For veterans receiving disability compensation, understanding how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) calculates combined disability ratings can be confusing. Unlike simple addition, the VA uses a unique method known as “VA math” to determine your overall combined rating.

What Is a VA Combined Rating?

A VA combined rating represents the total level of disability a veteran has based on multiple service-connected conditions. Instead of simply adding percentages together, the VA calculates them using a formula that takes into account the efficiency of the body after each condition is applied.

For example:

• If you have a 50% disability and a 30% disability, the VA doesn’t simply add them (50% + 30% = 80%).
• Instead, they calculate how much “healthy” percentage is left after each rating. The result would actually be a combined rating of 65%, which is rounded to 70%.

How Our VA Combined Rating Calculator Works

Our calculator replicates the VA’s math process:

1. Input Ratings – You enter one or more disability ratings (e.g., 10%, 20%, 50%).
2. VA Math Formula – The tool sorts your ratings from highest to lowest.
3. Step-by-Step Calculation – It calculates how each additional rating reduces the remaining “healthy” body percentage.
4. Final Rounding – The VA rounds combined ratings to the nearest 10%. (For example, 74% becomes 70%, while 75% becomes 80%.)

This ensures you get a result that matches how the VA determines your official combined rating.

How to Use the VA Combined Rating Calculator

Using the calculator is simple and takes less than a minute:

1. Enter Your Ratings – Start with your first disability percentage in the input box.
2. Add More Ratings – Click the “+ Add Rating” button to enter additional percentages.
3. Calculate – Hit the “Calculate” button, and your combined rating will instantly appear.
4. Reset if Needed – Use the reset button to start fresh and try different scenarios.

That’s it! You’ll get an accurate combined rating that matches VA math.

Example Calculation

Let’s walk through an example using the calculator:

• Rating 1: 50%
• Rating 2: 30%
• Rating 3: 20%

Step 1: The calculator sorts ratings from highest to lowest: 50%, 30%, 20%.
Step 2: Start with 50%. That leaves 50% of the body “healthy.”
Step 3: Apply 30% of the remaining 50% → 15%. Now total = 65%.
Step 4: Apply 20% of the remaining 35% → 7%. Now total = 72%.
Step 5: Round to nearest 10 → 70%.

Final Combined Rating = 70%

Why Use a VA Combined Rating Calculator?

• Saves time and avoids manual errors
• Provides clarity on how the VA calculates ratings
• Helps you plan compensation expectations
• Great for veterans filing or appealing claims
• Free, easy-to-use, and accurate

Tips for Using the Calculator Effectively

• Enter all service-connected conditions you’ve been assigned ratings for.
• Use whole percentages only (decimals are not accepted).
• Remember that ratings max out at 100%, even if combined totals exceed it.
• Check different combinations if you’re awaiting multiple rating decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a VA combined rating?

It is the total disability rating determined by the VA when a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions.

2. Does the VA simply add percentages together?

No. The VA uses “VA math,” which calculates each rating against the remaining “healthy” portion of the body.

3. Why is my combined rating lower than the sum of my ratings?

Because the VA applies percentages sequentially, not additively.

4. What is the maximum VA rating?

The maximum schedular rating is 100%, which indicates total disability.

5. How does rounding work in VA ratings?

VA rounds combined ratings to the nearest 10%. 74% rounds down to 70%, while 75% rounds up to 80%.

6. Can my combined rating ever be more than 100%?

No. Even if calculations exceed 100%, the VA caps it at 100%.

7. What is VA math?

It’s the formula the VA uses to calculate combined ratings based on the efficiency of the body.

8. Do all conditions count toward combined ratings?

Only service-connected disabilities are included.

9. What if I have two disabilities with the same rating?

They’re both factored in, starting with one, then applying the other to the remaining percentage.

10. Can I calculate my rating manually?

Yes, but it’s complex. That’s why tools like this calculator make it easier.

11. Do dependent benefits change with higher combined ratings?

Yes. Higher ratings often increase compensation and eligibility for additional benefits.

12. How does the VA handle multiple 10% ratings?

They’re applied sequentially, which often totals less than a simple sum.

13. Does a 100% rating mean permanent disability?

Not always. Some 100% ratings are temporary unless deemed Permanent & Total (P&T).

14. Can combined ratings impact unemployability claims?

Yes. Veterans with certain combined ratings may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

15. Do mental health ratings combine with physical ratings?

Yes, all service-connected ratings are considered together.

16. Why is my combined rating lower than expected?

Because of VA rounding rules and how percentages reduce remaining “healthy” percentages.

17. How can I increase my combined rating?

By filing claims for new conditions, secondary conditions, or requesting increases if conditions worsen.

18. Do secondary conditions affect combined ratings?

Yes, if they’re service-connected, they are factored into the combined rating.

19. Can I appeal if I disagree with my rating?

Yes, veterans can file an appeal or request a higher-level review.

20. Is this calculator official?

No, but it mirrors the VA’s formula and provides results consistent with VA math.

Final Thoughts

Calculating VA disability ratings doesn’t have to be frustrating. With our VA Combined Rating Calculator, you can quickly determine your combined rating, better understand how VA math works, and plan your benefits accordingly.