VA Disability Calculator: Estimate Your Combined Rating and Monthly Pay
A VA disability calculator estimates your combined rating by applying VA math, which is not simple addition. A 50% and 30% rating combine to 65%, which rounds to 70% — not 80%. Your combined rating determines your 2026 monthly payment, ranging from $180.42 at 10% to $3,938.58 at 100% for a veteran alone.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tool Type | Combined rating and monthly compensation estimator |
| Eligibility | Veterans with one or more service-connected disabilities |
| How It Works | Applies 38 CFR § 4.25 whole-person formula, not simple addition |
| Official Table | VA Combined Ratings Table (Table I) |
| Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Rates Effective | December 1, 2025 – November 30, 2026 (2.8% COLA) |
| Dependent Pay | Begins at 30% combined rating |
| Key Regulation | 38 CFR §§ 4.25, 4.26, 3.31 |
What Is a VA Disability Calculator?
A VA disability calculator is a tool that estimates your combined disability rating and monthly compensation when you have more than one service-connected condition. The VA does not simply add individual ratings together. A veteran with a 50% rating and a 30% rating does not receive an 80% combined rating. Under VA math, those ratings combine to 65%, which rounds up to 70%.
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected conditions. The calculator applies the same formula VA uses under 38 CFR § 4.25, the regulation that governs combined ratings. It accounts for the human body’s remaining efficiency after each disability is considered, not as a simple sum of percentages.
A VA disability calculator is different from a VA pension calculator. VA pension is a need-based benefit for wartime veterans with low income, regardless of service connection. VA disability compensation is for service-connected conditions and is not income-based. These are separate programs with separate eligibility rules.
If you already have a VA rating decision and want to see how your payments change, a calculator helps you plan. If you are filing a new claim, the calculator gives you a realistic estimate of what your combined rating could be.
How VA Math Works (The Whole-Person Formula)
VA math considers your remaining working capacity after each disability, not the total percentage of each disability. If you start with 100% efficiency (a fully healthy person), each service-connected condition reduces what remains.
The formula:
Start with the highest disability rating.
Subtract it from 100 to find your remaining efficiency.
Apply the next disability percentage to the remaining efficiency.
Subtract that result from the remaining efficiency.
Repeat for each additional disability.
Round the final combined value to the nearest 10%, rounding up any value ending in 5.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityExample: 50% + 30%
Start with 100% efficiency.
50% disability leaves 50% efficiency.
30% of 50% efficiency = 15% additional disability.
Total disability: 50% + 15% = 65%.
65% rounds to 70% combined rating.
Example: 60% + 40% + 20%
Start with 100% efficiency.
60% disability leaves 40% efficiency.
40% of 40% = 16% additional disability. Total: 76%.
76% is used exactly as-is for the next combination (no rounding yet).
20% of the remaining 24% efficiency = 4.8% additional disability.
Total: 76% + 4.8% = 80.8%.
Round to the nearest 10%: 80% combined rating.
Critical rule: Rounding happens only once — at the very end, after all disabilities are combined. Never round intermediate results.
VA Combined Ratings Table (Table I)
The VA publishes a Combined Ratings Table (Table I) in 38 CFR § 4.25. It shows the combined value for two disabilities. To use it, arrange disabilities from highest to lowest, find the intersection of the first two, then combine that result with the third, and so on.
| Combined Value | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 27 | 35 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 92 |
| 20 | 28 | 36 | 44 | 52 | 60 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 92 |
| 30 | 37 | 44 | 51 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 93 |
| 40 | 46 | 52 | 58 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 82 | 88 | 94 |
| 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
| 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 |
| 70 | 73 | 76 | 79 | 82 | 85 | 88 | 91 | 94 | 97 |
| 80 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 92 | 94 | 96 | 98 |
| 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 |
How to read it: Find your first (highest) rating in the left column. Find your second rating in the top row. The number where they meet is your combined value for those two disabilities. Use that combined value as your new “left column” number for the next disability.
Example: 70% + 50% = 85 (from the table). Then combine 85 with your next rating.
2026 VA Disability Pay Chart: Veteran Alone
Your combined rating determines your monthly payment. These are the 2026 rates effective December 1, 2025.
| Combined Rating | Monthly Payment (2026) | Monthly Payment (2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $175.51 | $4.91 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $346.95 | $9.71 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $537.42 | $15.05 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $774.16 | $21.68 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,102.04 | $30.86 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,395.93 | $39.09 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,759.19 | $49.26 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,044.89 | $57.26 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,297.96 | $64.34 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $3,831.30 | $107.28 |
Veterans rated 10% or 20% receive the same amount with or without dependents. Additional compensation for dependents begins at the 30% rating level.
2026 Rates With Dependents
If your combined rating is 30% or higher, you may receive higher monthly payments based on your dependents. The VA considers a spouse, dependent parents, and dependent children under 18 (or 18–23 if in school).
