VA Disability Calculator and VA Math
Calculating a combined disability rating using VA math can be confusing and challenging. To simplify this process, the team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD has developed a VA disability benefits calculator.
This VA disability calculator also accounts for additional factors, including:
- Qualifying dependents (e.g., dependent children);
- Rating considerations such as the bilateral factor;
- Aid and Attendance (A/A); and
- Any additional benefits that can increase the monthly payments a veteran receives.
How to Use the Combined Disability Rating Calculator
To calculate your combined disability percentage, start by selecting each individual rating. Make sure to include any extremities with their respective ratings. Then, add qualifying dependents, select your marital status, and include any other special considerations. You can always reset the factors if you need to correct a mistake.
After clicking submit, you will see your potential VA combined disability rating and monthly payment amount.
The VA disability compensation calculator by CCK saves you the time and headache of attempting VA math on your own.
While it may seem like calculating a combined disability percentage requires only simple addition, it quickly turns into calculating percentages of percentages. Two plus two does not always equal four in VA math – so, a disability payments calculator can be quite useful. This VA math calculator can give veterans an idea of what to expect from their VA disability claims.
How Do I Calculate My Combined Disability Rating?
Veterans with one service-connected disability do not need to do VA math. Their single rating will directly correspond to your monthly disability benefits, as per 38 CFR Book C. Veterans with multiple ratings and other considerations will have to calculate a combined disability rating.
Here is how VA math works:
For a veteran with a 50 percent rating for PTSD, 20 percent for TBI residuals, and 10 percent for tinnitus, start with the highest individual rating and subtract it from 100 percent. In this case, the remaining 50 percent represents what the VA calls ‘efficiency.’
Again, determining your combined disability rating is not as easy as adding 50 plus 20 plus 10 to equal 80 percent. See the step-by-step instructions below:
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Step by Step Instructions to Calculate Your Combined VA Rating
Step 1:
First, subtract 50 percent (PTSD rating) from 100 percent (non-disabled/efficiency) to get 50 percent efficiency.
100% – 50% = 50%
Here, you have a base disability rating of 50 percent.
Step 2:
Next, take 20 percent (TBI residuals) of 50 percent (remaining efficiency) to get 10 percent.
20% of 50% = 10%
Step 3:
Then, add the 10 percent to the previously determined 50 percent disability rating to get a 60 percent disability rating and a 40 percent efficiency rating.
50% + 10% = 60% disability
100% – 60% = 40% efficiency
Step 4:
The 10 percent disability rating for tinnitus is then multiplied by the remaining efficiency of 40 percent to get four percent.
10% of 40% = 4%
Step 5:
Finally, add four percent to the 60 percent disability rating to get a 64 percent combined disability rating. VA always rounds ratings to the nearest multiple of 10, so the 64 percent rating is rounded down to a final combined disability rating of 60 percent.
In 2023, VA grants veterans with a 60 percent rating and no dependents $1,319.65 per month.
What Other Factors Does VA Take Into Account? Extremities, Dependents, TDIU, & More
Other influences that may increase a veteran’s monthly compensation include the bilateral factor (a disability affecting both legs, both arms, or paired skeletal muscles), qualifying dependents, and Aid and Attendance. Each of these factors is a part of the CCK VA math calculator.
If your combined disability rating is lower than 100 percent, you may still be able to receive the highest benefit amount through Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disability can file a claim for TDIU.
In addition, veterans who severe disabilities more debilitating than regular disability rates account for may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). VA awards most Special Monthly Compensation rates in place of standard rates except for SMC(k).
Current Disability Rates
The amount of VA disability compensation veterans receive depends on their level of disability, combined VA rating. The below disability pay chart shows VA’s disability compensation rates (i.e., current ratings).
As of December 1st, 2023 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10 percent disability rating: $171.23 per month
- 20 percent disability rating: $338.49 per month
- 30 percent disability rating: $524.31 per month
- 40 percent disability rating: $755.28 per month
- 50 percent disability rating: $1,075.16 per month
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,361.88 per month
- 70 percent disability rating: $1,716.28 per month
- 80 percent disability rating: $1,995.01 per month
- 90 percent disability rating: $2,241.91 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $3,737.85 per month
Most Common VA Disability Claims
Veterans seek disability compensation benefits for a large variety of service-connected disabilities. The most common disabilities range from musculoskeletal conditions to mental health disorders.
These are some of the most common conditions veterans file claims for:
- Tinnitus
- Bilateral hearing loss
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Scars
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Lumbar and Cervical Strains
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
- Limitation of Motion of the Ankle
- Migraines
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
When applying for disability benefits for the above conditions, veterans can submit additional evidence alongside their claim, such as:
- Medical evidence
- Service personnel records
- Medical opinions from the veteran’s treating doctor
- Employment records (especially if the veteran is seeking Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, or TDIU)
- Lay evidence (i.e., lay statements or buddy statements).
Do Your VA Disabilities Prevent You from Working?
If so, you should be rated at 100 percent, whether via a schedular rating or TDIU. Contact us today for a free case evaluation!
Do You Deserve a Higher Disability Rating? CCK Can Help
If you believe you deserve a higher combined rating or if your military service-connected disability prevents you from working, contact the veterans disability lawyers at CCK for a free case evaluation at 800-544-9144.
To learn more about retro benefits, take a look at our back pay calculator.
Again, VA math can be confusing and frustrating. Previously, veterans had to use VA’s Combined Ratings Table and Compensation Benefit Rate Tables to calculate their combined disability rating and compensation amount. Now, you can use the VA disability rating calculator above provided by Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses Veterans Affairs (VA) disability ratings and compensation amounts as of December 1, 2022. It does not account for historical compensation amounts. This calculator is intended to provide an estimate of your VA disability rating and compensation amount. You should not rely on this calculator in your decision making or for your financial planning. This calculator does not provide legal advice, and is not a substitute for legal advice. We do not represent or guarantee that we will obtain the numbers shown in this calculator in your case.
