VA Disability Calculator
Calculate your combined VA disability rating using the official VA math formula. Enter multiple disability percentages to see your estimated monthly compensation.
Enter Your Disability Ratings
VA Math Calculation Breakdown
Enter ratings and click Calculate to see step-by-step breakdown.
Monthly Compensation (2025)
Rates effective Dec 1, 2024 - Nov 30, 2025. Based on 2.5% COLA increase.
Note: This calculator provides estimates only. Official ratings are determined by the VA based on medical evidence and examinations.
2025 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly tax-free compensation amounts by disability rating. Rates shown are effective December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025, reflecting a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
| Rating | Veteran Only | With Spouse | With Spouse + 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | - | - |
| 20% | $347.20 | - | - |
| 30% | $537.62 | $600.62 | $649.62 |
| 40% | $774.74 | $857.74 | $919.74 |
| 50% | $1,105.15 | $1,202.15 | $1,275.15 |
| 60% | $1,399.50 | $1,513.50 | $1,597.50 |
| 70% | $1,762.92 | $1,893.92 | $1,988.92 |
| 80% | $2,050.09 | $2,197.09 | $2,303.09 |
| 90% | $2,303.68 | $2,466.68 | $2,583.68 |
| 100% | $3,832.06 | $4,044.31 | $4,178.91 |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans with 10-20% ratings don't receive additional dependent compensation.
How Does VA Math Work for Combined Ratings?
VA disability ratings don't add up the way you might expect. The VA uses a specific formula called "VA math" or the "Whole Person Theory" that considers your remaining healthy capacity rather than simply adding percentages together. This prevents combined ratings from exceeding 100%.
The concept works like this: the VA considers you 100% healthy at the start. Each disability rating reduces your remaining healthy percentage. A 50% disability means you have 50% remaining capacity. A second disability applies only to that remaining capacity, not the original 100%.
Step-by-Step VA Math Example
Let's calculate the combined rating for a veteran with three disabilities rated at 50%, 30%, and 20%:
- Start with 100% healthy
- Apply highest rating (50%): 100% × 50% = 50% disability. Remaining: 50%
- Apply next rating (30%): 50% × 30% = 15% additional. Total: 65%. Remaining: 35%
- Apply last rating (20%): 35% × 20% = 7% additional. Total: 72%
- Round to nearest 10%: 72% rounds to 70%
Notice that 50 + 30 + 20 = 100%, but using VA math the combined rating is only 70%. This is why understanding VA math matters when estimating your benefits.
What Disabilities Qualify for VA Compensation?
Veterans may receive disability compensation for conditions that occurred or worsened during active military service. This includes physical injuries, chronic conditions, mental health disorders like PTSD, and illnesses related to environmental exposures. The VA evaluates each condition and assigns a rating from 0% to 100% based on severity.
Common service-connected conditions include hearing loss, tinnitus, back and knee injuries, migraines, sleep apnea, anxiety, and conditions from exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, or contaminated water. Each condition receives its own percentage rating which then combines with others using VA math.
Bilateral Factor for Paired Body Parts
When disabilities affect both sides of the body (both knees, both arms, hearing in both ears), the VA applies something called the bilateral factor. This adds 10% to the combined rating of those paired disabilities before combining with other conditions, slightly increasing your overall rating. The bilateral factor recognizes the additional burden of having matching conditions on both sides.
Rating Thresholds That Matter
Certain rating levels unlock additional benefits beyond monthly compensation:
- 30% or higher: Receive additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, parents)
- 100%: Eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors
- 100% or TDIU: May qualify for Individual Unemployability if unable to work
How Often Do VA Compensation Rates Change?
VA disability compensation rates adjust annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which matches Social Security increases. For 2025, rates increased 2.5% effective December 1, 2024. The 2026 rates reflecting a 2.8% COLA increase will take effect December 1, 2025. These increases help veterans maintain purchasing power as inflation affects living costs.
VA disability payments are tax-free at both federal and state levels, making them more valuable than equivalent taxable income. A 100% rating currently provides $3,832.06 monthly ($45,984.72 annually) completely untaxed.
For other financial calculations, explore our percentage calculator for general math or salary calculator for income planning. Veterans may also find our retirement calculator helpful for long-term financial planning.
Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed for accuracy