VA Disability Combined Ratings Explained

Why 30% + 20% doesn't equal 50% in VA math

If you have multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA doesn't simply add your ratings together. Instead, they use a "whole person" concept that can be confusing at first.

The Whole Person Concept

The VA starts with the idea that a person is 100% able-bodied. Each disability reduces that ability, but from the remaining able-bodied percentage — not from the original 100%.

Example Calculation

Let's say you have:

• 30% disability for a back condition
• 20% disability for a knee condition

The calculation works like this:

1. Start with 30% (you're 70% able-bodied)
2. Take 20% of the remaining 70% = 14%
3. Add: 30% + 14% = 44%
4. Round to nearest 10% = 40% combined rating

The Bilateral Factor

If you have disabilities affecting both sides of your body (both knees, both shoulders, both wrists, etc.), the VA adds an extra 10% bilateral factor. This is calculated before rounding.

Why This Matters

Your combined rating determines your monthly compensation. Higher ratings mean significantly more benefits:

• 10% = $175.51/month (2026)
• 50% = $1,102.32/month
• 100% = $3,606.78/month

Use Our Calculator

Our VA Combined Rating Calculator does the math for you, including the bilateral factor.