Veterans Benefits Calculator

What Is a Veterans Benefits Calculator?

A Veterans Benefits Calculator is a tool that estimates a veteran’s combined VA disability rating and monthly compensation.

It is based on rules set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The calculator helps veterans:

• Combine multiple disability ratings correctly
• See how VA math actually works
• Estimate monthly disability pay
• Avoid common rating mistakes

It does not replace an official VA decision, but it gives a reliable estimate that helps with planning.

Why VA Disability Ratings Are Not Added Together

Many veterans assume this:

• 50% disability + 30% disability = 80%

That is not how VA math works.

The VA uses what is called the Whole Person Concept.

The Simple Idea Behind VA Math

The VA assumes:

• Every veteran starts at 100% healthy
• Each disability reduces what is left, not the original 100%

Each new rating applies only to the remaining healthy portion of the body.

This method almost always produces a lower combined rating than simple addition.

How the Veterans Benefits Calculator Works

The calculator you shared follows official VA math rules step by step.

Here is how it works in plain terms.

1. You Add Disability Ratings One at a Time

You select ratings such as:

• 10%
• 30%
• 50%
• 70%
• 100%

You can add as many ratings as you have service-connected conditions.

2. Ratings Are Sorted From Highest to Lowest

This matters.

VA math always applies the largest disability first, then moves down.

Example order:

• 70%
• 30%
• 10%

3. The Calculator Applies the Whole Person Formula

The calculator:

• Starts with 100% efficiency
• Subtracts each disability from what remains

Example:

• Start with 100%
• 50% disability removes 50%, leaving 50%
• 30% applies to the remaining 50%, removing 15%
• Remaining efficiency is now 35%

Raw disability = 65%

4. Raw Score Is Rounded Using VA Rules

The VA does not keep exact decimals.

Rules:

• Raw scores are rounded to the nearest whole number
• Final ratings are rounded to the nearest 10%
• Numbers ending in 5 round up

So:

• 64% → 60%
• 65% → 70%

The calculator shows both:

• Raw calculation score
• Final VA rating

This helps you see what happened behind the scenes.

Monthly Compensation Estimates (2025)

The calculator also estimates monthly VA disability pay.

Key details:

• Uses 2025 VA compensation rates
• Assumes veteran only
• No spouse, children, or parents included

Example monthly estimates:

• 50% → $1,075.16
• 70% → $1,716.27
• 100% → $3,737.85

These numbers are estimates, not guarantees.

Why This Calculator Is Helpful

A Veterans Benefits Calculator saves time and frustration.

It helps you:

• Check if a VA decision makes sense
• Plan your finances
• Understand how additional claims might change your rating
• Avoid false expectations from simple math

It is especially useful before:

• Filing a new claim
• Filing for an increase
• Appealing a VA decision

Common Mistakes Veterans Make

Here are mistakes this calculator helps avoid.

Assuming Ratings Add Up

They do not. Ever.

Ignoring Rounding Rules

A small raw difference can change your final rating by 10%.

Forgetting Order Matters

Higher ratings always apply first.

Expecting Exact Pay Matches

Actual VA pay depends on:

• Dependents
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
• Annual rate changes

Important Disclaimer

This calculator:

• Is for education and planning
• Uses official VA math logic
• Does not replace a VA rating decision

Only the VA can issue official disability ratings and payments.