💰
$3,737.85
2025 Max Monthly
💑
+$208.41
With Spouse
👶
+$31-$137
Per Child
🎖️
5.2M+
Veterans Served

Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Calculator 2025

Last updated: January 2025 | Using official 2025 VA compensation rates (3.2% COLA increase)

Calculate Your Monthly Veterans Affairs Compensation

✓ Updated for 2025 • Official VA Rates • Last verified: January 2025

Calculate your monthly VA disability compensation using the latest 2025 rates. Enter your disability ratings and dependent information to get an accurate estimate. Learn more about VA disability ↓

How to use: Enter your disability ratings in the first tab, then add any dependents in the second tab. Your monthly compensation will update automatically.

Disability Ratings

Combined Rating: 0%

Add your disability ratings to see your combined rating

Dependents & Benefits

Marital Status

Children

Parents

Your Monthly Compensation

$0.00
Annual: $0.00

Payment Breakdown

Base Rate: $0.00

Complete VA Disability Guide

How VA Disability Compensation Works

VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to veterans who are disabled due to injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. This program recognizes the sacrifices made by service members and provides financial support to help maintain quality of life after service.

Who Qualifies for VA Disability?

To be eligible for VA disability compensation, you must meet three basic requirements:

  • Military Service: You must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
  • Disability Rating: You must have a current disability rated at least 10% disabling
  • Service Connection: The disability must be connected to your military service (service-connected)

Understanding Disability Ratings

The VA rates disabilities on a scale from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. These ratings reflect the severity of your disability and its impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities. A 0% rating means you have a service-connected disability but it doesn't significantly impair your ability to work, while a 100% rating indicates total disability.

Your disability rating determines your monthly compensation amount. Veterans with multiple disabilities receive a combined rating that may be different from simply adding percentages together due to VA's unique calculation method. The higher your combined rating, the more compensation you receive each month.

Types of Service Connection

VA recognizes several ways a disability can be connected to military service:

  • Direct Service Connection: Disability caused by an event or injury during service
  • Aggravated Service Connection: Pre-existing condition made worse by military service
  • Presumptive Service Connection: Certain conditions presumed to be service-connected based on exposure or service location
  • Secondary Service Connection: Disability caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition
Understanding VA Math (Combined Ratings)

VA disability math, officially called "combined ratings," uses a specific formula that doesn't simply add percentages together. Instead, the VA calculates combined ratings by considering how much "ability" remains after each disability. This system ensures fair compensation while preventing ratings from exceeding 100%.

How VA Math Works

The VA uses a bilateral factor calculation that works as follows:

  1. Start with your highest-rated disability
  2. Calculate the remaining "whole person" percentage (100% - disability %)
  3. Apply the next disability as a percentage of the remaining ability
  4. Continue this process for each additional disability
  5. Round the final result to the nearest 10%

Example 1: Two Disabilities

Scenario: 30% back injury + 20% knee injury

Calculation:

  • Start with 30% back injury
  • Remaining ability: 100% - 30% = 70%
  • 20% knee injury of remaining 70% = 14%
  • Combined rating: 30% + 14% = 44%
  • Final rating: 40% (rounded down)

Example 2: Three Disabilities

Scenario: 50% PTSD + 30% back injury + 10% tinnitus

Calculation:

  • Start with 50% PTSD
  • Remaining ability: 100% - 50% = 50%
  • 30% back injury of remaining 50% = 15%
  • New total: 50% + 15% = 65%
  • Remaining ability: 100% - 65% = 35%
  • 10% tinnitus of remaining 35% = 3.5%
  • Combined rating: 65% + 3.5% = 68.5%
  • Final rating: 70% (rounded up)

Example 3: Multiple Ratings Reaching 100%

Scenario: 60% PTSD + 40% back injury + 30% knee injury

Calculation:

  • Start with 60% PTSD
  • Remaining ability: 100% - 60% = 40%
  • 40% back injury of remaining 40% = 16%
  • New total: 60% + 16% = 76%
  • Remaining ability: 100% - 76% = 24%
  • 30% knee injury of remaining 24% = 7.2%
  • Combined rating: 76% + 7.2% = 83.2%
  • Final rating: 80% (rounded down)

Why VA Math Exists

This calculation method prevents veterans from receiving more than 100% disability compensation while ensuring that multiple disabilities are properly compensated. It recognizes that disabilities don't simply add together but interact in complex ways that affect overall functioning.

