# VA Combined Rating Calculator > Free VA combined rating calculator. Add your ratings, apply the bilateral factor, see the VA math step by step and your estimated 2026 monthly pay. Canonical: https://www.getbasepass.com/tools/va-combined-rating-calculator Last updated: 2026-10-09 Add each disability rating to see your combined rating, the VA math behind it, and an estimated 2026 monthly payment. *Interactive calculator. Use it on the page at https://www.getbasepass.com/tools/va-combined-rating-calculator.* ## How VA math works VA does not add ratings together. Under [38 CFR 4.25](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR4a4a0fe4ca7d8e2/section-4.25), ratings are combined from highest to lowest. Each one applies to the efficiency that is left after the previous ratings, so combined values rise more slowly than the sum. ### Worked example: 50% and 30% A 50% rating leaves 50% of the whole person. A 30% rating takes 30% of that remaining 50%, which is 15. Add it to the first rating: 50 + 15 = 65. The final value is rounded to the nearest 10, and a 5 rounds up, so 65% becomes 70%. That is why two ratings that add to 80 combine to 70. ### The bilateral factor Under [38 CFR 4.26](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR4a4a0fe4ca7d8e2/section-4.26), disabilities of both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles are combined with each other first. VA adds 10 percent of that combined value and treats the total as one rating. For example, 30% and 20% combine to 44%, plus 4.4 is about 48%, which then combines with your other ratings. Tick the bilateral box on two or more rows to apply it. ### How dependents change pay At 30% and higher, VA pays more for a spouse, dependent parents, and children. A child under 18, a child 18 to 23 in a qualifying school program, and a spouse who receives Aid and Attendance each add an amount. At 10% and 20% the rate is the same for everyone. See the [full 2026 VA disability pay chart](https://www.getbasepass.com/va-disability-rates-2026) for every rate. ### Important limits This calculator is informational. VA determines your ratings and payments, and the result here can differ from an official decision. Basepass is independent, is not accredited by VA, and does not help prepare, present, or pursue claims. For claim help, find a [VA-accredited representative](https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp) or use the official VA website. For a broader overview of programs, read the [veteran benefits guide](https://www.getbasepass.com/guides/veteran-benefits), or the [100% disabled veteran benefits guide](https://www.getbasepass.com/guides/100-percent-disabled-veteran-benefits) if your result is 100%. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does VA say 50% and 30% make 70% instead of 80%? VA does not add ratings. Each rating applies to the part of you that is still considered healthy. A 50% rating leaves 50% efficiency, and 30% of that is 15, so the combined value is 65%. VA then rounds to the nearest 10, and 65 rounds up to 70. ### Does the order of my ratings matter? VA combines ratings from highest to lowest. Entering them in a different order here does not change the result because the calculator sorts them the same way. ### What is the bilateral factor? Under 38 CFR 4.26, disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles are combined with each other first. VA then adds 10 percent of that combined value and treats the result as a single rating when combining with your other ratings. ### How are the monthly amounts calculated? They come from the VA compensation rate tables effective December 1, 2025, looked up by your rounded combined rating and your dependents. Ratings of 10% and 20% pay the same regardless of dependents. ### Is this the same as what VA will decide? No. This is an informational estimate. VA decides your ratings, whether a bilateral factor applies, and your payment. Special monthly compensation, offsets, and other adjustments are not included. ### Does this tool store or send my information? No. The math runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere or saved. ### Who can help me with a VA claim or rating decision? Basepass is not accredited by VA and does not help prepare or present claims. For help, contact a VA-accredited representative, such as an accredited Veterans Service Officer, attorney, or claims agent, or use the official VA website. ## Related tools and guides - [Military pay calculator 2026](https://www.getbasepass.com/tools/military-pay-calculator) - [Military retirement calculator](https://www.getbasepass.com/tools/military-retirement-calculator) - [Veteran benefits guide 2026](https://www.getbasepass.com/guides/veteran-benefits) - [Military pay chart 2026](https://www.getbasepass.com/military-pay-chart-2026) - [VA disability rates 2026](https://www.getbasepass.com/va-disability-rates-2026) - [How to get a Veteran ID Card](https://www.getbasepass.com/guides/veteran-id-card) - [Basepass home](https://www.getbasepass.com/)