VA Disability Calculator
Estimate your combined disability rating and monthly VA disability compensation (with dependents).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VA math work?+
The VA does not add ratings together. Instead, each disability reduces your remaining "whole person" efficiency. Start at 100% healthy. A 70% rating leaves 30%. A second 50% rating takes 50% of the remaining 30% (=15%), leaving 15%. So 70% + 50% = 85% combined (not 120%), rounded to 90%. This is why two 50% ratings equal 75%, not 100%.
How does VA rounding work?+
The VA rounds the combined rating to the nearest 10%. Values ending in 5 or higher round up: 75% → 80%, 65% → 70%. Values ending in 4 or lower round down: 74% → 70%, 64% → 60%. This rounding can make a significant difference in monthly compensation.
When do I get dependent allowances?+
You must have a combined rating of 30% or higher to receive additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents). At 10% and 20%, you receive only the basic veteran rate regardless of dependents.
What is TDIU?+
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at the 100% rate even when your combined rating is below 100%, if you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to your service-connected disabilities. Eligibility: one disability at 60%+, or multiple disabilities combined at 70%+ with at least one at 40%+.
Are VA disability payments taxable?+
No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state level. A $3,828 monthly payment at 100% is equivalent to roughly $5,000 per month in taxable income, depending on your tax rate.
What is the bilateral factor?+
When disabilities affect paired extremities (both arms, both legs), the VA first combines those ratings, then adds 10% of that combined value before combining with other disabilities. This slightly increases the overall combined rating.
How often do VA rates change?+
VA compensation rates are adjusted annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), the same increase applied to Social Security. The 2026 rates (effective December 1, 2025) reflect a 2.5% COLA increase.
What is Special Monthly Compensation?+
SMC provides additional payments beyond the standard rating for severe disabilities. SMC-K (about $140/month) is the most common, for loss of reproductive organs, a hand, a foot, or an eye. SMC-S (about $4,215/month) is for housebound veterans. Higher levels (L through R) can exceed $11,000/month for veterans needing extensive personal care.