2025 VA Disability Calculator

Confused about your VA disability rating? You’re not alone. One of the most frequent questions veterans ask is, “How did the VA calculate my combined disability rating?” If you’ve added up your individual ratings and the total doesn’t seem right—you’re likely running into what’s often called “VA math.”

When the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates your disability claims, it doesn’t simply add percentages together. Instead, it uses a combined rating formula based on the principle that each new disability applies only to the “non-disabled” portion of your body.

For example:

• Your first 10% rating is taken from 100% health.
• Your second 10% rating is then taken from the remaining 90%, which equals 9%.
• Total: 10% + 9% = 19%, which is rounded up to 20%.

This system becomes even more challenging as you approach higher ratings. A veteran with 50% for PTSD, 50% for sleep apnea, and two 20% ratings for diabetes and back pain doesn’t receive a 140% rating. Instead, the combined rating rounds out to just 80%.

The VA’s combined disability rating determines how much monthly compensation a veteran receives. As of 2025:

• An 80% rating (with no dependents) pays $2,044.89 per month.
• A 100% rating pays $3,831.30 per month.

That’s almost double the compensation for just a 20% increase on paper. This is why understanding the VA’s rating system is critical for ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.

The VA does consider more than just your primary service-connected disabilities. These factors can significantly increase your combined rating:

1. The Bilateral Factor

If you have disabilities on both limbs (arms, legs, or paired skeletal muscles), the VA applies a bilateral factor, which gives a percentage boost to your overall rating.

2. Too Many Ratings on One Limb

In certain cases, if too many disabilities affect a single limb, the VA may stop counting some of them, which can lower your combined rating.

3. Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% compensation level even if your combined rating is less than 100%.

You may be entitled to more than standard compensation if you qualify for:

• Aid and Attendance (for veterans needing help with daily living)
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe disabilities
• Additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents)
• TDIU, if you can’t work due to your conditions

Even if your combined rating is below 100%, you could still receive 100% benefits through TDIU or SMC.

Are You Getting the VA Compensation You Deserve?

Thousands of veterans across the country have chosen Veterans Help Group to get them the disability benefits they deserve. If your VA disability rating seems inaccurate or you’re struggling to reach 100%, we’re here to help. Whether you’re fighting for TDIU, challenging an unfair rating, or dealing with complex combined percentages, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Contact us today at 855-855-8992 or click here for a free case evaluation and let our experienced VA disability advocates help you get the benefits you deserve.

Disclaimer: This calculator is designed to give you a general estimate of your potential VA disability rating and monthly compensation amount. However, it should not be relied upon for decision-making, financial planning, or legal guidance. The results are not a guarantee, nor do they reflect the full complexity of how the VA calculates disability ratings. For a more accurate and personalized assessment of your benefits, call Veterans Help Group today.