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VA Combined Rating Calculator (2026)
Combined ratings use whole-person math, not simple addition. This calculator applies the rules in 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.25 and 4.26 and shows 2026 monthly estimates.
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How does the VA combined rating calculator work?
Enter individual ratings (0–100 in steps of 10). Check the bilateral box for conditions that affect both arms or both legs. The calculator sorts ratings from highest to lowest, applies each to the remaining healthy portion (efficiency), combines any bilateral group first and adds 10 percent of that value (capped at 100), then combines the result with the other ratings. The exact combined value and the rounded rating (nearest 10 percent; 5 rounds up) are shown, along with estimated monthly compensation for a veteran alone and with a spouse using 2026 rates.
Estimates only; the VA decides your rating. Rates are for a veteran alone or with spouse (dependents add only at 30 percent and above). Source: VA.gov rates table effective December 1, 2025. Next adjustment December 1, 2026.
What is whole-person math under 38 C.F.R. § 4.25?
Combined ratings are not added together. The VA starts with 100 percent efficiency (a whole person) and reduces the remaining efficiency by each rating in descending order. For example, a 50 percent rating leaves 50 percent efficiency. A subsequent 30 percent rating is applied to the remaining 50 percent: 30 percent of 50 is 15, so the combined value is 50 + 15 = 65, which rounds to 70 percent.
A second example: 50 percent + 30 percent + 20 percent. After 50 + 30 the exact combined value is 65. Applying 20 percent to the remaining 35 percent efficiency yields an additional 7, for an exact combined value of 72, which rounds to 70 percent. The final combined rating is always rounded to the nearest 10 percent.
How does the bilateral factor work under 38 C.F.R. § 4.26?
When both arms or both legs are affected, the individual ratings for those paired extremities are first combined using the whole-person method. Ten percent of that combined value is then added (not to exceed 100 percent). The resulting figure is treated as a single rating and combined with any other (non-bilateral) ratings.
This bilateral factor applies only to the paired extremities. Other conditions are combined in the normal descending order after the bilateral result is calculated. The calculator applies this sequence automatically when the bilateral checkbox is selected.
What monthly rates does the calculator use?
The calculator displays estimated monthly compensation using the 2026 rates effective December 1, 2025, for a veteran alone and for a veteran with a spouse. Dependents increase the rate only at 30 percent and above. Compensation is tax-free. The next cost-of-living adjustment is scheduled for December 1, 2026. Full tables appear on the 2026 VA disability pay rates page. Source: VA.gov rates table.
These figures are estimates based on the rounded combined rating. Actual payments depend on the VA’s decision, any dependents, and other factors. No payment is guaranteed.
What are the limitations of this calculator?
This tool provides an estimate only. The VA decides service connection, individual ratings, combined ratings, effective dates, and payment amounts based on the evidence in your file and the applicable regulations. Special monthly compensation, total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and other factors are not included. TDIU pays at the 100 percent rate when service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment and schedular thresholds are met (38 C.F.R. § 4.16).
Always review your decision letter and consider speaking with an accredited representative. Free help is available from Veterans Service Organizations. Requests submitted through this website are reviewed by Milberg, PLLC. VA Disability Help is a marketing service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Submitting a request does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 50 percent plus 30 percent not 80 percent?
How does the bilateral factor affect the calculation?
Does the calculator guarantee a payment amount?
Can I include more than 12 ratings?
Where can I find the official rate tables?
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