If VA rates a single condition, your rating is the rating for that single condition, but most veterans are rated for multiple conditions. This rating for multiple conditions is called a “combined” rating.
One of the major misconceptions is that combined simply means added together, which is not true as the VA uses what is known as a combined ratings table. This means that a person’s efficiency is determined first by the most disabling—or highest individually rated condition—and then by less disabling conditions ranked in order of severity.
A veteran may receive a letter from VA notifying them that they have two service-connected disabilities, TBI and a back injury, rated at 50% each. Normally, 50% plus 50% would equal 100%, but this veteran’s total disability rating is listed as 80%.
This is how the combined ratings table works and the VA came to this conclusion:
In this case, the VA takes 100 (representing a whole efficient person) and subtracts the highest individually rated condition (TBI at 50%). This means the veteran is initially considered 50% disabled and 50% efficient.
100% whole efficient person – 50% = 50%
The veteran’s back injury is also rated at 50%, but no longer at 50% of the whole efficient person. Instead, the back injury rating is subtracted from the remaining efficient person.
50% remaining efficient person – 50% = 25%
So only 25% (for the back injury) is added to the first 50% (for the TBI).
50% (TBI) + 25% (back injury) = 75% combined disability rating
VA rounds the combined disability rating up to the nearest 10, so 75% becomes 80% total disability.
Many Veterans ask all the time how in the world does the VA come up with this math. Well I hope this article has given you a little clearer insight as to the Va Math and how they come up with your rating.
If you need to calculate up your total percentage you can do so by using this calculator here
Understanding and navigating the VA System can be tough and confusing. Plus you do not want to submit anything that will lessen your chances of winning your VA Claim. If you are confused, stuck, struggling and need assistance well reach out to us and Get Started Today! or call us at 904 605 0431
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