2026 VA Disability Combined Rating Calculator
Enter your individual disability ratings to calculate your true VA combined rating using official VA math — and estimate your 2026 monthly compensation including dependent additions.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rate Table
Effective December 1, 2025 · 2.8% COLA · Source: VA.gov
| Combined Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | Annual (Alone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42/mo | — | $2,165.04/yr |
| 20% | $356.66/mo | — | $4,279.92/yr |
| 30% | $552.47/mo | $617.47/mo | $6,629.64/yr |
| 40% | $795.84/mo | $882.84/mo | $9,550.08/yr |
| 50% | $1,132.90/mo | $1,241.90/mo | $13,594.80/yr |
| 60% | $1,435.02/mo | $1,566.02/mo | $17,220.24/yr |
| 70% | $1,808.45/mo | $1,961.45/mo | $21,701.40/yr |
| 80% | $2,102.15/mo | $2,277.15/mo | $25,225.80/yr |
| 90% | $2,362.30/mo | $2,559.30/mo | $28,347.60/yr |
| 100% | $3,938.58/mo | $4,158.17/mo | $47,262.96/yr |
How VA Math Works — The Total Person Concept
The VA does not add disability ratings together. Instead, the VA uses the "whole person concept" defined in 38 CFR § 4.25. Each rating is applied to the remaining healthy percentage of the veteran, not the original 100%.
Worked Example: 50% PTSD + 30% Knee + 10% Tinnitus
Apply 50% PTSD to 100% (whole person)
100% × 50% = 50% disabled · Remaining healthy: 50%
Apply 30% knee to remaining 50%
50% × 30% = 15% more disabled · Combined so far: 65% · Remaining healthy: 35%
Apply 10% tinnitus to remaining 35%
35% × 10% = 3.5% more disabled · Combined so far: 68.5% · Remaining healthy: 31.5%
68.5% exact → rounds to 70%
VA rounds to nearest 10%; 0.5 rounds up — so 65.0% → 70%, 64.9% → 60%
The Bilateral Factor (38 CFR § 4.26)
If a veteran has service-connected disabilities affecting both paired extremities — both arms/hands (upper extremity) or both legs/feet (lower extremity) — the VA applies a bilateral factor before combining those ratings with other conditions.
How it works: The bilateral conditions are first combined using VA math. Then 10% of that combined bilateral value is added. The resulting rating (with the 10% factor included) is then entered into the final VA math calculation as if it were a single condition.
Bilateral Example: 40% left knee + 20% right knee
1. Combine bilateral VA math: 40% of 100% = 40% · then 20% of 60% = 12% · combined: 52%
2. Add 10% factor: 52% + (52% × 10%) = 52% + 5.2% = 57.2%
3. Enter 57.2% as a single condition in the final combined calculation.
VA Rounding Rules
The VA rounds the final combined rating to the nearest 10%. A combined value of exactly 5% (the midpoint) rounds up — so 45% rounds to 50%, not 40%. This is standard arithmetic rounding applied at the 10% increment level.
Data Sources & Legal Basis
Compensation rates: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA.gov, effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA) · Combined ratings formula: 38 CFR § 4.25 · Bilateral factor: 38 CFR § 4.26 · This tool provides estimates only. Actual VA payments are determined by the VA based on your specific eligibility status. Always verify rates at VA.gov.
Benefits Eligibility Checker
Find out which VA benefits you may qualify for based on your service history.
Check Eligibility →VA Disability Resources
Quick Facts
10% + 10% combined rating
19% → 20%
50% + 50% combined rating
75% → 80%
70% + 30% combined rating
79% → 80%
Dependent additions start at
30% rating
2026 COLA adjustment
2.8%
Related Tools
Related Articles
Breaking Down the Novel Therapeutics Act: What It Means for Your VA Benefits
VA Health Insurance Rating: What Disability Percentage Do You Need?
VA Issues Immediate Disability Rating Rule Change: Medication Effects Must Now Be Considered
Can You Work With a 100% VA Disability Rating in 2026? VA Provides Clarity