";for(var j=0;j<ratings.length;j++){var impact=(currentEfficiency*(ratings[j]/100));var previousDisability=combinedDisability;combinedDisability+=impact;currentEfficiency=100-combinedDisability;stepsText+="Applying "+ratings[j]+"%: "+ratings[j]+"% of "+(100-previousDisability).toFixed(1)+"% remaining = "+impact.toFixed(2)+"% added. Total: "+combinedDisability.toFixed(2)+"%
";}var roundedRating=Math.round(combinedDisability/10)+10;if(Math.round(combinedDisability)%10 < 5){roundedRating=Math.floor(combinedDisability/10)*10;}else{roundedRating=Math.ceil(combinedDisability/10)*10;}var resultHTML="
How to Use the VA Rating Calculator
The va rating calculator is designed to help Veterans understand how the Department of Veterans Affairs combines multiple disability ratings. Unlike standard addition, "VA Math" uses a descending efficiency scale. This tool simplifies that complex process, allowing you to input each individual service-connected disability percentage to find your total combined rating.
To use this calculator, simply follow these steps:
- Enter your highest disability rating in the first box.
- Enter subsequent ratings in the following boxes.
- Toggle the "Show Steps" option if you wish to see the mathematical breakdown.
- Click "Calculate Combined Rating" to see your final rounded percentage.
Understanding VA Math
When a Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA does not simply add the percentages together. For example, a 50% rating and a 30% rating do not equal 80%. Instead, the VA assumes the Veteran is 100% "efficient" initially. Each disability reduces that efficiency from the remaining balance.
Combined Rating = Highest Rating + (Remaining Efficiency × Next Highest Rating)
The logic follows a "diminishing returns" principle. The more disabled a Veteran becomes, the harder it is to increase the total rating, as there is less "non-disabled" capacity left to reduce.
VA Calculation Example
Example Scenario: A Veteran has three service-connected disabilities rated at 50%, 30%, and 10%.
Step-by-step solution using the va rating calculator logic:
- First Rating (50%): The Veteran is 100% efficient. 50% of 100 is 50. Remaining efficiency is now 50%.
- Second Rating (30%): Take 30% of the *remaining* 50% efficiency. 0.30 × 50 = 15. Total disability is now 50 + 15 = 65%. Remaining efficiency is 35%.
- Third Rating (10%): Take 10% of the *remaining* 35% efficiency. 0.10 × 35 = 3.5. Total disability is now 65 + 3.5 = 68.5%.
- Rounding: The VA rounds the final result to the nearest 10%. Since 68.5% is closer to 70% than 60%, the final VA rating is 70%.
The Bilateral Factor
One of the most complex aspects of the va rating calculator is the Bilateral Factor. This applies when a Veteran has disabilities affecting both sides of the body (e.g., both knees, both shoulders, or a left arm and a right leg). In these cases, the VA combines those specific ratings first and adds an additional 10% of that sub-total as a "bonus" before combining it with other non-bilateral ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't 50% + 50% equal 100%?
Because you cannot be more than 100% disabled. Once the first 50% is taken, you only have 50% of "whole person" left. The second 50% rating only takes half of what is left (25%), resulting in a 75% total, which rounds to 80%.
What is the rounding rule for VA ratings?
The VA rounds to the nearest 10%. Any value ending in 5% or higher rounds up (e.g., 65% becomes 70%). Any value ending in 4.9% or lower rounds down (e.g., 64% becomes 60%).
How many ratings can I combine?
There is no limit to the number of service-connected disabilities you can have. However, as your combined rating gets higher, you need significantly more or higher individual ratings to move the needle toward 100%.