How Is VA Disability Percentage Calculated

VA Combined Rating Formula:

\[ \text{Combined Rating} = 100 - \left( \prod_{i=1}^n \left(1 - \frac{\text{Rating}_i}{100}\right) \right) \times 100 \]

Combined Disability Rating:

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1. What is VA Combined Disability Rating?

The VA Combined Disability Rating is calculated using a specific formula that accounts for multiple disabilities. It's not a simple sum but rather a combined value that reflects the cumulative effect of multiple conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the VA's official combined rating formula:

\[ \text{Combined Rating} = 100 - \left( \prod_{i=1}^n \left(1 - \frac{\text{Rating}_i}{100}\right) \right) \times 100 \]

Where:

\( \text{Rating}_i \) — Individual disability rating percentage
\( n \) — Number of disabilities
\( \prod \) — Product of all terms

Explanation: The formula calculates the remaining ability after each disability is applied, then converts back to a disability percentage.

3. Importance of Combined Rating

Details: The combined rating determines the monthly compensation amount and eligibility for additional benefits. It's crucial for veterans to understand how their multiple disabilities are evaluated together.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all your disability ratings as percentages, separated by commas. For example: "10, 20, 30". The calculator will compute the combined rating following VA rules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why doesn't VA simply add the ratings?
A: The VA uses a "whole person" concept - each additional disability affects the remaining healthy capacity, not the already disabled portion.

Q2: How does rounding work in VA ratings?
A: The VA rounds to the nearest whole percentage first, then to the nearest 10% (e.g., 84.5% becomes 85%, then 90%).

Q3: What's the maximum combined rating?
A: The maximum is 100%, though special rules apply for certain severe disabilities (like being housebound).

Q4: Do all conditions count toward the combined rating?
A: Only service-connected conditions rated at 0% or higher are included in the calculation.

Q5: How does bilateral factor work?
A: Bilateral conditions (affecting both sides) get an extra 10% of their combined value before being added to other disabilities.