Question 1

How is VA disability rating calculated?

Accepted Answer

VA math works just like retail discount stacking. Picture a $100 jacket marked 50% off, then 20% off, then 10% off. That's not 80% off — it's 64% off, because each discount applies to the price after the previous one. VA disability ratings work the same way: each condition's rating applies to your remaining healthy percentage, not the original 100%. The VA then rounds the final number to the nearest 10%, so a calculated 64% combined rating becomes 60%. Ratings are combined from highest to lowest.

Question 2

How does the VA bilateral factor work?

Accepted Answer

The bilateral factor applies when you have disabilities affecting both sides of the body — both arms, both legs, or paired muscle groups (but not paired organs like kidneys). Per 38 CFR 4.26(d), the VA combines the bilateral disabilities first using standard VA math, then adds 10% of that combined value before merging with your other non-bilateral conditions. If applying the bilateral factor produces a lower overall rating, VA removes the bilateral disabilities from the factor and combines separately — whichever method is most favorable to the veteran.

Question 3

Can I get 100% VA disability with multiple smaller ratings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You do not need a single 100% rating to reach 100% combined. Multiple conditions combine using VA math. To reach 100% combined, most veterans need multiple ratings in the 40-70% range plus additional smaller ones. Another path to 100% is TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), which pays at the 100% rate if you have a 60%+ schedular rating and can't maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected conditions — even when your schedular combined rating is below 100%.

Question 4

What's the difference between combined rating and overall rating?

Accepted Answer

Combined rating is the percentage VA calculates using whole-person math across all your service-connected conditions. Overall rating is sometimes used interchangeably, but more precisely refers to your total functional impact. The percentage that matters for your monthly payment is the combined rating, rounded to the nearest 10%. Individual condition ratings (called schedular ratings) are what VA assigns to each diagnosis before combining. Your total monthly compensation is based on the combined rating plus dependents, not on any single condition's rating.

Question 5

How much is 70% VA disability in 2026?

Accepted Answer

As of December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA), a veteran at 70% with no dependents receives $1,808.45 per month tax-free. With a spouse: $1,961.45. With a spouse and one child under 18: approximately $2,074.45. Rates increase with each additional dependent. At 100%, a single veteran receives $3,938.58. Check VA.gov for the official rate tables.