VA Disability Calculator

Calculate your VA combined disability rating and estimated monthly compensation. Uses the official VA combined rating formula ('VA math') with 2026 compensation rates and dependent allowances.

Your Disability Ratings

50%

30%

Spouse

Children Under 18

Children 18-23 (in school)

Combined VA Disability Rating

70%

Exact: 65.0% (rounded from 50% + 30% = 80% simple sum)

Monthly (tax-free)

$1,758.02

Annual (tax-free)

$21,096.24

20-Year Lifetime

$421,924.80

Compensation Breakdown

1.Base rate (70%, veteran alone): $1,758.02/mo

Total Monthly$1,758.02

VA Math Breakdown

1.Ratings (highest to lowest): 50%, 30%

2.Simple addition would be: 80% — but VA uses combined math

3.Apply 50%: 100.0 × 50% = 50.0 → 50.0% remaining

4.Apply 30%: 50.0 × 30% = 15.0 → 35.0% remaining

5.Combined: 100 - 35.0 = 65.0%

6.Rounded to nearest 10%: 70%

2026 VA Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)

Rating	Monthly	Annual
10%	$175.51	$2,106.12
20%	$347.14	$4,165.68
30%	$537.26	$6,447.12
40%	$773.82	$9,285.84
50%	$1,102.04	$13,224.48
60%	$1,394.80	$16,737.60
70%	$1,758.02	$21,096.24
80%	$2,044.30	$24,531.60
90%	$2,296.58	$27,558.96
100%	$3,828.06	$45,936.72

Rates effective December 1, 2025 (2.5% COLA). Dependent additions available at 30%+. Source: VA.gov

TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)

If you can't work due to service-connected disabilities, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate ($3,828.06/mo) even if your combined rating is less than 100%. Eligibility: one disability at 60%+, or two+ disabilities with 70%+ combined and at least one at 40%+. Your current combined rating may qualify you for TDIU consideration.

2026 rates effective December 1, 2025 (2.5% COLA increase). VA disability compensation is completely tax-free. This calculator uses the official VA combined rating formula. Actual ratings are determined by VA examiners based on medical evidence and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4). This does not include the bilateral factor. Consult a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney for your specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does VA math work?+

The VA doesn't add ratings. Instead, each disability reduces your remaining 'whole person' efficiency. Start at 100% healthy. A 70% rating leaves 30% remaining. A second 50% rating takes 50% of the remaining 30% (=15%), leaving 15% remaining. So 70% + 50% = 85% combined (not 120%), which rounds to 90%. This is why two 50% ratings equal 75%, not 100%.

How does VA rounding work?+

The VA rounds the combined rating to the nearest 10%. Values ending in 5 or higher round up: 75% → 80%, 65% → 70%. Values ending in 4 or lower round down: 74% → 70%, 64% → 60%. This rounding can make a significant difference in monthly compensation.

When do I get dependent pay?+

You must have a combined rating of 30% or higher to receive additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents). At 10% and 20%, you receive only the base veteran rate regardless of dependents.

What is TDIU?+

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is less than 100%, when you can't maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities. Eligibility: one disability at 60%+, OR two+ disabilities with 70%+ combined and at least one at 40%+.

Are VA disability payments taxable?+

No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at the federal and state level. A $3,828/month payment at 100% is equivalent to roughly $5,000/month in taxable income depending on your tax bracket.

What is the bilateral factor?+

When disabilities affect paired extremities (both arms, both legs), the VA combines those ratings first, then adds 10% of that combined value before combining with other disabilities. This slightly increases the overall combined rating.

How often do VA rates change?+

VA compensation rates are adjusted annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), the same increase applied to Social Security. The 2026 rates (effective December 1, 2025) reflect a 2.5% COLA increase.

What is Special Monthly Compensation?+

SMC provides additional pay above the standard rating for severe disabilities. SMC-K (~$140/month) is the most common, paid for loss of a creative organ, hand, foot, or eye. SMC-S (~$4,215/month) is for housebound veterans. Higher levels (L through R) can exceed $11,000/month for veterans requiring extensive personal care.