1. What is VA Combined Disability Rating?

The VA uses a specific method to combine multiple disability ratings that doesn't involve simple addition. This calculator implements the official VA math formula for determining your combined disability percentage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the VA's combined rating formula:

Where:

• \( \text{rating}_i \) — Individual disability rating percentage
• \( n \) — Number of disability ratings
• The product is rounded to nearest whole percentage

Explanation: The VA starts with your highest rating, then applies each subsequent rating to your remaining "able" percentage.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Your combined rating determines your compensation rate and eligibility for additional benefits. Even small percentage differences can significantly impact monthly payments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your individual disability ratings as percentages separated by commas (e.g., "30, 20, 10"). Ratings should be between 0 and 100.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why doesn't the VA just add the percentages?
A: The VA system accounts for the overlapping effect of multiple disabilities - you can't be more than 100% disabled.

Q2: How are bilateral factors handled?
A: Bilateral conditions get an extra 10% of the combined value of bilateral disabilities before other ratings are applied.

Q3: What's the difference between combined and individual ratings?
A: Individual ratings reflect specific conditions, while combined rating determines compensation.

Q4: How often does the VA update ratings?
A: Ratings may be re-evaluated if conditions improve or worsen, but many are considered permanent.

Q5: Where can I find my official combined rating?
A: Your official rating appears on your VA decision letter and in your eBenefits or VA.gov profile.