2025 VA Rates and COLA Adjustments

VA disability compensation rates are adjusted annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) determined by the Social Security Administration. For 2025, veterans received a 3.2% increase in their monthly disability compensation, reflecting the rising cost of living and ensuring benefits maintain their purchasing power.

What is COLA?

The Cost of Living Adjustment is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index measures changes in the prices of goods and services that urban wage earners typically purchase. When inflation occurs, COLA increases help veterans maintain their standard of living.

2025 Rate Increases

The 3.2% increase for 2025 means that veterans at all disability rating levels received higher monthly payments. For example, a veteran with a 100% disability rating saw their monthly compensation increase from approximately $3,737 to $3,857. Even smaller ratings received proportional increases, ensuring all disabled veterans benefit from the adjustment.

Factors Affecting Your Rates

Several factors determine your exact monthly compensation amount:

  • Disability Rating: Your combined disability percentage (10% to 100%)
  • Dependent Status: Spouse, children, and dependent parents increase compensation
  • Special Circumstances: Aid and attendance benefits for severely disabled veterans
  • Bilateral Factors: Additional compensation for disabilities affecting both arms or legs

When Rates Take Effect

COLA adjustments typically take effect on December 1st of each year, with the first increased payment arriving in January. Veterans don't need to apply for these increases - they're automatically applied to all eligible compensation payments. The VA typically announces the new rates in October, giving veterans advance notice of their increased benefits.

Dependent Benefits Explained

VA disability compensation increases when you have dependents, recognizing that disabled veterans often have additional financial responsibilities. The VA defines dependents as spouses, children, and dependent parents who rely on the veteran for financial support. Understanding these benefits helps ensure you receive the maximum compensation you're entitled to.

Spouse Benefits

If you're married, you automatically receive additional compensation for your spouse. The amount varies based on your disability rating and whether your spouse qualifies for additional benefits. For veterans with 30% or higher ratings, spouse compensation ranges from approximately $54 per month (30% rating) to $195 per month (100% rating) in 2025.

Children Benefits

Children under age 18, or under 23 if attending school, qualify as dependents. The VA also recognizes children over 18 who became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18 due to a disability. Compensation for children varies by:

  • Number of Children: First child, second child, and additional children each have different rates
  • Child's Age: School-age children (18-23) receive slightly higher benefits
  • Special Circumstances: Disabled adult children may qualify for additional benefits

Dependent Parent Benefits

Parents who depend on the veteran for financial support may also qualify for additional compensation. To qualify, parents must have limited income and resources, typically less than $13,000 annually. The veteran must be providing at least half of the parent's financial support. Benefits for dependent parents range from approximately $65 to $169 per month depending on the veteran's disability rating.

Combined Family Benefits

When you have multiple dependents, the benefits stack together. For example, a veteran with a 100% disability rating, a spouse, and two children under 18 could receive over $4,000 per month in 2025. The exact amount depends on the specific combination of dependents and their qualifying circumstances.

How to Add Dependents

To receive dependent benefits, you must add your dependents to your VA claim. This can be done when initially filing for disability or by submitting a separate form (VA Form 21-686c) to add dependents later. You'll need to provide documentation such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of dependency for parents.

It's important to keep your dependent information current. Notify the VA immediately of changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or changes in dependent status. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment that must be repaid.

Filing and Appealing Your VA Claim

Navigating the VA claims process can seem overwhelming, but understanding the steps and requirements makes it much more manageable. The VA has streamlined the process in recent years, offering multiple ways to file claims and providing better support for veterans throughout the process. With proper preparation and understanding of the system, you can successfully obtain the benefits you deserve.

Initial Claim Process

Filing your initial VA disability claim involves several key steps:

  1. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant medical records, military service records, and supporting documentation
  2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: The Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
  3. Submit Supporting Documents: Include medical evidence, service records, and any private medical records
  4. Schedule C&P Exam: Attend Compensation and Pension examination if requested
  5. Wait for Decision: VA typically takes 3-6 months to process initial claims

Types of Claims

The VA recognizes several types of claims, each with specific requirements:

  • Original Claims: First-time applications for disability benefits
  • Increased Rating Claims: Requests for higher disability ratings due to worsening conditions
  • New Claims: Applications for additional disabilities not previously claimed
  • Secondary Claims: Conditions caused or aggravated by already service-connected disabilities
  • Presumptive Claims: Conditions presumed to be service-connected based on exposure or service location

