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VA Rating Assistant

Rating Calculator

Calculate your combined rating and estimated monthly compensation (2026 rates). This tool runs in your browser.

Combined rating estimator

Add each service-connected percentage. Mark paired arms or legs to apply the bilateral factor. Rounding follows VA's nearest-ten rule.

Pre-round

50.0%

Combined rating

50%

Monthly estimate (2026)

$1,102.04

Educational estimate only. Real awards depend on effective dates, staged ratings, SMC, offsets, and evidence. Always confirm against your decision letter or VA.gov before relying on these numbers.
This calculator provides an estimated VA disability rating and compensation amount for informational purposes only. Actual VA decisions may differ, because many factors (medical evidence, effective-date rules, special monthly compensation, offsets, and more) affect final ratings and payments. This tool is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For official guidance or help filing a claim, please contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer (e.g., your local DAV office). The figures shown here reflect the VA compensation tables effective December 1 2025 (2026 rate year).

Calculator FAQ

Why doesn't 50% + 30% equal 80%?

VA math uses the whole-person concept, not simple addition. A 50% rating leaves 50% healthy. Then 30% of that remaining 50% is 15%. So 50% + 30% becomes 65%, and the VA rounds that to 70%.

What is the bilateral factor and when does it apply?

If you have rated disabilities affecting both arms or both legs, the VA combines those ratings together first, adds a 10% bilateral bonus to that subtotal, then combines it with your other ratings. This often produces a slightly higher combined rating.

How does the VA round my combined rating?

The VA rounds to the nearest 10%. Values ending in 5 or higher round up (75% to 80%), and values ending in 4 or lower round down (74% to 70%). That rounding step can materially change monthly compensation.

What is TDIU and could I qualify?

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at the 100% rate even when your combined rating is below 100%. You may qualify if you have one disability at 60%+ or one at 40%+ with a combined 70%+, and your service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment.

Do more dependents increase my VA rating?

No. Dependents do not change your disability rating percentage. But at 30% combined and above, eligible dependents increase your monthly compensation. At 10% or 20%, dependent additions do not apply.

What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?

SMC is additional compensation paid on top of standard VA disability rates for severe circumstances, such as loss of use of limbs, blindness, or need for regular aid and attendance. This calculator does not estimate SMC eligibility.

Can I use this calculator to estimate a rating increase?

Yes. Enter your current rated conditions first and confirm the estimate aligns with your award letter. Then add the new condition you may claim to estimate your projected combined rating and compensation change.

Is this calculator accurate?

The rating math follows VA combined-ratings rules, including bilateral logic, and compensation estimates are based on published 2026 VA rates. Real payments can still differ due to effective dates, offsets, SMC, and other case-specific factors. Always verify against your official VA decision.