VA Disability Calculator

Category: Retirement
- April 06, 2025
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Calculate your VA disability compensation based on your combined disability rating and additional factors like dependents and special monthly compensation.

Veteran Information

Individual Disability Ratings

1

Dependent Information

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

About VA Disability Compensation

VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.

How VA Calculates Combined Ratings
  1. Begin with your highest disability rating (this represents the percentage of your "whole person" that is disabled)
  2. Calculate your remaining efficiency (100% minus your disability percentage)
  3. Apply your next highest disability rating to your remaining efficiency
  4. Continue this process for all disabilities
  5. Round the final combined value to the nearest 10%
Dependents and Additional Benefits
  • Veterans with a combined rating of 30% or higher may receive additional compensation for dependents
  • Dependents can include a spouse, children under 18, children between 18-23 who are in school, and dependent parents
  • Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) provides additional benefits for veterans with specific, severe disabilities
Important Notes
  • This calculator provides an estimate of VA disability compensation benefits
  • Actual benefit amounts are determined by the VA based on official disability ratings and verification of dependents
  • Compensation rates are typically adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases
  • For official benefit information, contact the VA or visit their website

VA Disability Calculator: Estimate Your Monthly Compensation

Combined Rating Formula:
Combined Rating = 100 − (RE₁ × RE₂ × … × REₙ)
Where RE = Remaining Efficiency after each disability is applied

What Is the VA Disability Calculator?

The VA Disability Calculator helps veterans estimate their monthly and annual compensation based on their service-connected disabilities, dependent status, and any special monthly compensation (SMC) they may be eligible for. This tool is especially useful for planning finances and understanding how multiple disability ratings affect total benefits.

How the Calculator Works

Unlike traditional calculators that add percentages directly, this calculator uses the VA’s official “remaining efficiency” method. Each disability is applied in order from highest to lowest, reducing your remaining efficiency with each step. The result is a combined disability rating, which is then used to calculate your estimated monthly payment.

How to Use the Calculator

  • Enter the effective date of your benefits.
  • Add each of your service-connected disabilities with its corresponding percentage.
  • Select your marital status and indicate the number of dependents, such as children or parents.
  • Check any applicable Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) options, such as Aid & Attendance.
  • Click “Calculate Benefits” to view your estimated monthly and annual compensation.

Key Features

  • VA Rating Breakdown: Understand how your individual ratings combine into a final percentage.
  • Dependent Compensation: See how your family situation affects your benefits.
  • SMC Estimator: Include advanced benefits for serious disabilities.
  • Monthly Payment Tool: Get a clear view of what your compensation might look like per month and per year.

Why Use This Calculator?

Planning ahead is easier when you have a clear estimate of your VA benefits. This calculator can be helpful when comparing your potential benefits with other financial planning tools like a salary calculator, student loan repayment estimator, or a budget calculator. Whether you’re exploring retirement options or reviewing your finances with a net income tool, this calculator fits right in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How accurate is this calculator?

This tool provides a close estimate based on current VA compensation rates and formulas. Actual award amounts are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Can I include all my disabilities?

Yes, you can add as many disabilities as needed, each with its individual rating percentage and description.

Do I need to be married or have children to use this?

No. The calculator works for all situations. However, having dependents may increase your estimated compensation.

What is “Remaining Efficiency”?

The VA doesn’t simply add up your disability percentages. Instead, it subtracts each new rating from what’s left of your efficiency. For example, a 50% rating leaves 50% efficiency. A second 30% rating is applied to that remaining 50%, not the original 100%.

Is this the same as a loan calculator or salary estimator?

No, but it complements them. While tools like a loan repayment calculator or credit card interest estimator help manage debt and earnings, the VA Disability Calculator focuses on helping veterans understand their potential compensation.

Helpful Tip

Use this tool alongside other resources like a commission calculator, tax refund estimator, or payment breakdown tool to get a full picture of your finances.

Disclaimer

This calculator offers an unofficial estimate of VA benefits. For a final determination, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs directly or visit their official website.