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VA math · Rates · Dependents · TDIU

VA Benefits Calculator

Calculate your combined disability rating using VA math and estimate compensation from VA's published 2026 family-status tables.

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Combined Rating Calculator

Enter your individual disability ratings to see a combined-rating and monthly-payment estimate. Published rates effective December 1, 2025.

Add Your Individual Disability Ratings

Dependents (30%+ only)

Uses VA's published 2026 family-status tables for the categories shown. Eligibility and effective dates can change the amount. Review VA's current rates.

Quick Reference: Base Rates (Veteran Alone)

10%

$180.42

/month

20%

$356.66

/month

30%

$552.47

/month

40%

$795.84

/month

50%

$1132.90

/month

60%

$1435.02

/month

70%

$1808.45

/month

80%

$2102.15

/month

90%

$2362.30

/month

100%

$3938.58

/month

How VA Math Works

Two Conditions

Ratings: 70% + 50%

Start at 70% disabled (30% healthy). Apply 50% to the remaining 30% = 15%. Total: 85%. VA rounds to 90%.

Result: 90%

Three Conditions

Ratings: 50% + 30% + 20%

Start at 50% (50% healthy). 30% of 50% = 15% → 65%. Then 20% of 35% = 7% → 72%. VA rounds to 70%.

Result: 70%

Bilateral Factor

Ratings: 40% + 30%

Both knees: 40% left + 30% right = 58% combined. Bilateral factor adds 10% bonus → 63.8%. Then combined with other ratings and rounded.

Result: 60%

Diminishing Returns

Ratings: 10% + 10% + 10% + 10% + 10%

Five 10% ratings: 10 + 9 + 8.1 + 7.3 + 6.6 = 41%. VA rounds to 40%. This is why each additional rating adds less than you'd expect.

Result: 40%

Tax-Free Income

VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at the federal and state level. You do not report it on your tax returns.

Annual COLA Increase

Rates increase each December 1 based on the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). These rates are effective December 1, 2025.

Dependents at 30%+

Additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, parents) only kicks in at 30% or higher. At 10% or 20%, the rate is the same regardless of dependents.

VA Math Is Not Regular Math

The VA uses combined ratings, not addition. 50% + 30% does not equal 80%. Each rating applies to your remaining "healthy" percentage, creating diminishing returns.

This is an estimate

This calculator uses the published VA rates for the dependent categories shown. Your actual compensation may differ based on VA's dependency decisions, bilateral-factor application, SMC eligibility, and effective dates. Verify the result against your VA award and the current official rate table.

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