How does rounding work for VA combined ratings?

The VA rounds your final combined rating to the nearest 10%, with 5 rounding up (per §4.25). So 65 rounds to 70%, while 64 rounds to 60%. Rounding happens only once — on the final combined value. Intermediate values from the combined ratings table are whole numbers (rounded), but the 10%-rounding only applies at the very end.

What are the 2026 VA disability compensation rates?

The 2026 rates (effective December 1, 2025) reflect the annual COLA adjustment. For a veteran with no dependents: 10% = $180.42/mo, 20% = $356.66/mo, 30% = $552.47/mo, 40% = $795.84/mo, 50% = $1,132.90/mo, 60% = $1,435.02/mo, 70% = $1,808.45/mo, 80% = $2,102.15/mo, 90% = $2,362.30/mo, 100% = $3,938.58/mo. All VA disability compensation is tax-free at the federal and state level.

Is VA disability compensation taxable?

No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at the federal, state, and local level. It does not need to be reported as income on your tax return. This is a significant benefit — a veteran receiving $3,938.58/mo at 100% effectively has more spending power than someone earning the same amount from a taxable job, which would be reduced by 20-30% in income taxes.

VA Disability Calculator

Service-Connected Disabilities1/15

Dependents

Marital Status

Children Under 18

Children 18–24 in School

Dependent Parents

Combined VA Disability Rating

50%

Monthly Compensation

Veteran alone, no dependents

Monthly Payment

$1,132.90

Annual Payment

$13,594.80

Dependent Adjustment

Veteran alone, no dependents

How VA Disability Ratings Are Calculated

Understanding the “whole person theory” and VA math

The VA uses a system called VA math (also known as the “whole person theory”) to calculate combined disability ratings. Unlike simple addition, VA math recognizes that each additional disability affects a progressively smaller portion of your remaining health. This prevents combined ratings from exceeding 100%.

VA Combined Rating Formula:

Combined = A + B × (100 − A) / 100

Where A = higher rating, B = next rating. Per the §4.25 combined ratings table, each intermediate result is rounded to the nearest whole number (0.5 rounds up).

For multiple disabilities, the VA ranks them from highest to lowest, combines the top two using the combined ratings table (38 CFR §4.25), then combines that result with the next rating, and so on. Each intermediate value is rounded to a whole number per the table. Only the final combined value is rounded to the nearest 10%.

Worked Example — Three Disabilities: 50%, 30%, 10%

Step 1: Start with highest rating(50%)

50%

Step 2: Apply 30% to remaining 50%(50 + 30 × 0.50 = 65)

65%

Step 3: Apply 10% to remaining 35%(65 + 10 × 0.35 = 68.5 → 69)

69%

Step 4: Round to nearest 10%(69% → rounds to 70%)

70%

Final Combined Rating70%

Notice: 50% + 30% + 10% = 90% in regular math, but only 70% in VA math. The “missing” 20% reflects the diminishing impact each condition has on overall health.

The Bilateral Factor

Extra credit for paired-extremity disabilities

When you have service-connected disabilities affecting both paired extremities (both arms or both legs), the VA applies a bilateral factor per 38 CFR §4.26. All bilateral extremity conditions are combined together in order of severity, then 10% of the combined value is added (not combined) as a bonus.

Identify Bilateral Conditions

All disabilities affecting paired extremities (both arms, both legs, or all four) are grouped together per §4.26(b).

Combine in Order of Severity

The bilateral conditions are combined using the §4.25 table in order of individual severity, with rounding at each step.

Add the 10% Factor

10% of the combined bilateral value is added (not combined). Example: 44% combined → +4% = 48%.

Combine With Remaining

The bilateral group rating is then combined with non-bilateral disabilities using VA math.

