VA math explained: why your ratings don’t add up

How the calculation works

VA puts individual ratings in order from highest to lowest, then combines them using its combined ratings table. A 50% rating leaves 50% remaining efficiency. A second 50% rating applies to that remaining half: 25 percentage points. The combined value is 75%, which rounds to an 80% combined rating.

With more conditions, VA continues combining before rounding the final result to the nearest 10%. Values ending in 5 round up. Rounding to the nearest 10% after each condition can produce an incorrect answer.

A three-rating example

For ratings of 50%, 30%, and 10%, the first two combine to 65. The combined ratings table then combines 65 with 10 to reach 69. Only then is the result rounded to 70%.

Intermediate table values are whole numbers. Keeping unlimited decimal places through every step is not the same procedure as using the VA table.

Why your individual ratings matter

An overall rating of 80% does not tell you the exact combined value behind it. Two veterans with the same rounded rating can get different results when another condition is added. Enter the individual ratings from your decision letter in the calculator. Do not enter your overall combined rating as an additional disability.

When the basic math is not the whole answer

Qualifying disabilities of paired limbs may involve the bilateral factor. Some conditions have special rating rules or cannot be rated separately for the same symptoms. The calculator combines percentages you supply; it does not decide whether VA can award each separate rating.

TDIU and special monthly compensation can also change payment without following the ordinary combined-rating payment alone. Compare the calculation with your actual award letter and ask an accredited representative about discrepancies.