With Spouse or Dependent Parents (No Children)
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $552.47 | $795.84 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| With spouse | $617.47 | $882.84 | $1,241.90 | $1,566.02 | $1,961.45 | $2,277.15 | $2,559.30 | $4,158.17 |
| With spouse + 1 parent | $669.47 | $952.84 | $1,329.90 | $1,671.02 | $2,084.45 | $2,417.15 | $2,717.30 | $4,334.41 |
| With spouse + 2 parents | $721.47 | $1,022.84 | $1,417.90 | $1,776.02 | $2,207.45 | $2,557.15 | $2,875.30 | $4,510.65 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse) | $604.47 | $865.84 | $1,220.90 | $1,541.02 | $1,932.45 | $2,244.15 | $2,522.30 | $4,116.58 |
Added Amounts for Children
For each dependent child under 18, add $109.11 to your basic monthly rate. If your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits, add $176.24.
Example: A veteran with a 70% combined rating, a spouse, and 3 dependent children under 18:
Basic rate (70% with spouse): $1,961.45
1st child: $109.11
2nd child: $109.11
3rd child: $109.11
Total: $2,288.78 per month
The Bilateral Factor Explained
The bilateral factor adds 10% to the combined value of disabilities affecting both arms or both legs before those disabilities are combined with other ratings. This recognizes that disabilities affecting paired limbs create a greater combined impairment than the same disabilities rated separately.
How it works:
Identify disabilities of both arms or both legs.
Combine those bilateral disabilities as usual.
Add 10% of that combined value to the total.
Use that adjusted value when combining with other disabilities.
Example: A veteran has a 20% rating for the left knee and a 20% rating for the right knee.
Combined value for 20% + 20% = 36% (from the table).
10% of 36 = 3.6.
36 + 3.6 = 39.6, which is used as the combined value for those two disabilities.
39.6 then combines with other ratings before final rounding.
Not all calculators handle the bilateral factor correctly. If you have ratings for both arms or both legs, use a calculator that specifically applies the bilateral factor or calculate it manually before entering your numbers.
What Is TDIU and Does It Affect Your Combined Rating?
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays veterans at the 100% rate even if their schedular combined rating is less than 100%. You must be unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
TDIU eligibility (one of the following):
One service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or
Two or more service-connected disabilities, with at least one rated 40% or more, and a combined rating of 70% or more.
2026 TDIU rate: $3,938.58 per month for a single veteran with no dependents — the same as a schedular 100% rating.
TDIU does not change your schedular combined rating. It is a separate determination that pays you at the 100% rate. If you are awarded TDIU, you may also be eligible for dependent benefits at the 100% rate. You must apply for TDIU; it is not automatic.
SMC and How It Relates to Your Rating
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a higher rate paid in addition to your basic disability compensation for very severe disabilities, loss of limbs, or specific needs such as aid and attendance.
2026 SMC rates (selected):
| SMC Level | Monthly Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SMC-K | $139.87 | Loss of creative organ or other specified conditions |
| SMC-L | $4,900.83 | Need for regular aid and attendance |
| SMC-M | $5,408.55 | Higher level of aid and attendance |
| SMC-R2 | $11,271.67 | Need for daily help from a professional |
| SMC-S | $4,408.53 | Housebound due to service-connected disabilities |
SMC is not included in a standard combined rating calculation. If you qualify for SMC, it is paid on top of your combined rating compensation. VA does not automatically award SMC in all cases; you must apply.
DIC and Survivor Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of veterans who died from service-connected causes or who were rated permanently and totally disabled for at least 10 years before death.
2026 DIC base rate for surviving spouses: $1,699.36 per month.
Added amounts:
Each eligible child under 18: $421.00
Aid and Attendance: $421.00
8-year provision (married 8+ years to a totally disabled veteran): $360.85
Transitional benefit (first 2 years after death): $359.00
Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation
You may be eligible if you meet all of these requirements:
You have a chronic condition or disability related to your military service.
You were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Your disability was not the result of your own willful misconduct.
The condition can be physical or mental health-related. It can be a pre-existing condition made worse by service. It can be a secondary condition caused by an already service-connected disability.
Who qualifies:
Veterans who served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service
Veterans with presumptive conditions under the PACT Act
Veterans with secondary conditions
What does NOT disqualify you:
Your income or employment status
Receiving Social Security disability benefits
Having other VA benefits
If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, filing a claim is the best way to find out.
How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation
Online (fastest):
Go to VA.gov and sign in with a verified account.
Navigate to “File a Disability Claim.”
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit electronically.
Upload any supporting evidence you have.
By mail:
Download VA Form 21-526EZ from VA.gov.
Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
In person or by fax: Visit a VA regional office or fax your application.
Required form: VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation.
Evidence to submit:
DD Form 214
Service treatment records
Dependency records (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports)
Lay statements (buddy statements, family statements, diaries)
Processing times: Initial claims typically take 90 to 180 days. Claims for increase and Fully Developed Claims may process more quickly. Check your claim status on VA.gov.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make with Combined Ratings
1. Assuming ratings are added. 50% + 30% does not equal 80%. It equals 70%.
2. Forgetting the bilateral factor. If you have disabilities in both arms or both legs, the bilateral factor adds 10% to the combined value before further combinations.
