Is this VA disability calculator free?

Yes, 100% free with no credit card required. Calculate your VA disability rating, compensation estimates, and explore all our tools completely free. No hidden fees, no trial periods.

How accurate is this VA disability calculator?

Our calculator uses the official VA combined rating formula including bilateral factors, proper rounding per 38 CFR §4.25, and accurate SMC calculations. It's the same math VA raters use, making it highly accurate for planning purposes.

What is a bilateral factor in VA disability?

Bilateral factor applies when you have disabilities affecting both paired body parts (arms, legs, eyes, ears, etc.). Per 38 CFR §4.26, VA adds 10% of the combined value of bilateral disabilities before combining with other ratings, resulting in a higher overall rating.

Can I use this calculator for my VA claim?

Yes! Use our calculator to estimate your combined rating before filing, plan which conditions to claim, understand how secondary conditions affect your rating, and prepare for C&P exams. Many veterans use it before reaching out to us or their VSO or claims agent.

What's the difference between Easy, Guided, and Pro modes?

Easy Mode: Quick estimate with common conditions. Guided Mode: Step-by-step walkthrough with explanations (recommended for first-timers). Pro Mode: Full-featured calculator with all advanced tools, bilateral factors, and scenario planning.

Does this calculator include 2025 VA pay rates?

Yes, all compensation rates are updated to the current 2025 VA disability pay table effective December 1, 2024. This includes base rates, dependent allowances, and all SMC levels.

What is SMC in VA disability?

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is additional payment for veterans with severe disabilities like loss of use of limbs, blindness, need for aid and attendance, or being housebound. SMC rates range from SMC-K ($119/month) to SMC-R2 ($9,322/month).

Can I calculate TDIU with this tool?

Yes, we have a dedicated TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) checker that helps determine eligibility and shows potential compensation at 100% scheduler rating even if your combined rating is 60-90%.

December 30, 2025

8 min read

By Lukas Simianer

Understanding VA Combined Ratings

VA combined ratingcombined disability ratingVA mathdisability percentage calculatorrating increase

Learn how the VA combines multiple disability ratings to calculate your total compensation. Discover why VA math doesn't work like regular addition and how to maximize your combined rating.

How VA Combined Ratings Work
Understanding the Combined Ratings Table
Rounding Rules That Impact Your Rating
Strategic Filing for Higher Combined Ratings
Examples of Combined Rating Calculations
Planning Your Path to 100% Rating

Step 1: How VA Combined Ratings Work

The VA doesn't simply add your disability percentages together. Instead, they use a unique formula that accounts for how different disabilities interact. Understanding this is crucial for planning your claims.

Tips for Success

VA doesn't add percentages (70% + 50% ≠ 120%)
Instead, they use combined ratings table in CFR 38, Part 4
Higher ratings have increasingly diminishing impact
Getting to 100% requires strategic planning

Step 2: Understanding the Combined Ratings Table

The VA uses a mathematical formula to combine ratings. Your combined rating is calculated by taking your highest rating first, then applying subsequent ratings to the remainder.

Tips for Success

Start with your highest disability rating
Apply next highest rating to the 'unused' percentage
Continue with each additional disability
Use VA calculator for accuracy

Step 3: Rounding Rules That Impact Your Rating

The VA rounds your final combined rating using specific rules. Knowing these rules can help you understand small changes in claims.

Tips for Success

Ratings ending in 5-9 round up (e.g., 47% becomes 50%)
Ratings ending in 0-4 round down (e.g., 44% stays 40%)
You need 95%+ actual rating to receive 100%
This is why strategic filing matters

Step 4: Strategic Filing for Higher Combined Ratings

By understanding how ratings combine, you can file for secondary conditions strategically to reach higher combined ratings more efficiently.

Tips for Success

Focus on high-impact secondary conditions
Filing multiple claims together increases combined rating
Consider timing of claims for maximum benefit
Secondary conditions often more achievable than high ratings on single conditions

Step 5: Examples of Combined Rating Calculations

Let's walk through real examples of how combined ratings work to demystify the VA's approach.

Tips for Success

70% + 50% = 85% (not 120%)
80% + 30% = 86% (not 110%)
90% + 20% = 92% (not 110%)
Use these examples to understand your own situation

Step 6: Planning Your Path to 100% Rating

With combined ratings understood, develop a strategy to reach your target rating. Some veterans benefit from TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) as alternative to schedular 100%.