Evidence Requirements

Strong evidence is crucial for successful claims. The VA looks for three types of evidence:

  • Medical Evidence: Current diagnosis, treatment records, and medical opinions connecting the condition to service
  • Service Records: Military medical records, incident reports, and documentation of in-service events
  • Lay Evidence: Personal statements from the veteran, family members, and fellow service members

Understanding VA Decisions

When the VA makes a decision on your claim, you'll receive a detailed letter explaining their findings. The decision letter will include:

  • Granted Conditions: Disabilities approved for service connection and their ratings
  • Denied Conditions: Disabilities not approved and reasons for denial
  • Effective Dates: When your benefits begin
  • Appeal Rights: Information about how to challenge unfavorable decisions

Appeals Process

If you disagree with the VA's decision, you have several appeal options:

  • Higher-Level Review: Request review by a senior VA adjudicator within one year
  • Supplemental Claim: Submit new evidence to support your claim
  • Board of Veterans' Appeals: Appeal to the Board for a formal hearing

Each appeal option has specific requirements and timelines. You typically have one year from the date of the VA's decision to file an appeal. Consider consulting with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited representative to help navigate the appeals process.

Tips for Success

Several strategies can improve your chances of a successful claim:

  • Be Thorough: Include all relevant medical evidence and don't assume the VA has access to your records
  • Get Help: Work with a VSO, attorney, or claims agent familiar with VA processes
  • Stay Organized: Keep copies of all documents and correspondence
  • Be Patient: The process takes time, but persistence often pays off
  • Follow Up: Check your claim status regularly and respond promptly to VA requests

✓ Accurate Calculations

This calculator uses official 2025 VA compensation rates including tiered dependent rates that vary by rating percentage and number of dependents.

Understanding Veterans Affairs Disability Math

The VA uses the "whole person" concept. Instead of adding disabilities together (50% + 30% = 80%), each disability is calculated based on remaining capacity.

Example Calculation:

First disability: 50% (leaves you 50% able)

Second disability: 30% of remaining 50% = 15%

Combined: 50% + 15% = 65% (rounds to 70% for pay)

2025 Veterans Affairs Disability Pay Rates

Note: The rates shown below reflect accurate 2025 VA compensation rates. For complex dependent scenarios with multiple children or parents, the calculator uses official tiered rates where first dependents receive higher compensation than subsequent dependents.

Rating Veteran Alone With Spouse With Spouse + 1 Child Each Additional Child Under 18 Each Child 18-23 in School

Frequently Asked Questions

How does VA math work? ▼

VA math, officially called "combined ratings," uses the "whole person" concept that recognizes you can't be more than 100% disabled. Instead of simply adding percentages together, the VA calculates each additional disability as a percentage of your remaining ability to function. This system ensures fair compensation while preventing ratings from exceeding 100%.

Here's how it works step-by-step: First, the VA takes your highest-rated disability. Then, for each additional disability, they calculate what percentage of your remaining ability it affects. The formula is: remaining ability = 100% - current combined rating. Each new disability is then calculated as a percentage of this remaining ability.

Concrete Example: Let's say you have three disabilities: 40% PTSD, 30% back injury, and 20% knee injury. Start with 40% PTSD (highest rating). Remaining ability: 100% - 40% = 60%. The 30% back injury affects 30% of your remaining 60% ability = 18%. New total: 40% + 18% = 58%. Remaining ability: 100% - 58% = 42%. The 20% knee injury affects 20% of your remaining 42% ability = 8.4%. Final combined rating: 58% + 8.4% = 66.4%, which rounds to 70% for payment purposes.

This system recognizes that disabilities don't simply add together but interact in complex ways. A veteran with multiple conditions often experiences compounded effects that traditional addition wouldn't capture. The VA rounds final ratings to the nearest 10%, which can sometimes work in your favor (66.4% becomes 70%) or against you (74.4% becomes 70%).

Why doesn't 50% + 50% = 100%? ▼

This is one of the most confusing aspects of VA disability compensation, but it makes sense once you understand the "whole person" concept. The VA doesn't view disabilities as simply additive because that would imply you could be more than 100% disabled, which is impossible. Instead, they consider how much functional ability you have left after each disability.

Here's the detailed breakdown: If you have a 50% disability, the VA considers you 50% able to function normally. When you add a second 50% disability, it doesn't affect your original 50% loss - it affects your remaining 50% ability. So the second disability is calculated as 50% of your remaining 50% ability, which equals 25% additional disability. Your combined rating becomes 50% + 25% = 75%, which rounds to 80%.