Worked Example — Bilateral Arms + PTSD

Left shoulder (30%) + Right elbow (20%)(§4.25 table: 30 + 20 × 0.70 = 44)

44%

Bilateral factor (+10%)(44 × 0.10 = 4)

+4%

Bilateral group total(44 + 4)

48%

Combine with PTSD (50%)(50 + 48 × 0.50 = 74)

74%

Round to nearest 10%

70%

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Effective December 1, 2025 — adjusted by annual COLA increase

2.5% COLA

2026 cost-of-living adjustment applied to all VA disability rates

VA disability compensation is tax-free and paid monthly on the 1st of each month. Rates are set by Congress and adjusted annually based on the Social Security COLA. Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional compensation for qualifying dependents.

$180.42

10% Rating/month

$1,132.90

50% Rating/month

$3,938.58

100% Rating/month

Rating	Veteran Alone	With Spouse	Spouse + 1 Child
10%	$180.42	$180.42	$180.42
20%	$356.66	$356.66	$356.66
30%	$552.47	$617.47	$666.47
40%	$795.84	$882.84	$947.84
50%	$1,132.90	$1,241.90	$1,322.90
60%	$1,435.02	$1,566.02	$1,663.02
70%	$1,808.45	$1,961.45	$2,074.45
80%	$2,102.15	$2,277.15	$2,406.15
90%	$2,362.30	$2,559.30	$2,704.30
100%	$3,938.58	$4,158.17	$4,318.99

10–20% ratings receive the same amount regardless of dependents. Additional per-child and per-parent amounts apply at 30%+. Rates shown include the 2026 COLA adjustment.

Dependent Benefits & Additional Compensation

How dependents affect your monthly payment at 30%+ rating

Veterans with a combined rating of 30% or higher receive additional monthly compensation for qualifying dependents. The amount increases with your rating percentage.

Spouse

Rates vary by rating and dependent combination. Spouse requiring Aid & Attendance receives an additional $61–$201/mo.

Children Under 18

Rates vary by rating and dependent combination. Additional children under 18 beyond the first add $32–$109/mo.

Children 18–24 in School

$105–$352/mo per child in approved educational programs. Higher than under-18 rates.

Dependent Parents

$42–$141/mo for one parent, $84–$282/mo for two. Must be financially dependent on the veteran.

Important

Dependent additions only apply at 30%+ combined rating. Veterans rated 10–20% receive the same monthly amount regardless of how many dependents they have. Adding a dependent to your VA record requires submitting VA Form 21-686c.

Benefits by Rating Tier

What each disability rating range unlocks

Your combined VA disability rating doesn't just determine monthly compensation — it also unlocks access to additional programs and benefits. Higher ratings provide substantially more support.

Rating	Monthly Range	Key Benefits
10–20%	$180–$357	VA healthcare, commissary access, tax-free compensation
30–60%	$552–$1,435	+ Dependent pay, vocational rehab (Ch. 31), property tax exemptions in many states
70–90%	$1,808–$2,362	+ CHAMPVA for dependents, expanded dental, priority VA scheduling
100%	$3,939+	+ CHAMPVA, DEA (Ch. 35), commissary/exchange, SMC eligibility, state benefits

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

Veterans who cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate even if the combined rating is lower. Requirements: one disability rated 60%+, or two disabilities with a combined 70%+ (with at least one at 40%+).

Common Mistakes & Misconceptions

Avoid these when calculating or claiming VA disability

Adding percentages together

50% + 30% = 65%, not 80%

VA math uses remaining healthy percentage, not simple addition.

Thinking 50% means half your body is disabled

It's a compensation scale

Ratings reflect how much conditions reduce your earning capacity, not literal body percentage.

Expecting more dependents = more at 10-20%

Dependents only matter at 30%+

Veterans rated 10-20% receive the same flat amount regardless of family size.

Intermediate rounding during combination

Only the FINAL result is rounded

The VA keeps exact values through all intermediate steps, rounding only once at the end.

Ignoring the bilateral factor

Both arms or both legs = bonus

The bilateral factor adds ~10% to paired-extremity groups. Many veterans miss this.

Not claiming secondary conditions

Conditions caused by a rated disability count

If a service-connected disability causes a new condition, you can claim it as secondary.

