Understanding the VA Combined Rating Calculator

When veterans receive more than one disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the percentages are not simply added together. Instead, the VA uses a unique formula—often called “VA math”—to determine a combined disability rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.25.

This can be confusing. For example, a 50% rating combined with a 30% rating does not equal 80%—it actually works out to 65%, which the VA then rounds to 70%.

What the Calculator Does

To make this easier, we’ve built a VA Combined Rating Calculator right here on our website. With this tool, you can:

• Enter individual disability percentages.

• See the step-by-step math VA uses.

• Understand how the bilateral factor under 38 C.F.R. § 4.26 applies when both arms or both legs are affected.

• View both the raw (unrounded) result and the VA’s rounded final percentage.

Why This Matters

Your combined rating directly affects your monthly compensation. Even a small change—from 60% to 70%, for example—can mean hundreds of dollars more each month in VA disability pay. Knowing how the VA will calculate your rating helps you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your claim or appeal.

Try It Yourself

You can use the calculator below to see how your conditions might combine under VA math:

Try it now with our VA Disability Calculator.

Need Help With Your Claim?

At Altitude Veterans Law, we focus exclusively on helping veterans nationwide secure the VA benefits they’ve earned. If you believe your rating is too low or if your claim was denied, our team is here to guide you through the appeals process.