VA Combined Rating Quick Check

Combine two VA disability ratings in seconds using the same whole-person formula VA uses — not simple addition. Free, no sign-up.

Why VA disability ratings don't just add up

It's the single most common mistake veterans make estimating their own rating: adding two ratings together like 50% + 30% = 80%. VA doesn't work that way. Under 38 CFR §4.25, VA rates the whole person — each new disability is combined against your remaining non-disabled percentage, not your full percentage. Two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%.

Method: VA's official Combined Ratings Table formula (38 CFR §4.25) · Deterministic calculation

Formula

— VA combined rating —
combined = higher_rating
combined = combined + (100 − combined) × (next_rating / 100)
final = round combined to nearest 10 (.5 rounds up)
Rating 1Rating 2Combined (rounded)
50%30%65% → 70%
70%40%82% → 80%
90%10%91% → 90%

This quick check combines two ratings only and does not apply the bilateral factor. See the full calculator below for 3+ disabilities, bilateral factor, monthly pay, and back pay.

This quick check handles two ratings — useful for a fast gut-check, but most real claims involve more moving parts: three or more disabilities, a bilateral factor for paired-limb conditions, and turning your final percentage into an actual monthly payment amount.

For the full combined-rating calculator — plus dedicated monthly pay, compensation-with-dependents, and back-pay calculators — use Combined Rating Calc:

Use the Full VA Combined Rating Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't VA disability ratings just add up?

VA rates the whole person, not the sum of parts. Under 38 CFR §4.25, each additional rating is applied to your remaining, non-disabled percentage rather than added directly — two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%.

What is the VA combined ratings formula?

Combined = combined + (100 - combined) x (next rating / 100), applied one rating at a time from highest to lowest, then rounded to the nearest 10 at the very end (values ending in .5 round up).

Do I round after every step or only at the end?

Only at the end. A common mistake is rounding the running total after each disability is combined — VA's official Combined Ratings Table only rounds the final result.

What is the bilateral factor?

Under 38 CFR §4.26, disabilities affecting paired limbs (both arms or both legs) are combined together first, then that sub-total gets a 10% bump before being combined with your other ratings. This quick check does not apply the bilateral factor — use the full calculator above for that.

Does a higher combined rating always mean more monthly pay?

Yes, but the dollar amount isn't a simple percentage of a base rate — VA publishes fixed monthly payment tables per rating percentage and dependent status. The rating percentage alone doesn't tell you the payment amount.

Is this quick check accurate for 3 or more disabilities?

This quick check only combines two ratings. For three or more disabilities, plus the bilateral factor and monthly pay lookup, use the full calculator above.