Combined ratings explained

VA Math Calculator: How Combined Ratings Work

VA disability ratings are not added directly. VA math uses remaining efficiency, then rounds the final combined value to the nearest 10%.

A 50% rating and a 30% rating do not equal 80% under VA math. VA starts from 100% efficiency and applies each rating to what is left.

Why VA Ratings Are Not Added Directly

If a veteran has a 50% rating, VA treats the veteran as 50% disabled and 50% efficient. A second 30% rating is applied to that remaining 50% efficiency, not to the full 100%.

Example: 50% + 30%
100% - 50% = 50% remaining 30% of 50 = 15 50 + 15 = 65 65 rounds to 70

Final Rounding

Final combined ratings are rounded to the nearest 10%. For example: 64 rounds to 60, 65 rounds to 70, 94 rounds to 90, and 95 rounds to 100.

Bilateral Factor

If both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles are affected, VA may apply a bilateral factor before the final combined rating.

Use The Calculator

Use the calculator to estimate your combined rating and monthly compensation with dependents.

Use the Free VA Pay Calculator

When To Request Help

If your estimate appears higher than what VA is paying, or if a condition was denied or rated too low, you can request a free attorney match through the form on the main calculator page.

Go to the free attorney match form

Frequently Asked Questions

No. VA combines ratings using VA math rather than direct addition.

It combines to 65%, which rounds to 70%.

No. 94% rounds to 90%. A combined value of 95% or higher rounds to 100%.

It is an additional factor VA may apply when disabilities affect both sides of the body, such as both legs or both arms.