If you have disabilities that affect both sides of your body — like both knees, shoulders, or legs — the VA uses a specific rule called the Bilateral Factor to calculate your rating based on functional limitations.
Understanding this medical rule is essential for ensuring your clinical records are complete.
🦵 What’s the Bilateral Factor?
It’s a percentage the VA applies on top of your combined rating when medical evidence shows:
- Both arms OR both legs are affected
- The conditions contribute to your overall functional impairment
- They’re rated separately
💡 Example:
- Left shoulder = 20%
- Right shoulder = 10%
- → Bilateral factor adds ~4% bonus
- → Could push a calculation from 76% to 80% (rounded)
This calculation is designed to reflect the increased functional limitation associated with bilateral impairments.
📈 The Importance of Precise Documentation
The VA applies this factor based on clinical evidence, so it is important that medical records are thorough:
- Conditions must be documented with clear clinical diagnoses
- Symptoms must be accurately detailed for both the left and right sides
- Functional limitations for both affected areas should be explicitly stated in the evaluation