Combined Rating (VA) — VA Combined Rating
The method the VA uses to calculate a veteran's total disability percentage when they have multiple service-connected conditions.
Official source: va.gov
The Combined Rating (VA) is a special way the Department of Veterans Affairs figures out your total disability percentage if you have more than one health problem linked to your military service. It's for any veteran who has been granted service-connected disability for multiple conditions. Unlike simple addition, the VA doesn't just add up your percentages. Instead, they start by thinking of you as a "whole person" at 100%. They then subtract the impact of each disability, one by one, typically starting with the most severe.Here's how it works: Imagine you have a 50% disability and a 30% disability. The VA doesn't see this as 80%. They take that 50% from your 100% "whole person," leaving you with 50% of your body's "efficiency" remaining. Then, they apply the 30% disability to that remaining 50%. So, 30% of 50% is 15%. When you add that 15% to your original 50%, you get 65%.After all disabilities are factored in, the VA uses a specific rounding rule. If the final percentage has a decimal of .5 or higher, it rounds up to the nearest 10%. If it's below .5, it rounds down. So, our 65% would round up to 70%.A common thing to know is that because of this unique calculation, having multiple disabilities doesn't mean your total percentage will simply be the sum of each individual rating. This often leads veterans to get a lower combined percentage than they might expect. To get an estimate of your combined rating, you can use a tool like BenefitKarma's free VA Disability Calculator. See also: <a href="/glossary/smc">SMC</a>.
In real life
- A veteran can have several health problems from their time in service. The combined rating helps the VA figure out their total disability by looking at all these problems together.
- Someone might have a 50% disability for one issue and a 30% disability for another. The combined rating system means these aren't just added up to 80%.
- A veteran's combined rating can change if their health gets better or worse over time.
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Frequently asked questions about Combined Rating (VA)
What is Combined Rating (VA)?+
The method the VA uses to calculate a veteran's total disability percentage when they have multiple service-connected conditions, using the 'whole person' method rather than simple addition. The VA starts with 100% 'whole person' and subtracts each disability rating in order from highest to lowest.
Who qualifies for Combined Rating (VA)?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for Combined Rating (VA)?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Run the VA Calculator to see your monthly amount, then the VA Filing Success Score to check what's missing from your claim. A VSO can review your filing for free.
Source: va.gov