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VA Disability Combined Rating Formula:
(applied sequentially from largest rating)
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The VA disability combined rating calculates the overall disability percentage when a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions. The VA uses a specific formula that doesn't simply add percentages together, but calculates them sequentially from the largest rating.
The calculator uses the VA's combined rating formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the fact that disabilities are not simply additive. Each additional rating is applied to the remaining "able-bodied" percentage rather than adding to the total disability.
Details: Accurate combined rating calculation is crucial for determining VA disability compensation rates, benefit eligibility, and understanding the overall impact of multiple service-connected conditions on a veteran's life.
Tips: Enter individual disability ratings as comma-separated whole numbers (e.g., "50,30,20"). The calculator will sort them from largest to smallest and apply the VA's combined rating formula.
Q1: Why doesn't the VA simply add percentages together?
A: The VA uses a combined rating system because multiple disabilities don't have an additive effect on a person's overall ability to function.
Q2: How are ratings rounded?
A: Final combined ratings are rounded to the nearest whole number. Ratings ending in .5 or higher are rounded up, others are rounded down.
Q3: What is bilateral factor?
A: For disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles, an additional 10% is added to the combined rating of these disabilities before combining with other ratings.
Q4: Are there minimum combined ratings?
A: Yes, veterans must have at least a 10% combined rating to receive monthly compensation, though some benefits may require higher ratings.
Q5: How often should combined ratings be recalculated?
A: Combined ratings should be recalculated whenever there are new disability decisions, rating increases, or additional service-connected conditions.