VA Disability Rating vs. Compensation

Why the relationship isn't linear

A common question is why a 100% rating doesn't pay exactly 10× more than a 10% rating. The VA compensation scale is progressive, not proportional — higher ratings receive disproportionately more compensation because they reflect increasingly severe limitations.

10%

$180/mo

1× vs 10%

30%

$552/mo

3.1× vs 10%

70%

$1,808/mo

10× vs 10%

100%

$3,939/mo

21.8× vs 10%

This progressive structure means that increasing from 70% to 80% adds $294/month, while increasing from 10% to 20% adds $176/month. This is why veterans are encouraged to claim every service-connected condition, even at lower individual ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about VA disability ratings, VA math, compensation rates, and benefits

VA disability uses a formula called 'VA math' based on the whole person theory. Disabilities are ranked highest to lowest and combined sequentially. For each step, the next rating is applied only to the remaining healthy percentage — not added outright. For example, 50% + 30%: the 30% applies to the remaining 50% of health, giving 50 + (30 × 0.50) = 65%, which rounds to 70%. This system prevents combined ratings from exceeding 100%.

The VA sorts your individual ratings from highest to lowest and combines them one at a time using the combined ratings table (38 CFR §4.25). Start with the highest rating, then apply each subsequent rating to the remaining healthy percentage. Each intermediate result is rounded to a whole number per the table. For three conditions rated 50%, 30%, and 10%: Step 1: Start at 50%. Step 2: 30% of remaining 50% = 15, total 65%. Step 3: 10% of remaining 35% = 3.5, rounded to 69%. Round to nearest 10% = 70%. Only the final result is rounded to the nearest 10.

The bilateral factor applies per 38 CFR §4.26 when you have disabilities affecting both paired extremities — both arms or both legs. All bilateral extremity conditions are combined together in order of severity using the §4.25 table, then 10% of the combined value is added (not combined). For example, 30% left knee + 20% right knee: table gives 44%, bilateral factor adds 4 (10% of 44, rounded), for a group total of 48%. This value then combines with your non-bilateral disabilities.

Yes, but only if your combined rating is 30% or higher. At 10-20%, you receive the same flat monthly amount regardless of family size. At 30%+, the VA publishes specific rates for each dependent combination. Additional children under 18 (beyond the first) add $32-$109/mo, children 18-24 in school add $105-$352/mo, and a spouse requiring Aid & Attendance adds $61-$201/mo. All amounts vary by rating percentage.

No, the combined disability rating maxes out at 100%. The VA math formula is specifically designed so that each additional disability contributes less and less, making 100% the ceiling. However, you can receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) on top of a 100% schedular rating for conditions like loss of use of a limb, housebound status, or need for regular aid and attendance. SMC payments can add $400-$4,000+ per month beyond the 100% base rate.

Your disability rating is a percentage (0-100%) that represents how much your service-connected conditions reduce your overall health and ability to function. Compensation is the monthly dollar amount the VA pays based on that rating. The relationship is progressive, not proportional — a 100% rating pays about 22× more than 10%, not 10×. This is because higher ratings reflect more severe functional limitations and greater impact on employability.

TDIU allows veterans who cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%. To qualify, you generally need one disability rated at 60%+ or two or more disabilities with a combined 70%+ (with at least one rated 40%+). TDIU is not a separate rating — it's a pay category that provides the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/mo in 2026).

VA disability back pay is retroactive compensation from your effective date (usually the date your claim was filed or the day after discharge) to the date the VA finalizes your decision. If you filed a claim on January 15 and the VA decides your rating on August 1, you receive a lump sum for January through July. Back pay calculations use the rates in effect during each month of the retroactive period. The VA typically pays back pay within 2-4 weeks of the decision.

This calculator uses the same VA math formula and 2026 rate tables published by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides accurate estimates for combined ratings and compensation amounts. However, actual VA determinations may consider additional factors such as Individual Unemployability (TDIU), Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), pre-service aggravation adjustments, and protected ratings. For official decisions, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or consult a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as DAV, VFW, or American Legion.

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Last updated Mar 31, 2026