VA Disability Calculator: Estimate Your Combined Rating and Benefits

How to use the tool

1. List every service-connected condition.
   Example A: Lumbar Strain, Anxiety Disorder
   Example B: Sleep Apnea, Left Wrist Fracture
2. Type the matching percentage for each line.
   Example A ratings: 30, 25
   Example B ratings: 50, 10
3. (Optional) Add context. Notes such as “pending appeal dated 4 Apr 2024” help you track claims.
4. Press “Calculate.” The script sends your data to the process_llm_form API and returns the result instantly.

Formula the calculator uses

For n disabilities with ratings (R_1 … R_n), remaining efficiency multiplies after each entry:

$$ \text{Combined} = 100 – \left( \prod_{i=1}^{n} (100 – R_i) \rac 100^{\,n-1} \right) $$

Worked example A.

• Step 1: Remaining after 30 % = 70 %.
• Step 2: Remaining after 25 % = 70 × 0.75 = 52.5 %.
• Combined = 100 − 52.5 = 47.5 % → rounds to 50 % under VA rules.

Worked example B.

• Remaining after 50 % = 50 %.
• Remaining after 10 % = 50 × 0.90 = 45 %.
• Combined = 100 − 45 = 55 % → rounds to 60 %.

Practical uses

• Preview how new claims alter your pay.
• Check if you cross the 70 % threshold for TDIU consideration.
• Model appeals before spending time on paperwork.

Quick-Facts

• Ratings round to the nearest 10 % in favor of the veteran (38 CFR §4.25).
• A 50 % combined rating pays $1,041.82 per month to a veteran with no dependents (VA Pay Chart, 2024).
• Adding a 10 % condition to an existing 90 % rating usually raises payment to 100 %, a $1,855.91 jump (VA Pay Chart, 2024).
• “The bilateral factor adds 10 % of the combined value of paired extremities” (VA M21-1 Adjudication Manual).

FAQs

What is a combined VA disability rating?

It is the single percentage the VA assigns after accounting for the overlap of multiple conditions; it governs your monthly compensation (VA, 2024).

Why doesn’t the tool simply add my percentages?

Adding would overstate impairment. Remaining-efficiency math ensures each new condition reduces only the body’s undamaged portion, per 38 CFR §4.25.

How does rounding work?

Results ending in 4 % or less round down; 5 % or more round up to the next 10 % (VA, 2024).

Can I include zero-percent ratings?

Yes. They show service connection yet do not change the combined percentage but matter for later increases (VA, 2023).

Does the calculator factor the bilateral rule?

Yes. If you list paired-limb disabilities, the script adds 10 % of their subtotal before final rounding (M21-1, 2024).

Is Total Disability Individual Unemployability decided here?

No. TDIU also needs evidence of work impairment, but you may check if you meet the 60/70 % rating thresholds (VA, 2024).

How often should I recalculate?

Update whenever you file, appeal, or receive a decision so your financial planning matches current potential pay (GAO Report 20-297).

Where can I verify the dollar amounts?

Compare the tool’s payment estimate with the official VA Disability Compensation table posted annually on benefits.va.gov (VA Pay Chart, 2024).

Create Your Own Web Tool for Free

Tool Description:

Create a Web Tool!