A combined rating is the total disability percentage the VA assigns when a veteran has more than one service-connected condition. Rather than simply adding individual ratings together, the VA uses a special formula that considers how each condition affects the veteran’s overall health and ability to function.

For example, if a veteran has two separate ratings—one at 50% and another at 30%—the combined rating is not 80%. Instead, the VA calculates it based on the idea that the second condition only affects the remaining "non-disabled" portion of the veteran’s body. This often results in a lower total than a simple sum.

The VA uses a method called the “whole person theory” to determine your combined disability rating. They do this to make sure that your total VA disability rating doesn’t add up to more than 100%. That’s because a person can’t be more than 100% able-bodied.

Calculating your combined disability rating involves more than adding up your individual ratings. That’s why your combined rating may be different from the sum of your individual ratings.

Simplified Steps:

1. The VA takes the highest individual rating first

2. Then it applies the next highest rating to the remaining percentage of the body considered “unimpaired”

3. This process repeats for any additional conditions

4. The final result is rounded to the nearest 10%.

Click here to see how VA determines combined disability ratings

Let’s say you have two service-connected ratings:

• One at 50%

• One at 30%

Here’s how the VA combines them:

1. Start with the highest rating first—50%. That means the veteran is considered 50% disabled, and 50% remains “unimpaired”

2. Apply the 30% to the remaining 50% (not the whole person)

   → 30% of 50% = 15%

3. Add that 15% to the original 50%:

   → 50% + 15% = 65%

4. The VA rounds 65% to the nearest 10%, so the combined rating is 70%

If you had a third condition, say 10%, the VA would apply 10% to the remaining 30%, and so on

Click here to watch our YouTube video breaking down combined rating calculations

Your combined rating:

• Determines your monthly compensation amount

• Impacts eligibility for additional benefits like TDIU or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

• May influence state-level veteran benefits based on rating thresholds

At Greene & Marusak, our team can break down your VA decision letter and make sure your combined rating is calculated accurately. If something seems off, we’ll help you appeal and get you the correct compensation.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737