Why This System Exists: The VA's approach recognizes that disabilities interact with each other in complex ways. A veteran with two 50% disabilities doesn't experience twice the impact of one 50% disability - the effects compound and overlap. This system also prevents veterans from receiving compensation that exceeds what's possible (you can't be more than 100% disabled).

Real-World Impact: This means that as you add more disabilities, each additional one has a smaller impact on your overall rating. This can be frustrating for veterans who feel their multiple conditions should add up to 100%, but it's designed to be fair and mathematically consistent. Understanding this system helps veterans set realistic expectations about their potential combined ratings.

What is the bilateral factor? ▼

The bilateral factor is a special calculation that recognizes that disabilities affecting both sides of paired body parts are more disabling than the sum of their individual ratings. This applies to paired extremities (both arms, both legs, both feet, both hands) and paired skeletal muscles. The VA adds 10% of the combined value of bilateral disabilities before applying them to your overall rating calculation.

The Bilateral Factor Formula: First, combine your bilateral disabilities using regular VA math. Then, add 10% of that combined value. The formula is: Bilateral Factor = (Combined Bilateral Rating) + (Combined Bilateral Rating × 0.10). This additional percentage recognizes the compounded functional impact of bilateral conditions.

Real Scenario Example: Let's say you have 40% for your left knee and 30% for your right knee. First, combine them using VA math: Start with 40% left knee. Remaining ability: 100% - 40% = 60%. Right knee (30%) affects 30% of remaining 60% = 18%. Combined bilateral rating: 40% + 18% = 58%. Now apply the bilateral factor: 58% + (58% × 0.10) = 58% + 5.8% = 63.8%. This bilateral factor (63.8%) is then used in your overall rating calculation with other disabilities.

Why It Exists: Bilateral disabilities create unique challenges that single-sided disabilities don't. Losing function in both knees, for example, affects your entire mobility system, balance, and ability to perform daily activities in ways that two separate knee injuries wouldn't. The bilateral factor compensates for this compounded functional loss and recognizes the increased difficulty in adapting to bilateral impairments.

Important Note: The bilateral factor only applies to disabilities affecting paired body parts. If you have a 40% back injury and a 30% knee injury (unilateral), the bilateral factor doesn't apply because these aren't paired conditions. The factor specifically recognizes the unique challenges of bilateral impairments.

Can I receive more than 100% disability? ▼

No, the maximum combined disability rating is 100% - you cannot receive more than 100% for your disability rating itself. However, this doesn't mean your total monthly compensation is capped at the 100% rate. The VA provides several ways to increase your monthly payment beyond the base 100% compensation through additional benefits and special circumstances.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): This is the most significant way to receive additional compensation. SMC is paid for specific severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities that result in unusual circumstances. There are multiple SMC levels (SMC-K through SMC-S), each providing different amounts of additional compensation.

SMC-K: Awarded for specific conditions like loss of use of a hand, foot, or reproductive organ, or for severe conditions like erectile dysfunction due to service-connected medication. Pays approximately $128 per month in 2025.

SMC-L through SMC-N: Awarded for loss of use of paired extremities or combinations of severe disabilities. For example, SMC-L is for loss of use of both feet, both hands, or one hand and one foot. SMC-M is for loss of use of both legs at or above the knee. These levels provide significantly higher compensation than the base 100% rate.

SMC-R: Awarded when you need regular aid and attendance for daily activities, or are permanently housebound due to service-connected disabilities. This can provide substantial additional compensation.

Other Additional Compensation: Dependents (spouse, children, parents) can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly payment. Veterans with 100% ratings and a spouse and two children can receive over $4,000 monthly in 2025. You may also qualify for additional compensation for specific conditions like bilateral blindness or deafness.

How to Apply: SMC is typically awarded automatically when the VA recognizes qualifying conditions, but you can also file for it specifically if you believe you qualify. The key is ensuring all your disabilities are properly documented and rated.

How often do VA disability rates increase? ▼

VA disability compensation rates increase annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which is determined by the Social Security Administration using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This ensures that veterans' benefits maintain their purchasing power as the cost of living rises.

Timeline and Process: The COLA calculation is based on the average CPI-W for the third quarter (July, August, September) of the current year compared to the same period from the previous year. The Social Security Administration typically announces the COLA percentage in October, and the VA adopts this same percentage for disability compensation.

