How does the VA combine multiple disability ratings?

The VA uses the 'whole person' rule from 38 CFR 4.25. They don't add ratings together. They start at 100% healthy and each rating takes a bite out of what's left. That's why two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100% — and round to 80%.

Can I use this calculator if I have TDIU?

TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower. To estimate TDIU pay, set a single 100% rating in this tool — or use our dedicated TDIU eligibility checker.

SMC-K can stack on top of regular pay, so we include it as an option here. For higher SMC levels (L through R-2), use our standalone SMC calculator.

Disability · 2026 Rates

VA Disability Calculator

Add every rating you have. We use the official combined ratings table (38 CFR 4.25), apply the 10% bilateral factor for paired body parts, then add money for your family. Real math — same as the VA.

Your ratings

Pick the body part and side. We auto-detect bilateral pairs and apply the 10% bonus.

Family (only counts if combined rating ≥ 30%)

Married Spouse needs daily care

Kids under 18

Kids in school (18-23)

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Extras (optional)

SMC-K awards (loss of body part)

If you've lost the use of one or more body parts (hand, foot, eye, reproductive organ), each one stacks an SMC-K bonus on top of your regular pay.

How VA combined ratings work

The VA does not just add your ratings together. They use the "whole person" rule. You start at 100% healthy. Each rating takes a bite out of what's left, not out of 100%.

That's why two 50% ratings don't equal 100% — they combine to 75%, which the VA rounds to 80%. The exact formula is in 38 CFR 4.25 (the Combined Ratings Table).

The bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26)

If you have a rating on both sides of your body — both knees, both hips, both shoulders, both elbows, both wrists, both hands, both ankles, both feet, both ears, both eyes, both lungs, both kidneys — the VA gives you a 10% bonus on those ratings before combining them with the rest. Just pick the body part and side for each rating; we auto-detect the pair.

Common questions

What counts as "bilateral"?

Any paired body part where you have a service-connected rating on both the left and right side. Both knees, both hips, both ankles, both feet, both shoulders, both elbows, both wrists, both hands, both ears, both eyes, both lungs, both kidneys — all qualify. Two ratings on the same side don't count. The condition does not have to be the same diagnosis on each side — just the same body part.

Can I use this if I have TDIU?

TDIU (Total Disability for Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower. To estimate TDIU pay, just add a single 100% rating here, or use our TDIU eligibility checker.

What about SMC-K and higher SMC levels?

SMC-K stacks on top of regular pay — we include it as an option above. For SMC-S (housebound) or any level from L through R-2, use the SMC calculator.

Can I get back pay for a past rating?

Yes. VA compensation can be paid retroactively to your effective date (usually the date you filed your claim). Use our Back Pay Calculator to estimate your lump sum.

VA Disability Calculator

How VA combined ratings work

The bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26)

Common questions

Related tools

Back Pay Calculator

SMC Calculator

TDIU Eligibility

Effective Date Tool