VA MATH

If only VA Math could be solved using an abacus or any mathematical tool… However, there are VA Math charts, tables, and calculators you can use to calculate your disability percentage and how much you will need to get to the following percentage.

Before we delve into how VA Math works, let's first explain why VA ratings are structured the way they are. All disability ratings are determined based on how the disability impacts the veterans’ capacity to obtain and secure substancially gainful employment.

This is why tinnitus has a maximum rating of 10%. Yes, the ringing or buzzing can be annoying and distracting, but it most likely won’t prevent you from pursuing a career of your choice. On the other hand, migraine headaches have a maximum rating of 50% because someone who suffers from debilitating migraines several times a month has, on average, only a 50% chance of obtaining substancially gainful employment to live comfortably.

Now it’s time to dive into how VA Math works… Using the example above, think of yourself as a 100% whole pie chart. VA then grants you migraines at 50%. Then VA grants 20% for your left knee.  

Here’s the thing: VA doesn’t take 20% of your 100% whole self; they take 20% of the 50% left. So, in actuality, the 20% is only 10%. Thus, you are now only 40% (50% - 10% = 40%) whole.

Next, you are rated 20% for your right shoulder. So, again, it’s not 20% of 100%; it’s 20% of 40%, which equals 8%. 40% - 8% = 32%

Then, you receive 10% for tinnitus. 10% of 32% is 3.2%. Now, 32% - 3.2% = 28.8%

Last of all, you are rated 10% for your lower back. 10% of 28.8% is 2.88%. Now, 28.8% - 2.88% = 25.92%.

25.92% rounds to 26% - Therefore, on average, you have a 26% chance of obtaining and sustaining gainful employment to live comfortably. 

VA Math is that dreaded phrase about how VA Benefits (VBA) configures a veteran’s disability percentage.

So how does 50 + 20 + 20 + 10 + 10 = 70%?

Indeed, there is a method to the madness and a rationale behind the current configuration of disability.

The last step, I promise: 26% subtracted from 100% is equal to 74%, which rounds down to 70% disability. Thus, 50 + 20 + 20 + 10 + 10 = 70%.

**There is something call the ‘Bilateral Factor"‘ that can add another 10% to your rating. Although for most it doesn’t make that much different, but in the example above it would push the veteran’s disability from 70% to 80%.

There are VA Math calculators available; however, consulting a VA Math table or chart might be beneficial if you’re trying to determine the amount needed to reach the next percentage level.

DIRECTIONS: Order your percentages from largest to smallest (50, 20, 20, 10, 10). Take the two largest percentages (50 & 20) and find where they meet on the chart by finding 50 on the vertical set of numbers in gray and 20 on the horizontal set of numbers in gray. They cross at 60.

Next, retrace your steps and find the 60 on the vertical numbers in gray down at the bottom, and locate the 20 on the horizontal numbers in gray. They converge at the 68.

On the second page of the chart, find the 68 on the vertical set of numbers in gray and the 10 on the horizontal set of numbers in gray. They cross at 71.

Last but not least, find the 71 on the vertical set of numbers in gray and the 10 on the horizontal set of numbers in gray. They cross at 74. 74, then rounds down to 70% **If you have a ‘bilateral factor’, then add another 10% to find your final rating. 

Voila! You’ve calculated a VA Math rating! Try it with your percentages (clicking on the chart pictures will take you to a PDF version that might be easier to read).