VA combined rating ("VA math"), explained, with a calculator

VA doesn't add your ratings. Two 10% ratings make 19% (rounded to 20%), not 20%. VA uses the "whole person" method: each new rating applies only to the part of you that's still "not disabled." This page follows VA's own steps from About disability ratings and the combined ratings table in 38 CFR 4.25.

VA's steps

1. Sort your ratings from highest to lowest.
2. Combine the top two using VA's table. Example: 50% and 30% = 65.
3. Combine that unrounded value with the next rating. Example: 65 and 10 = 69.
4. Repeat until all ratings are in, then round the final value to the nearest 10. Values ending in 1–4 round down, 5–9 round up. Example: 69 → 70%.

Quick calculator

Common surprises

• 10% + 10% = 20%, but 10% + 10% + 10% = 27 → 30%, and four 10%s = 34 → 30%.
• 50% + 50% = 75 → 80%, not 100%.
• Getting from 90% to 100% on combined math alone is very hard; 100%-level pay usually comes from a single 100% rating, TDIU (paid at the 100% rate) or a temporary total rating.
• Arms or legs on both sides? VA adds a bilateral factor before combining (38 CFR 4.26), so your real number can be higher than this calculator shows.

Once you know your combined rating, read the 2026 VA disability pay chart.

Related: PACT Act presumptive conditions · 2026 VA disability pay chart · VA combined rating (VA math) · Intent to File · Top 10 most-missed benefits · All vet benefit guides