VA Disability Calculator 2026
Estimate your monthly tax-free compensation based on your disability rating and dependents. Uses official FY2026 VA rates.
VA Combined Rating Calculator
Uses official VA math to combine multiple disability ratings
2026 compensation rates (effective Dec 1, 2025)
Combined Rating
rounded
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,132.90
Yearly Total: $13,594.80
Veterans at 30%+ receive additional compensation for dependents.
* Based on 2026 VA compensation rates (Dec 1, 2025)
How VA Math Works
The VA doesn't simply add ratings. Each disability is applied to your remaining "whole person" percentage.
Example: 50% + 50% = 50% + (50% of remaining 50%) = 50% + 25% = 75%, rounded to 80%.
Bilateral Factor
Disabilities affecting paired extremities (both knees, both shoulders, etc.) get a small boost. The VA combines bilateral ratings first, then adds 10% of that combined value (not a flat 10%). Example: 10% + 10% = 19% combined → +1.9% bilateral factor = 20.9%.
Now that you have your estimate, learn how to win it.
Your rating is only as strong as the evidence behind it. Our step-by-step VA disability guide walks you through everything — from locking your backpay date to protecting your final rating.
Understanding VA Disability Compensation
How Ratings Work
VA disability ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. Your rating reflects how much your service-connected conditions affect your ability to function. Higher ratings mean higher monthly payments.
Dependent Rates
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional compensation for dependents. This includes spouses, children under 18, children 18-23 in school, and dependent parents.
VA Math for Combined Ratings
If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses “VA math” to calculate your combined rating. Conditions are combined using a specific formula, not simply added together. For example, 50% + 30% doesn’t equal 80% — it equals 65%. Learn exactly how the VA combines ratings in our Caluza Triangle guide.
Important Note
This calculator uses FY2026 VA compensation rates (effective December 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.8% COLA increase). Actual payments may vary. The VA makes official determinations on ratings and compensation. Rates are adjusted annually for cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the VA pay for a 100% disability rating in 2026?
In 2026, a single veteran with a 100% disability rating receives $3,737.85 per month. This amount increases with dependents — for example, a 100% rated veteran with a spouse receives $3,946.25 per month. Rates reflect the 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025.
How does VA math work for combined disability ratings?
VA math doesn't simply add percentages together. Instead, each additional condition is applied to the remaining 'healthy' percentage. For example, if you have a 50% rating and a 30% rating: the 30% applies to the remaining 50% of health (30% of 50% = 15%), giving a combined 65%, which rounds to 70%. This is why two 50% ratings don't equal 100% — they combine to approximately 75%.
What VA disability rating do I need to get dependent benefits?
You need a combined rating of 30% or higher to receive additional compensation for dependents. Dependents include your spouse, children under 18, children 18-23 enrolled in school full-time, and dependent parents. The additional amount increases with your rating percentage.
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state level. This makes your VA disability payment worth significantly more than the same amount in taxable income. For example, $3,737.85/month tax-free is equivalent to roughly $4,500-$5,000 in pre-tax income depending on your tax bracket.
When do VA disability rates increase each year?
VA disability compensation rates are adjusted annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which typically takes effect December 1st each year. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% COLA increase. The adjustment is automatic — you don't need to apply for the increase.