2026 VA Disability Calculator

If you’ve already filed a claim, you can view the assigned ratings for each of your service-connected conditions, as well as your combined VA disability rating, by signing into VA.gov with a verified account through ID.me or Login.gov.

The VA assigns disability ratings in increments of 10% (0%, 10%, 20%, etc.) based on the severity of your service-connected conditions. Your combined VA disability rating determines your monthly, tax-free compensation.

However, VA math is different from standard math—disability percentages are not simply added together. Instead, the VA uses a percentages-of-percentages method, which applies each new rating to the veteran’s remaining “healthy” portion.

Here is how it works:

• A 10% disability means the VA considers you 90% healthy.
• If you receive another 10% disability, the VA applies that percentage to the remaining 90%. So, in this case, you’d receive 10% of 90%, which is 9%.
• The first 10% + new 9% = 19%. However, the VA rounds your combined disability rating to the nearest 10%, so this would be rounded up to 20%.

This system makes it increasingly difficult to reach 100%, requiring higher-rated conditions to significantly impact your final rating.

Because of how the VA calculates combined ratings, each new condition is applied to your remaining “healthy” percentage—not added to your existing total. That means the higher your combined VA disability rating climbs, the less impact each additional condition has.

For example, if you have 50% PTSD, 50% Sleep Apnea, 20% Diabetes, and 20% Back Condition, your combined rating would add up to 140% using standard math—but under VA math, it would only come out to 80%.

If you believe your VA disability rating is too low, you have a few options—you can:

• File for an increase if your condition has worsened,
• Appeal a low rating by submitting new medical evidence, or
• Claim secondary conditions that stem from your primary disability.

To help you determine the best way to maximize your benefits, we recommend consulting with a VA-accredited advocate or attorney.

In addition to your disability rating, the VA considers the following factors when determining your monthly compensation:

• Bilateral Factor: If you have disabilities affecting both arms or both legs, you may receive an additional percentage boost.
• Dependents: If you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents, your monthly compensation may increase.
• Unemployability (TDIU): If your disabilities prevent you from working, you may qualify for 100% compensation, even if your rating is lower.

If your calculated combined rating is higher than the one the VA awarded, it could be due to missing information or an error in how your claim was processed. We can review your decision to see if you have grounds to file an appeal.

No. Our calculator provides an estimate based on standard combined ratings and doesn’t include SMC. If you think you may qualify for SMC based on loss of use, aid and attendance, or other special circumstances, we can help you explore your options.

Getting denied doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can appeal your VA disability rating by:

• Submitting new medical evidence to support your claim,
• Requesting a Higher-Level Review if you believe the VA made an error, or
• Filing a Board of Veterans’ Appeals claim for a formal review.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you explore your options and build a stronger case.