2025 COLA Increase: For 2025, veterans received a 3.2% increase in their disability compensation, reflecting the rising cost of living. This means a veteran with a 100% disability rating saw their monthly compensation increase from approximately $3,737 to $3,857. Even veterans with lower ratings received proportional increases.

When Changes Take Effect: The new rates typically take effect on December 1st of each year, with the first increased payment arriving in January. Veterans don't need to apply for these increases - they're automatically applied to all eligible compensation payments. The VA usually publishes the new rate tables in October, giving veterans advance notice of their increased benefits.

Historical Context: COLA increases have varied significantly over the years, from 0% during periods of low inflation to over 14% during high inflation periods like the 1980s. The 3.2% increase for 2025 represents a moderate adjustment that helps veterans keep pace with rising costs while maintaining the program's fiscal sustainability.

Automatic Application: Unlike many other benefits, veterans don't need to take any action to receive COLA increases. The VA automatically applies the new rates to all active disability compensation payments, ensuring that all eligible veterans receive the adjustment without delay.

How do I file for VA disability? ▼

Filing for VA disability benefits can seem overwhelming, but the process has been streamlined in recent years to make it more accessible. You have three main options for filing: online through VA.gov (the fastest and most efficient method), by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, or in person at a VA regional office. Each method has its advantages, but online filing is generally recommended for faster processing.

Required Documentation: You'll need several key documents to support your claim. Most importantly, you need medical evidence that connects your current condition to your military service. This includes current medical records showing your diagnosis and treatment, military service records documenting any injuries or illnesses during service, and your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). You should also gather any private medical records, statements from family members or fellow service members, and documentation of any incidents that caused your condition.

The Filing Process: Start by completing VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits). This form asks for detailed information about your military service, current disabilities, and medical treatment. You'll need to provide specific dates, locations, and circumstances related to your conditions. Be as detailed as possible - vague or incomplete information can delay your claim or result in denial.

What Happens Next: After filing, the VA will review your application and may request additional information or schedule you for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination. This exam is conducted by a VA-contracted doctor who will evaluate your conditions and provide an opinion on whether they're connected to your military service. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months for initial claims, though this can vary based on complexity and VA workload.

Tips for Success: Consider working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV, which provide free assistance with claims. These organizations have accredited representatives who understand the VA system and can help ensure your claim is properly prepared. Keep copies of everything you submit, and respond promptly to any VA requests for additional information.

Getting Help: Don't navigate this process alone. The VA has Veterans Service Representatives who can help, and many communities have VSOs that provide free assistance. You can also consult with accredited attorneys or claims agents, though these services typically require a fee. The key is to be thorough, accurate, and persistent throughout the process.

Veterans Affairs Disability Rating Guide

The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your service-connected condition. Ratings are given in 10% increments from 0% to 100%.

0% Rating: Service-connected condition exists but doesn't cause significant impairment
10%-20%: Mild impairment with some impact on daily activities
30%-40%: Moderate impairment affecting work and daily life
50%-70%: Significant impairment with substantial impact on employment
80%-90%: Severe impairment with major limitations
100%: Total disability or unemployability due to service-connected conditions

Additional Veterans Affairs Benefits

Beyond basic disability compensation, veterans may qualify for additional benefits:

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Additional compensation for veterans with severe disabilities requiring special care, loss of use of limbs, or other qualifying conditions.

Aid & Attendance

Additional monthly payment for veterans who need help with daily activities or are housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

Individual Unemployability (IU)

May qualify for 100% compensation if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining gainful employment.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Monthly benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who died from service-connected conditions.

VA Disability Resources

🏛️ Official VA Resources

  • VA.gov
    Official VA website for disability benefits, claims, and services
  • eBenefits
    Access your disability compensation, view claim status, and manage benefits
  • MyVA411
    VA's comprehensive contact and support system for veterans

🏥 Common VA Disabilities

Tinnitus 10%
PTSD 10-100%
Back Conditions 10-60%
Knee Injuries 10-50%
Depression/Anxiety 10-100%
Ratings vary based on severity and impact on daily life. These are typical ranges.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on official 2025 VA compensation rates published by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The calculations include accurate base rates and dependent additions that vary by rating percentage. However, individual circumstances may vary, and this tool does not account for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) made after January 2025, or state-specific benefits. For official determinations, please consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs or an accredited Veterans Service Officer. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.