How it works and why we built it
The 2026 VA Disability Compensation Calculator helps U.S. military veterans estimate their combined disability rating and monthly compensation using the official VA method defined in federal regulations. All calculations are performed instantly in your browser — no data is collected or stored.
The VA does not simply add disability percentages together. Instead, it uses the Combined Ratings Table (38 CFR § 4.25, Table I), which applies each successive disability to the veteran's remaining efficiency rather than their whole person.
Disabilities are sorted from highest to lowest and combined sequentially using the table. The final raw value is rounded to the nearest 10%, with values ending in 5 rounding upward per § 4.25(a).
When a veteran has service-connected disabilities affecting paired upper extremities (both arms or related joints) or paired lower extremities (both legs or related joints), a bilateral factor applies. The paired disabilities are combined first using the table, then 10% of that combined value is added arithmetically before continuing with the remaining disabilities.
Veterans with a combined rating of 30% or higher may receive additional monthly compensation for dependents including a spouse, children under 18, children aged 18–23 enrolled in school full time, and dependent parents. Rates are taken directly from the official 2026 VA compensation rate tables effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA).
SMC-K is a flat additional payment of $139.87 per award (2026 rate) added on top of all other compensation. A veteran may receive up to three SMC-K awards simultaneously for qualifying conditions such as loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities.
If a veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment, they may qualify for TDIU — compensation paid at the 100% rate regardless of their combined percentage. This calculator checks TDIU eligibility based on the standard rating thresholds and displays the applicable 100% compensation rate when the criteria are met.
This calculator is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Results are estimates only and do not constitute legal or benefits advice. Consult a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney for personalized guidance.