VA Disability Calculator
Calculate your combined VA disability rating and estimate your monthly compensation using official VA math and 2026 rates.
Step 1 — Add Disabilities
Unofficial estimate. 2026 VA rates (Dec 1, 2025, 2.8% COLA). Confirm at VA.gov
How the VA Disability Calculator Works
This calculator uses the VA's combined ratings formula defined in 38 CFR § 4.25 to determine your overall disability percentage. Enter each of your rated disabilities and the calculator computes the combined rating, applies rounding rules, and estimates your monthly compensation based on current 2026 rates (2.8% COLA adjustment).
How VA Math Works
The VA does not simply add disability percentages together. Instead, each rating is applied to the remaining “whole” body percentage. For example, if you have a 50% rating and a 30% rating:
- Start with 100% (whole person)
- Apply 50%: 100 × 0.50 = 50 — remaining 50%
- Apply 30% to remaining: 50 × 0.30 = 15
- Total disability: 50 + 15 = 65%, rounded to 70%
This method is defined in the Combined Ratings Table (38 CFR § 4.25). Ratings are always rounded to the nearest 10%.
Bilateral Factor
When disabilities affect both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles, the VA applies a bilateral factor under 38 CFR § 4.26. The bilateral disabilities are first combined, then a 10% increase of the combined value is added before combining with any remaining non-bilateral disabilities. This calculator applies the bilateral factor automatically when you designate extremity sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VA disability math work?
The VA uses a “whole person” method where each rating reduces the remaining healthy percentage rather than being added arithmetically. This is why two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%.
What is 70% plus 50% in VA math?
Using VA math: 70% applied first leaves 30%. Then 50% of 30% = 15%. Total = 85%, which rounds to 90%.
Does the VA round disability ratings?
Yes. The final combined rating is rounded to the nearest 10%. A combined value of 55% or higher rounds to 60%, while 54% or lower rounds to 50%.
How does the bilateral factor work?
When paired extremities (both knees, both shoulders, etc.) are rated, the VA combines those ratings first, adds 10% of that combined value as a bonus, then combines the result with remaining disabilities. See 38 CFR § 4.26 for details.
Can multiple disabilities combine to 100%?
Yes, but it requires very high individual ratings. Because each successive rating applies to a shrinking remainder, reaching a combined 95% or higher (which rounds to 100%) requires substantial disability.
Disclaimer: This calculator is an educational estimation tool provided by Fireguard. It is not an official VA determination. The VA makes all final rating and compensation decisions. Verify current rates and rules at VA.gov.