It’s one of the most frustrating moments:
You use a calculator, add up your ratings, and the result doesn’t match what the VA gives you.
You’re not crazy. The VA’s math is… its own thing.
Let’s unpack what’s really going on.
🧠 VA Math 101
The VA doesn’t add your percentages. It layers them using a “whole person” approach:
- Start at 100%
- Subtract the first rating
- Multiply the remainder by the next rating
- Repeat
It means 50% + 30% becomes 65%, not 80%.
🧮 Why the Calculator Gets Close — But Not Perfect
Online tools do their best, but:
- They assume perfect service connection
- They don’t account for rating reductions
- They can’t interpret medical evidence
That’s why 80% in theory might be 60% in reality.
✅ What to Do Instead
Use the calculator to get a baseline. Then:
- Verify your current VA letters
- Compare what you submitted vs what they accepted
- Ask for help if your rating seems off
📍 Ready to compare?
Use our VA calculator — then talk to someone who’s seen behind the curtain.