VA Disability Rating Calculator (2026 Rates)
See how VA combines your ratings (it's not simple addition) and estimate your monthly compensation using VA's current rate tables.
1. Your ratings
Add each service-connected rating. For arm or leg conditions, choose the side so the bilateral factor is applied correctly.
2. Dependents (for the payment estimate)
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent or stored.
How VA combines ratings ("VA math")
VA doesn't add ratings together. Under 38 CFR § 4.25, each rating applies to the "remaining" efficiency left after the higher ratings:
- Ratings are sorted from highest to lowest.
- The first rating is taken from 100% efficiency. A 50% rating leaves you 50% "efficient."
- Each next rating applies only to what remains. 30% of the remaining 50 is 15, so 50% + 30% = 65.
- The final value is rounded to the nearest 10. Values ending in 5 round up, so 65 becomes 70%.
The bilateral factor
When you have disabilities affecting both arms or both legs, 38 CFR § 4.26 combines those ratings first, then adds 10% of that combined value before combining with everything else. For example, 40% + 20% on both knees combine to 52, plus 5.2 bilateral factor = 57.2, which is used as 57.
2026 compensation rates
Rates below are VA's basic monthly rates effective December 1, 2025, for a veteran alone and a veteran with a spouse (no children or parents). The calculator uses VA's full tables, including children, parents, school-age children, and a spouse receiving Aid & Attendance.
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 |
VA adjusts rates each December 1 to match the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. We'll update this calculator when VA publishes the December 1, 2026 rates.
Missed secondary conditions and outdated ratings are common. Get a free review.
Sources
VA: 2026 compensation rates · VA: SMC rates · 38 CFR 4.25 · 38 CFR 4.26 · VA: About disability ratings
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't 50% + 30% = 80%?
VA applies each rating to the efficiency that remains after higher ratings. 50% leaves 50% efficient, and 30% of that is 15, so the combined value is 65, which rounds to 70%.
What is the bilateral factor?
When disabilities affect both arms or both legs, VA combines those ratings, then adds 10% of that value before combining the rest. It can raise your overall rating.
Is my information sent anywhere?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser and doesn't send or store anything.
Find out if you may be eligible for more.
The review is free, takes about 10 minutes, and comes with no obligation. Have your DD-214 and any VA decision letters handy.