the progression.