When it comes to disability benefits, one of the most confusing aspects veterans face is figuring out their combined disability rating. While each disability is given a percentage by the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs), these percentages are not simply added together. Instead, the VA uses a formula known as the “whole person” theory to calculate a combined rating.
Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator
What Is the Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator?
The Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator is an easy-to-use online tool designed to help veterans estimate their combined VA disability rating.
If you have multiple disability ratings, such as 40% for one condition and 30% for another, you can’t just add them together to get 70%. The VA combines them using a unique formula that considers how each condition reduces your overall health.
Our calculator saves you time by doing the math for you. Just enter up to three disability ratings, click Calculate, and instantly see your combined disability rating.
Why Is the Combined Disability Rating Important?
Your combined VA disability rating determines the amount of compensation you receive. Even a small difference in your rating (e.g., 70% vs. 80%) can significantly impact your monthly benefits.
For example:
- A 70% rating (single veteran, no dependents) pays around $1,716 per month.
- An 80% rating pays around $2,004 per month.
That’s nearly a $300 difference every month. Over a year, that adds up to thousands of dollars.
This makes accurate calculation essential — and that’s why our Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator is so valuable.
How to Use the Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator
Using the calculator is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Enter Your Disability Ratings
- You can enter up to three ratings in the provided fields.
- Example: 50%, 30%, 10%.
- Click Calculate
- The calculator applies the VA formula to combine your ratings.
- View Your Result
- Your Combined Disability Rating will appear instantly.
- Reset if Needed
- Click Reset to clear your inputs and start fresh.
That’s it — no complicated math, just instant results.
Example of How It Works
Let’s look at a real-world example:
- You have three disabilities:
- 50% for PTSD
- 30% for a knee condition
- 10% for hearing loss
Here’s how the VA combines them:
- Start with 50% (this means you’re considered 50% disabled, 50% healthy).
- Take 30% of the remaining 50% healthy part → 30% of 50 = 15%.
- Add that to 50% → 65%.
- Now take 10% of the remaining 35% → 10% of 35 = 3.5%.
- Add that to 65% → 68.5%, which is rounded up to 70%.
So instead of 90% (if you just added them), the VA gives you a 70% combined disability rating.
Our calculator automates this process so you don’t have to do the math yourself.
Key Features of the Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator
- Fast & Accurate – No manual calculation needed.
- Simple Interface – Just enter ratings and click calculate.
- Supports Multiple Ratings – Works for one, two, or three conditions.
- Reset Option – Clear inputs instantly.
- Free to Use – Available anytime, anywhere.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
This tool is ideal for:
- Veterans applying for disability benefits.
- Family members helping veterans understand compensation.
- Lawyers & advocates assisting with disability claims.
- Anyone confused by the VA’s combined rating system.
Tips for Accurate Use
- Enter only official disability ratings from the VA.
- Remember that ratings are given in 10% increments (10, 20, 30, etc.).
- If you have more than three disabilities, start with your top three ratings — they make the biggest impact on your total.
- Always check your official VA award letter for final confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a VA disability rating?
A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned to a veteran’s service-connected condition, reflecting the severity of disability.
2. How does the VA combine disability ratings?
The VA uses a formula based on the “whole person” concept. Ratings are not simply added together.
3. Can I calculate my rating manually?
Yes, but it’s complex. The Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator makes it much easier.
4. Does the calculator guarantee my VA rating?
No, it’s an estimate. The VA makes the final decision on ratings.
5. What if I have more than three ratings?
Enter the top three ratings. For more conditions, the VA continues the formula with each additional percentage.
6. Do disability ratings round up or down?
Yes. Ratings ending in .5 or higher are rounded up, while those below .5 are rounded down.
7. Is this calculator only for veterans?
Primarily yes, but family members and advocates can also use it.
8. Is the calculator free?
Yes, the Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator is completely free to use.
9. Do I need to sign up to use the calculator?
No sign-up or registration is required.
10. Can I use the calculator on mobile?
Yes, it’s mobile-friendly and works on any device.
11. What is the maximum disability rating?
The highest combined disability rating possible is 100%.
12. Does 100% mean fully disabled?
Yes, a 100% rating reflects total disability according to VA standards.
13. Can two 50% ratings equal 100%?
No. Two 50% ratings combine to 75%, rounded up to 80%.
14. How often does the VA update ratings?
The VA may re-evaluate ratings if your condition changes or upon review.
15. What is TDIU?
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows veterans rated below 100% to be compensated at the 100% level if unable to work.
16. Can the calculator help with TDIU?
Not directly, but it helps you understand your base rating.
17. Do ratings change with dependents?
Your combined rating doesn’t change, but compensation amounts increase with dependents.
18. How long does it take to get an official VA rating?
It varies, but typically several months depending on claim complexity.
19. Can I appeal a VA rating decision?
Yes, you can file an appeal if you believe your rating is too low.
20. Where can I learn more about disability benefits?
Visit the VA’s official website or consult a VA-accredited attorney like Hill & Ponton.
Final Thoughts
The VA’s system for calculating combined disability ratings can be overwhelming, but tools like the Hill & Ponton Disability Calculator make the process simple. By entering your disability ratings, you can instantly get a reliable estimate of your combined rating and better understand the benefits you may be entitled to.