VA Disability Calculator and VA Math
Calculating your 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 compensation calculator.
This VA disability rating calculator also accounts for additional factors, including:
- Qualifying dependents;
- 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.
Using the VA Disability Rating Calculator
To calculate your combined disability rating, start by selecting your ratings. 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 rating 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 rating 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 VA Disability Rating?
Veterans with one service-connected disability do not need to do VA math: your single rating will directly correspond to your monthly compensation amount, 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:
Step by Step Instructions to Calculate Your Disability 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 2021, VA grants veterans with a 60 percent rating and no dependents $1,146.39 per month.
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.
What Are the Current VA Disability Rates?
The amount of VA disability compensation veterans receive depends on their combined VA rating.
As of December 1st, 2020 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10 percent disability rating: $144.14 per month
- 20 percent disability rating: $284.93 per month
- 30 percent disability rating: $441.35 per month
- 40 percent disability rating: $635.77 per month
- 50 percent disability rating: $905.04 per month
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,146.39 per month
- 70 percent disability rating: $1,444.71 per month
- 80 percent disability rating: $1,679.35 per month
- 90 percent disability rating: $1,887.18 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $3,146.42 per month
What Are the Most Common VA Disability Claims?
Veterans seek VA 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
Do Your VA Disabilities Prevent You From Working?
If so, you should be rated at 100%, whether via scheduler ratings to total disability based on individual unemployability. Contact us today at 800-544-9144 for a free consultation!
How Can CCK Help?
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 provided by Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD.
To learn more about retro benefits, take a look at our back pay calculator.
If you believe you deserve a higher combined rating or if your service-connected disability prevents you from working, contact CCK for a free consultation at 800-544-9144.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses Veterans Affairs (VA) disability ratings and compensation amounts as of December 1, 2020. 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.