3. Not claiming dependents. If you have a 30% or higher rating, you may qualify for additional compensation. You must file VA Form 21-686c to add dependents.
4. Missing the one-year discharge window. If you file within one year of discharge, the effective date is the day following discharge. This can result in significant back pay.
5. Not filing an Intent to File. An Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) preserves your effective date for up to one year while you gather evidence.
6. Not appealing within one year. If you disagree with a VA decision, you have one year to file an appeal. Missing this deadline can break the chain of continuity.
7. Overlooking secondary conditions. Conditions caused by your service-connected disability can be claimed as secondary conditions.
8. Not seeking a C&P exam. The Compensation and Pension exam is critical. Missing it can delay or deny your claim.
Common Questions
1. How does a VA disability calculator work?
It applies VA math under 38 CFR § 4.25. It starts with your highest rating, calculates remaining efficiency, applies the next rating to that efficiency, and repeats. The final value rounds to the nearest 10%.
2. Does 50% and 50% equal 100%?
No. 50% + 50% combines to 75%, which rounds to 80%. You cannot reach 100% by combining two 50% ratings. You need at least one additional disability to reach 100%.
3. What is the 2026 rate for a 70% combined rating?
A veteran with a 70% combined rating and no dependents receives $1,808.45 per month in 2026. With a spouse, the rate is $1,961.45. With a spouse and children, the rate is higher.
4. How do I calculate my combined rating with three disabilities?
Combine the two highest ratings first using the table. Take that result and combine it with your third rating. Do not round until all disabilities are combined. Then round the final value to the nearest 10%.
5. What is the bilateral factor?
If you have disabilities in both arms or both legs, the bilateral factor adds 10% to the combined value of those disabilities before combining them with other ratings. This recognizes greater impairment from paired limb disabilities.
6. Do I get more money if I have dependents?
Yes, but only if your combined rating is 30% or higher. Veterans rated 10% or 20% receive the same amount with or without dependents. Additional amounts begin at 30%.
7. Can I use a VA disability calculator for TDIU?
Standard calculators estimate schedular combined ratings. TDIU is a separate determination that pays at the 100% rate regardless of your combined rating. You must apply for TDIU separately.
8. How do I add a dependent to my VA claim?
File VA Form 21-686c, Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents. You can file online through VA.gov or by mail. If your child is 18–23 and in school, also submit VA Form 21-674.
9. What is SMC and how does it affect my rating?
Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate for severe disabilities. It is paid in addition to your combined rating compensation. SMC is not included in a standard combined rating calculation.
10. What is the 2026 rate for a 100% combined rating?
A veteran with a 100% combined rating and no dependents receives $3,938.58 per month in 2026. With a spouse, the rate is $4,158.17.
11. Is VA disability compensation taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is tax-free at the federal level. You do not report it on your federal tax return. Some states may also exempt it from state taxes.
12. How long does it take to get VA disability benefits?
Initial claims typically take 90 to 180 days. Claims for increase may be faster. Fully Developed Claims with all evidence submitted upfront may also process more quickly.
13. What is the PACT Act and does it affect my rating?
The PACT Act expands benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. If you have a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation at the 2026 rates.
14. Can I work and still receive VA disability?
Yes. VA disability compensation is not based on employment status. However, if you receive TDIU, your employment may affect eligibility.
15. How do I appeal a VA disability decision?
You have three options: Supplemental Claim with new evidence, Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You must file within one year of the decision.
Key Takeaways
A VA disability calculator estimates your combined rating using the whole-person formula under 38 CFR § 4.25 — not simple addition.
A 50% and 30% rating combine to 65%, which rounds to 70%, not 80%.
The 2026 pay chart shows a 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025.
A 10% rating pays $180.42 per month; a 100% rating pays $3,938.58 per month for a veteran alone.
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional compensation for dependents.
The bilateral factor adds 10% to the combined value of disabilities affecting both arms or both legs.
TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower.
SMC provides higher rates for severe disabilities and is paid on top of your combined rating.
DIC pays $1,699.36 per month to surviving spouses in 2026.
Rounding happens only once, at the end, after all disabilities are combined.
Official Resources
VA Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/
VA Disability Compensation Rates: https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
VA Combined Ratings Table (38 CFR § 4.25): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-A/section-4.25
VA Form 21-526EZ: https://www.va.gov/forms/21-526ez/
VA Form 21-686c (Dependents): https://www.va.gov/forms/21-686c/
VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File): https://www.va.gov/forms/21-0966/
VA Special Monthly Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/
VA DIC Rates: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/dependency-indemnity-compensation/survivor-rates/
VA Appeals: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
U.S. Code Title 38: https://uscode.house.gov/
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
