VA Bilateral Factor: Extra Compensation for Paired Disabilities
How having disabilities on both sides of your body can increase your rating
Many veterans don't know about the bilateral factor — a special VA calculation that can increase your combined disability rating when you have conditions affecting paired body parts.
What is the Bilateral Factor?
The bilateral factor is an additional 10% added to your combined rating when you have disabilities affecting:
- Both arms
- Both legs
- Paired skeletal muscles
Example: Knee Conditions
Let's say you have:
- Left knee: 10%
- Right knee: 10%
Without bilateral factor:
- 10% + (10% of remaining 90%) = 10% + 9% = 19%
- Rounded = 20%
With bilateral factor:
- Combined rating: 19%
- Bilateral factor: 19% × 10% = 1.9%
- New total: 19% + 1.9% = 20.9%
- Rounded = 20%
In this case, the bilateral factor doesn't change the rounded rating, but with higher percentages, it often does.
When It Makes a Big Difference
The bilateral factor matters most when:
- You have multiple bilateral conditions
- Your combined rating is near a rounding threshold
- You have conditions rated 20% or higher on both sides
Use Our Calculator
Our VA Combined Rating Calculator automatically applies the bilateral factor when you check the box.