Question 1

How does the VA combine disability ratings?

Accepted Answer

The VA combines disability ratings by applying each added rating only to the part of you still counted as non-disabled. It starts with your highest rating and works down, then rounds the total to the nearest 10. So 50% and 30% combine to 65, which rounds to 70%, not 80%.

Question 2

Why don't my VA ratings add up to 100%?

Accepted Answer

Your VA ratings don't add up to 100% because VA never adds them. Each new rating counts only against the part of you still considered non-disabled, so every added rating raises the total by less than its own number. The result is then rounded to the nearest 10 percent, once, at the end.

Question 3

Do two 50% ratings equal 100%?

Accepted Answer

No, two 50% ratings do not equal 100%. The first 50% leaves 50% of you counted as non-disabled. The second 50% applies only to that remaining half, adding 25. The combined value is 75, which VA rounds up to a final rating of 80%.

Question 4

What is VA math?

Accepted Answer

VA math is the nickname for how the VA combines disability ratings under 38 CFR 4.25. Instead of adding ratings, VA applies each one to your remaining non-disabled share, highest rating first, then rounds the total to the nearest 10. It is why combined ratings are lower than the simple sum.

Question 5

How does VA round my combined rating?

Accepted Answer

VA rounds your combined rating to the nearest 10 percent, and a value ending in 5 rounds up. So 65 becomes 70%, 75 becomes 80%, and 44 becomes 40%. VA rounds only once, at the very end, after all your ratings have been combined.

Question 6

What is the bilateral factor?

Accepted Answer

The bilateral factor is an extra amount VA adds when rated disabilities affect both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles. VA combines those bilateral ratings first, then adds 10 percent of that combined value before combining it with your other ratings. The rule comes from 38 CFR 4.26 and can raise your final rating.

Question 7

How much does VA disability pay in 2026?

Accepted Answer

VA disability pays, in 2026, $180.42 a month at 10% and $3,938.58 a month at 100% for a Veteran with no dependents. Amounts in between depend on your combined rating. From 30% and up, a spouse, children or dependent parents may add to your monthly pay.

Question 8

Do dependents increase my VA disability pay?

Accepted Answer

Dependents may increase your VA disability pay if your combined rating is 30% or higher. A spouse, children under 18, children 18 to 23 in school, and dependent parents can each add an amount. You need to add them with the VA, often using VA Form 21-686c.

Question 9

Is this VA calculator result official?

Accepted Answer

No, this VA calculator result is not official. It is an estimate based on the VA's published method and 2026 rates. Only the VA can decide your rating and pay. Special monthly compensation and some other payments are not included in the estimate.

Question 10

Can my VA rating be reduced later?

Accepted Answer

Your VA rating can be reduced later in some cases if your condition improves, but the VA must follow strict rules. Ratings held for five years are protected from most reductions, and ratings held at the same level for 20 years generally cannot be lowered below that level.

Rating	+10%	+20%	+30%	+40%	+50%	+60%	+70%	+80%	+90%
10%	19	28	37	46	55	64	73	82	91
20%	28	36	44	52	60	68	76	84	92
30%	37	44	51	58	65	72	79	86	93
40%	46	52	58	64	70	76	82	88	94
50%	55	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95
60%	64	68	72	76	80	84	88	92	96
70%	73	76	79	82	85	88	91	94	97
80%	82	84	86	88	90	92	94	96	98
90%	91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99

Ratings	Combined before rounding	Final rating
50% + 30%	65	70%
50% + 50%	75	80%
70% + 30%	79	80%
40% + 30% + 20%	66	70%
30% + 20% + 10%	49	50%
70% + 50% + 30%	89	90%
60% + 40% + 20% + 10%	82	80%

Combined value	Final rating
45	50%
55	60%
65	70%
75	80%
85	90%
95	100%

VA Disability Pay Calculator

How it works

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What you get

What this tool does

What this tool does not do

VA Combined Ratings Table (38 CFR 4.25)

How VA Combines Disability Ratings

Step by step: 70% + 50% + 30%

How VA Rounds Your Combined Rating

What Is the Bilateral Factor?

Common questions

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Words to know

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Rating	+10%	+20%	+30%	+40%	+50%	+60%	+70%	+80%	+90%
10%	19	28	37	46	55	64	73	82	91
20%	28	36	44	52	60	68	76	84	92
30%	37	44	51	58	65	72	79	86	93
40%	46	52	58	64	70	76	82	88	94
50%	55	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95
60%	64	68	72	76	80	84	88	92	96
70%	73	76	79	82	85	88	91	94	97
80%	82	84	86	88	90	92	94	96	98
90%	91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99

Rating	+10%	+20%	+30%	+40%	+50%	+60%	+70%	+80%	+90%
10%	19	28	37	46	55	64	73	82	91
20%	28	36	44	52	60	68	76	84	92
30%	37	44	51	58	65	72	79	86	93
40%	46	52	58	64	70	76	82	88	94
50%	55	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95
60%	64	68	72	76	80	84	88	92	96
70%	73	76	79	82	85	88	91	94	97
80%	82	84	86	88	90	92	94	96	98
90%	91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99

Rating	+10%	+20%	+30%	+40%	+50%	+60%	+70%	+80%	+90%
10%	19	28	37	46	55	64	73	82	91
20%	28	36	44	52	60	68	76	84	92
30%	37	44	51	58	65	72	79	86	93
40%	46	52	58	64	70	76	82	88	94
50%	55	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95
60%	64	68	72	76	80	84	88	92	96
70%	73	76	79	82	85	88	91	94	97
80%	82	84	86	88	90	92	94	96	98
90%	91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99