VA math · Rates · Dependents · TDIU
VA Benefits Calculator
Calculate your combined disability rating using VA math, estimate your monthly compensation with dependents, and understand how the rating system works.
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Combined Rating Calculator
Enter your individual disability ratings to see your combined VA rating and estimated monthly compensation. Rates effective December 1, 2025.
Add Your Individual Disability Ratings
Dependents (30%+ only)
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 provides estimates based on published VA rates. Your actual compensation may differ based on factors not captured here, including bilateral factor application, SMC eligibility, and effective dates. Always verify with the VA or a VSO.
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