MilPayLabYour VA math, step by step
Ratings are applied from highest to lowest. Each one reduces what's left of the “whole person”.
| Step | Rating applied | Remaining before | Combined value |
|---|
How it works
VA does not add ratings together. It starts with your highest rating, then applies each next rating to the part of you that is not yet considered disabled. Intermediate values are rounded to whole numbers, and the final value is rounded to the nearest 10 (5 rounds up). Your monthly payment then comes from VA's rate table for that combined rating and your dependents.
Combined = A + B × (100 − A) ÷ 100, repeated for each rating
Bilateral = combined bilateral ratings × 1.10, then combined with the rest
Payment = basic rate [rating, spouse/children/parents]
+ each additional child + spouse Aid and Attendance
- Combined so far
- Added by this rating
- Remaining efficiency
Method: 38 CFR 4.25. Pay: VA compensation rates effective Dec. 1, 2025.
Example
A veteran rated 50% and 30% has 50 + 30 × 0.50 = 65, which rounds to a 70% combined rating.
2026 monthly rates for your household
| Combined rating | Monthly | Annual |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
Why don't my VA disability ratings just add up?
VA combines ratings by efficiency, not addition. The highest rating is applied first, and each next rating applies only to the percentage of you that is still considered healthy. For example, 50% and 30% combine to 65%, not 80%.
How does VA round a combined rating?
After combining, VA rounds to the nearest 10. Values ending in 5 round up, so 65% becomes 70%, while 64% becomes 60%.
What is the bilateral factor?
When disabilities affect both arms, both legs, or matching paired muscles, VA first combines those ratings, then adds 10% of that combined value before combining it with your other ratings. This usually raises the result slightly.
Is VA disability compensation taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is not subject to federal income tax.
When do VA disability rates change?
Rates rise each year with the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, effective December 1. The current rates reflect the 2.8% COLA effective December 1, 2025.
MilPayLab is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Results are estimates based on published VA rate tables and the combined ratings rules in 38 CFR 4.25–4.26, and are not legal or financial advice. Only VA can assign your ratings and decide your payment; special monthly compensation (SMC) and other added benefits are not included. Nothing you enter on this page is stored or sent anywhere.