VA Disability Education
VA Math Guides
Plain-English explanations of the math the VA uses to compute your rating and pay. Use the calculator to run your specific numbers.
Why VA Math Is Not Adding — How 38 CFR §4.25 Actually Works
Two 50% ratings don't make 100%. Worked example with the official combined-ratings table, sorted high-to-low, with the final rounding rule.
Bilateral Factor 2026: The Most-Missed Money in VA Math
38 CFR §4.26: paired arms or paired legs trigger a 10% bonus. Many calculators get the order wrong. Here's the correct sequence with §4.26(d) edge case.
SMC Eligibility 2026: K, S, L Through R2 Explained
Special Monthly Compensation is the most under-claimed VA benefit. Tier-by-tier eligibility, 2026 rates, and the stacking rules for SMC-K.
TDIU 2026: Get 100% Pay Without a 100% Rating
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (38 CFR §4.16) thresholds, what "substantially gainful" means, and how to file VA Form 21-8940.
VA Back Pay 2026: Effective Dates and the ITF Strategy
Effective-date math, Intent to File rules, and a realistic 12-month retro example with the bracket bumps along the way.
2026 VA Disability Rate Update: 2.8% COLA, Full Pay Tables
Effective Dec 1, 2025: every tier from 10% to 100%, with and without dependents, plus the SMC table.
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The calculator takes under a minute and shows your combined rating, monthly pay, bilateral bonus, SMC flags, and TDIU eligibility — all in your browser.
Open the VA Math Calculator