VA Disability Rating & Compensation Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your combined VA disability rating and potential monthly compensation. Please enter your individual disability ratings. The VA uses a specific "whole person" method to combine ratings, which is not a simple addition.
Your Estimated VA Disability:
Combined VA Disability Rating (Rounded): N/A
Estimated Monthly Compensation: N/A
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on current VA compensation rates (2024) and common scenarios. Actual compensation may vary based on specific VA regulations, individual circumstances, and annual rate adjustments. This is not a guarantee of benefits. For official information, please consult the Department of Veterans Affairs or a DAV representative.
Understanding VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with disabilities that are a result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. The amount of compensation you receive depends on your disability rating, which is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
How VA Disability Ratings Are Combined ("VA Math")
One of the most common points of confusion for veterans is how the VA combines multiple disability ratings. Unlike simple addition, the VA uses a "whole person" concept. This means that subsequent disabilities are applied to the "remaining efficiency" of the veteran, not to the original 100%.
Here's a simplified explanation of the process:
- The VA starts with the assumption that a veteran is 100% able-bodied.
- The highest disability rating is applied first. For example, if you have a 60% disability, you are now 60% disabled and 40% able-bodied.
- The next highest disability rating is then applied to the *remaining* able-bodied percentage. If your next rating is 40%, it's applied to the remaining 40% ability (40% of 40% = 16%).
- This 16% is added to your existing 60% disability, making your total 76% disabled.
- This process continues for all individual ratings.
- Finally, the total combined disability percentage is rounded to the nearest 10% (e.g., 76% rounds to 80%, 64% rounds to 60%, 65% rounds to 70%).
This method ensures that a veteran's total disability rating never exceeds 100% and reflects the impact of multiple conditions on the overall functioning of the individual.
Factors Affecting Your Monthly Compensation
Once your combined disability rating is established, several factors influence your monthly compensation amount:
- Combined Disability Rating: This is the primary factor. Higher ratings generally result in higher compensation.
- Number of Dependents: If you have a spouse, dependent children (under 18, or 18-23 and in school), or dependent parents, your compensation may increase.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): This is an additional benefit paid to veterans with specific severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities, such as the need for Aid and Attendance (A&A) from another person, or being housebound.
- Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): VA compensation rates are typically adjusted annually based on COLA to keep pace with inflation.
The Role of DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. DAV provides free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service. This includes helping veterans navigate the complex VA claims process, understanding their disability ratings, and appealing unfavorable decisions. While this calculator provides an estimate, a DAV service officer can offer personalized guidance and official assistance with your claim.