Combine VA disability ratings by 38 CFR 4.25, apply the bilateral factor, and look up the monthly compensation
Updated October 2026
Start with the highest rating; the veteran is treated as that much disabled and the rest as still “efficient.” Each further rating applies only to the efficient part: combined = A + B × (100 − A) ÷ 100, rounded to a whole number, which is exactly what 38 CFR 4.25 Table I tabulates. Combine in order of severity, keep the unrounded combined value between steps, and round to the nearest 10 only at the end. VA’s own examples: 60% and 30% make 72 (70%); 60%, 40% and 20% make 76, then 81, rounded to 80%.
| Ratings | Combined value | Final rating | Monthly pay, alone | With spouse and 1 child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% and 30% | 65 | 70% | $1,808.45 | $2,074.45 |
| 40% and 20% | 52 | 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,322.90 |
| 60%, 40% and 20% (38 CFR 4.25 example) | 81 | 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,406.15 |
| 60%, 20%, and 10% on each knee (4.26 example) | 74 | 70% | $1,808.45 | $2,074.45 |
| Five ratings: 30, 20, 10, 10, 10 | 60 | 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,663.02 |
| 70% and 70% | 91 | 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,704.30 |
When both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles have compensable disabilities, 38 CFR 4.26 combines the two sides first, then adds (not combines) 10% of that value, and treats the result as one disability. Two 10% knee ratings combine to 19, plus 1.9 makes 21; with 60% and 20% elsewhere the order is 60, 21, 20, giving 68, then 74, rounded to 70%. VA drops a disability from the bilateral calculation if that would give a higher result, which this calculator does not test.
VA’s rates effective December 1, 2025 pay $180.42 a month at 10% and $356.66 at 20%, regardless of dependents. From 30% up, the basic rate depends on whether you have a spouse, dependent parents and children, and VA adds a set amount for each additional child under 18, each child 18 to 23 in school, and a spouse who receives Aid and Attendance. VA’s worked example: 70% with a spouse and three children under 18 starts at $2,074.45 for a spouse and one child, adds $76 for each of the other two children and $141 because the spouse receives Aid and Attendance, for $2,367.45. Rates rise with each Social Security cost-of-living adjustment; VA had not posted a December 2026 table when this page was updated.
It does not decide what a condition is rated; VA assigns individual ratings from medical evidence under the rating schedule. It does not include special monthly compensation (SMC), total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU), temporary 100% ratings, offsets for military retired pay or other payments, or back pay. For a claim or an appeal, work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, agent or attorney; VA accredits them and they often help at no charge.
Adding ratings. 50% and 30% is 70%, not 80%, and 40% and 20% is 50%.
Rounding at each step. Round once, at the end.
Forgetting dependents. From 30% up, a spouse, children and parents raise the payment; add them in VA.gov.
Expecting 0% to pay. A 0% service-connected rating pays nothing monthly but can matter for other benefits.