VA Disability Ratings Explained (2026)

Quick answer: A VA disability rating (0%–100%, in 10% steps) measures how much a service-connected condition affects you and sets your monthly pay. In 2026, a 10% rating pays $180.42 and a 100% rating pays $3,938.58 (veteran alone). Multiple conditions are merged with the VA’s combined ratings formula, not simple addition.

Key takeaways

• VA ratings run from 0% to 100% in 10% increments and determine your monthly compensation.
• When you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a combined ratings formula, so two 50% ratings do not equal 100%.
• In 2026, a 70% rating (veteran alone) pays $1,808.45/month and an 80% rating pays $2,102.15/month.
• Dependent add-ons begin at the 30% rating level; veterans rated 10–20% receive no dependent amounts.
• You can request a higher rating or appeal a decision if your condition worsens or the VA underrated it.

What is a VA disability rating?

A VA disability rating is a percentage that reflects how severely a service-connected condition limits your health and ability to function. The VA assigns ratings in 10% increments, from 0% up to 100%. A 0% rating means the condition is service-connected but not currently severe enough to warrant payment, though it can still qualify you for some benefits.

Your rating drives your monthly compensation amount. For a full breakdown of who qualifies and how to file, see our VA Disability Benefits 2026 guide.

How the combined ratings formula works

When you have more than one service-connected condition, the VA does not simply add the percentages. Instead, it uses a combined ratings formula that treats each condition as acting on the “remaining” healthy portion of you. For example, a 50% condition leaves 50% healthy; a second 50% condition then applies to that remaining 50%, producing a combined value of 75% — which rounds to the nearest 10%.

This is why two 50% ratings combine to 80% (after rounding), not 100%. The VA also rounds your final combined number to the nearest 10%. Because the math gets complex with three or more conditions, use the official combined ratings table at VA.gov to confirm your number.

What each rating pays in 2026

Your combined rating sets your monthly tax-free payment. The table below shows 2026 amounts for a veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025.

Combined rating	2026 monthly amount (veteran alone)
10%	$180.42
70%	$1,808.45
80%	$2,102.15
100%	$3,938.58

Dependent add-ons start at 30%. A 30% rating with a spouse and no other dependents pays $617.47 per month. Veterans rated 10% or 20% receive no add-ons for dependents. For the full ratings tables, including 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 90%, see VA.gov.

How to increase or appeal a rating

If your condition gets worse, you can file a claim for an increased rating with new medical evidence. If you believe the VA underrated you, you can appeal through a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or a Board appeal. A free Veterans Service Officer can help you choose the right path. Learn the basics in our How to Apply for VA Benefits guide.

For the big picture of all VA programs, see our Veterans Benefits 2026 Guide.

People Also Ask

How does the VA calculate a combined disability rating?

The VA uses a combined ratings formula, not simple addition. Each condition applies to the remaining healthy percentage. So a 50% and a 30% condition combine to 65%, which rounds to 70%. Use the official combined ratings table at VA.gov to confirm your exact number.

What does a 70% VA disability rating pay in 2026?

A 70% VA disability rating pays $1,808.45 per month in 2026 for a veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025. This amount is tax-free and increases with dependents such as a spouse or children. Check VA.gov for the dependent-specific figures.

Do two 50% ratings equal 100%?

No. Because of the VA’s combined ratings formula, two 50% conditions combine to 75%, which rounds to 80% — not 100%. The formula applies each condition to the remaining healthy portion, so percentages never simply add up. Always verify with the VA combined ratings table.

Can my VA disability rating be reduced?

Yes, the VA can propose a reduction if medical evidence shows sustained improvement. However, ratings held for 5 years or more, and ratings of 20 years or longer, have extra protections. The VA must follow a formal process and give you a chance to respond before reducing your rating.

What is the difference between a 0% and a 10% rating?

A 0% rating means a condition is officially service-connected but not severe enough to pay monthly compensation, though it can unlock other benefits. A 10% rating pays $180.42 per month in 2026 and confirms a measurable level of impairment. Both keep your condition on record for future increases.

Official sources

• About VA disability ratings (VA.gov)
• VA disability compensation rates (VA.gov)
• VA disability compensation overview (VA.gov)

Reviewed by the Guru Gazette Editorial Review Team · Last reviewed June 2026. Figures are verified against official government sources; see our Fact-Checking Policy.