How VA Combined Disability Ratings Work

VA Math: Why 30% + 20% Doesn't Equal 50%

The VA uses combined ratings — not simple addition. Each additional rating is applied to the remaining percentage of your body, not the total.

The Formula

1. Start with your highest-rated condition
2. Apply the next rating to what's "left over"
3. Repeat for each condition
4. Round to the nearest 10%

Example

A veteran has three conditions: 50%, 30%, and 20%.

Step	Calculation	Result
Start	100% (whole body)	100%
Apply 50%	100% × 0.50 = 50% disabled	50% remaining
Apply 30%	50% × 0.30 = 15% more	65% disabled, 35% remaining
Apply 20%	35% × 0.20 = 7% more	72% disabled
Round	72% rounds to...	70%

50% + 30% + 20% = 70% (not 100%)

The Bilateral Factor

If you have conditions affecting both sides of the body (both knees, both shoulders, etc.), the VA adds a 10% bonus to the combined rating of those bilateral conditions before combining them with the rest.

Key Thresholds

Combined Rating	Monthly Payment (2026, no dependents)
10%	~$171
30%	~$524
50%	~$1,075
70%	~$1,716
100%	~$3,737

TDIU: The 100% Backdoor

If your combined rating is at least 60% (single condition) or 70% (combined, with one at 40%+), you may qualify for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower.