How the VA Combined Rating Calculator Works
The VA doesn't simply add your disability ratings together. Instead, the Combined Ratings Table uses a "remaining efficiency" approach. Each rating is applied to your remaining "healthy" percentage, so a 50% and 30% rating combine to 65% (rounded down to 60%), not 80%.
2026 VA Disability Pay Chart
Monthly compensation rates effective December 1, 2025:
| Rating | No Dependents | With Spouse | Spouse + 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $211.41 | $237.65 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $388.95 | $420.32 |
| 30% | $524.26 | $573.41 | $612.93 |
| 40% | $755.28 | $810.53 | $855.19 |
| 50% | $1,041.59 | $1,102.94 | $1,153.69 |
| 60% | $1,316.35 | $1,383.80 | $1,440.65 |
| 70% | $1,663.19 | $1,737.74 | $1,801.78 |
| 80% | $2,012.31 | $2,093.96 | $2,165.10 |
| 90% | $2,319.33 | $2,407.08 | $2,486.36 |
| 100% | $3,829.44 | $3,964.92 | $4,056.32 |
Most Common VA-Rated Conditions
Based on VA claims data, the most frequently service-connected disabilities include:
- Tinnitus (10%): The #1 most common VA rating, usually caused by noise exposure during service.
- Hearing Loss (0-10%+): Often paired with tinnitus from the same cause.
- PTSD (30-100%): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is rated based on severity of symptoms and occupational impairment.
- Lower Back / Lumbar Strain (10-40%): Common from physical training, jumps, and equipment loads.
- Migraines (10-50%): Rated by frequency, duration, and severity.
- Sleep Apnea (30-50%): Often rated 50% if you need a CPAP machine.
- Knee Injuries (10-30%): Common from running, jumps, and physical training.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (10-100%): Rated based on residual symptoms and cognitive effects.
- Hypertension (10-30%): High blood pressure often service-connected.
- Diabetes Type 2 (10-40%): Sometimes linked to Agent Orange exposure or other service causes.
Why the VA Doesn't Add Ratings
If the VA simply added ratings, two 50% disabilities would equal 100% — but the veteran would still have some "healthy" portion remaining. The Combined Ratings Table accounts for this by applying each rating to the remaining "well" percentage:
- 50% + 30% = 65% combined (rounds down to 60%)
- 50% + 50% = 75% combined (rounds down to 70%)
- 70% + 30% = 79% combined (rounds down to 70%)
- 100% + anything = 100% (you can't be more than 100%)
Tips for Increasing Your Rating
- Get a Current Diagnosis: Make sure each condition has a current medical diagnosis from a recent exam.
- Strong Medical Evidence: Submit private medical opinions, buddy statements, and current treatment records.
- File a Supplemental Claim: Use VA Form 20-0995 to add new evidence to an existing claim.
- Be Specific About Severity: Describe how your condition affects work, sleep, relationships, and daily life.
- Attend C&P Exams: Cooperate fully with Compensation & Pension exams — they're critical.
Tax Treatment of VA Disability
VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at the federal level. Most states also exempt it from state income tax. It does not affect your eligibility for Social Security Disability, SNAP, or housing assistance (and in some cases helps qualify you for additional state benefits).