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If you’re a veteran with multiple service-connected disabilities—including secondary conditions—you might be wondering: “Why doesn’t the VA simply add up my individual disability ratings?”
For example, if you have five service-connected conditions rated at 70%, 60%, 50%, 30%, and 10%, basic math suggests your total rating should be 220%.
But that’s not how VA math works!
The VA uses a unique formula—commonly called “VA math”—to calculate your combined disability rating.
It’s not straight addition.
Instead, the VA applies a diminishing returns formula based on how much of your body is still considered “efficient” after each rated condition.
That’s why a veteran with ratings of 70%, 60%, 50%, 30%, and 10% doesn’t end up with a 220% combined rating.
Instead, those ratings combine using VA math to approximately 94%, which the VA rounds down to 90%—not 100% or higher.
Understanding how the VA calculates combined ratings and secondary conditions is essential if you want to maximize your compensation.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- VA math does not use simple addition. Instead, it applies a diminishing returns formula to calculate your combined disability rating based on remaining efficiency, not total percentages.
- Secondary conditions are rated just like primary conditions. Once rated, they are added to your combined rating using the same VA math formula—not by direct addition.
- Example: Five VA disability ratings (70%, 60%, 50%, 30%, 10%) won’t equal 220%. VA math reduces this to approximately 94%, which rounds down to a 90% combined rating.
- Using the Combined Ratings Table helps simplify the process. Start with your highest two ratings, apply the next one to the remaining efficiency, and repeat—rounding the final result to the nearest 10%. Use our combined VA disability rating calculator to make the process simple and easy!
What Is a Secondary VA Disability?
A secondary service-connected disability is one that develops because of another condition that is already service-connected.
These conditions can be physical, mental, or both.
Common examples include:
Once service-connected, these secondary disabilities are rated independently under the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), and then combined using VA math.
>> Click here to read the Top 100+ List of VA Secondary Conditions
How VA Math Works
VA fuzzy math is based on a concept of “efficiency.”
The VA assumes a veteran starts at 100% efficiency.
The highest disability rating is subtracted first.
Each subsequent rating is then applied to the remaining efficiency.
Example: Three Combined Disabilities (Including One Secondary Condition)
Let’s say a veteran has three service-connected disabilities:
- 70% for PTSD (primary condition)
- 50% for Sleep Apnea (secondary to PTSD)
- 10% for Tinnitus (primary condition)
Here’s how VA math applies:
Start with the highest rating: 70% for PTSD.
That means the veteran is 70% disabled and 30% efficient.
Next, apply the 50% rating for Sleep Apnea.
Since it’s applied to the remaining 30% efficiency, 50% of 30% equals 15%.
Subtracting that from 30% leaves 15% efficiency.
Now apply the 10% rating for Tinnitus.
Ten percent of the remaining 15% equals 1.5%, leaving 13.5% efficiency.
Subtract the final efficiency from 100% to get the combined rating: 100% – 13.5% = 86.5% = ~87%, which rounds up to a final combined VA disability rating of 90%.
The VA Combined Ratings Table
To simplify the math, the VA uses a Combined Ratings Table.
You start with your two highest ratings, find their intersection on the table, and then apply additional ratings one at a time.
Each new percentage is applied to the remaining efficiency, not to the original 100%.
Veterans can also use our combined VA Disability Calculator to quickly calculate their combined rating and current month pay rate with dependents.
Key Tips for Calculating Secondary Conditions
- Always arrange your ratings from highest to lowest.
- Apply each new percentage to the remaining “healthy” portion of your body.
- The final rating is rounded to the nearest 10%. Ratings ending in .5 or higher round up.
- The bilateral factor may apply if disabilities affect both limbs and/or paired organs.
- Secondary conditions can significantly increase your total compensation, but only if you understand how they’re calculated.
VA Math and Secondary Conditions: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is VA math?
VA math is the method used to combine multiple disability ratings into a single overall percentage. It reflects the remaining functional efficiency of the veteran’s body after each disability is applied.
2. Why doesn’t the VA just add the ratings?
Because simply adding percentages can result in totals exceeding 100%, which is not medically or functionally accurate. The VA’s method accounts for diminishing efficiency.
3. How is a secondary condition factored into VA math?
Secondary conditions are rated like any other service-connected condition. Once rated, their percentage is applied using VA math to calculate the new combined rating.
4. What happens when I add a new secondary condition to my existing ratings?
The new condition’s percentage is added using the Combined Ratings Table. It is applied to your remaining efficiency, not added directly.
5. Can mental health and physical conditions be combined?
Yes. All service-connected conditions—mental or physical—are calculated together using VA math.
6. How do I use the Combined Ratings Table?
Start with the two highest VA ratings. Find the left column (first rating) and move across the top row (second rating) to find the combined result. Apply additional ratings using the same process.
7. Is there a tool to help calculate combined ratings?
Yes. Use our free VA disability calculator, such as the one on vaclaimsinsider.com. It accounts for bilateral factors and current pay rates.
8. What is the bilateral factor?
The bilateral factor applies when both arms, both legs, or paired organs are affected. The VA adds an extra 10% to the combined rating of those conditions before adding it to other ratings.
9. Can VA math result in a 100% rating?
Yes. If your combined efficiency in the VA’s fuzzy math equation = 95.00 or higher, it rounds to 100%.
10. Does VA math impact eligibility for TDIU (Individual Unemployability)?
VA math does not prevent you from receiving TDIU. Even if your combined rating is below 100%, TDIU allows you to receive compensation at the 100% rate if you can’t work due to service-connected conditions.
11. Can I appeal my combined rating?
Yes. If you believe your combined rating is incorrect or a condition was underrated or omitted, you can appeal it online at VA.gov.
12. How often does the Combined Ratings Table change?
Rarely. It is based on a fixed formula and updated only if the VA changes its regulations or policy guidance.
13. Does VA math apply to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?
No. SMC is calculated separately based on specific criteria and the severity of certain conditions.
14. Can non-service-connected conditions be part of VA math?
No. VA math only includes service-connected disabilities.
15. Where can I find the Combined Ratings Table?
It’s located in 38 CFR § 4.25 and is also available on the VA’s official website and through reputable veteran-focused resources.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
Understanding how the VA calculates secondary conditions using its unique “VA math” formula is essential if you want to maximize your combined disability rating and monthly compensation.
While it might seem confusing at first, the system is designed to reflect the functional impact of each additional condition on your overall health and efficiency.
Whether you’re adding a new primary condition or a secondary disability linked to an existing one, remember: every percentage counts—but not in the way you might think.
Ratings are not added together directly.
Instead, they are combined in order of severity using a diminishing scale that reflects your remaining “efficiency” after each condition.
Don’t leave money on the table by misunderstanding how your ratings work!
Use the Combined Ratings Table, leverage trusted VA math calculators, and consider working with an expert to help ensure you receive the compensation you’ve rightfully earned for your honorable service.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
