Combined rating using VA math, full 2026 compensation tables, SMC levels K–T, PACT Act presumptives, TDIU vs 100% scheduler, the bilateral factor, and the 5/10/20-year protection rules — all in one place.
All rates reflect the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment effective December 1, 2025 (VA.gov). Dependent additions apply only at 30% and above. Each additional child under 18 adds $106.14; each child 18–23 in school adds $343.55; a dependent parent adds $86.05.
| Rating | Alone | + Spouse | + Spouse & 1 Child | + 2 Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $175.51 | $175.51 | $175.51 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $346.95 | $346.95 | $346.95 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $601.42 | $652.42 | $729.42 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $859.16 | $927.16 | $1,029.16 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,208.04 | $1,294.04 | $1,421.04 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,523.93 | $1,627.93 | $1,778.93 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,908.19 | $2,028.19 | $2,205.19 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,214.89 | $2,354.89 | $2,554.89 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,489.96 | $2,649.96 | $2,872.96 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $4,044.91 | $4,221.71 | $4,470.51 |
Annual totals at 100% with a spouse: $48,538.92 tax-free, equivalent to roughly $65,000–$72,000 gross civilian salary depending on your marginal rate and state.
The VA does not add disability ratings — it multiplies remaining efficiency. Each new rating is applied against what's left of you, not a fresh 100%.
1.00 × 0.50 × 0.70 = 0.35 efficiency. 1.00 − 0.35 = 0.65 → 65%, rounded to 70%. Adding linearly would give 80%, which is why most veterans are surprised when the rating decision arrives.
Paired extremities (both legs, both arms, paired skeletal muscle groups) get a 10% bonus. Combine the paired ratings first using VA math, multiply that subtotal by 1.10, then combine with everything else.
SMC is paid in addition to or instead of the schedular rate for specific severe disabilities. SMC-K is an add-on; L through T are alternative higher rates. Authority: 38 USC 1114 and VA SMC tables.
| Level | Monthly | Awarded for |
|---|---|---|
| SMC-K | $137.85 | Add-on for loss/loss-of-use of a creative organ, one foot, one hand, both buttocks; deafness in both ears; or specific anatomical losses. Stacks with the schedular rate (multiple SMC-Ks may apply). |
| SMC-L | $4,761.85 | Loss/loss-of-use of both feet, one hand and one foot, both eyes (blind 5/200 or less), or being permanently bedridden. Also paid when Aid & Attendance is needed. |
| SMC-L 1/2 | $5,007.49 | Intermediate step between L and M. |
| SMC-M | $5,254.20 | Loss/loss-of-use of both hands, both legs at a level preventing prosthesis, blindness with light-perception only, or deafness combined with blindness. |
| SMC-M 1/2 | $5,564.39 | Intermediate step between M and N. |
| SMC-N | $5,872.43 | Loss/loss-of-use of both arms at a level preventing prosthesis, or both legs at the hip. |
| SMC-N 1/2 | $6,233.65 | Intermediate step between N and O. |
| SMC-O | $6,592.74 | Multiple major disabilities, or specific combinations (e.g., complete paralysis of both legs and bowel/bladder loss). |
| SMC-P | $6,592.74 | Same monthly rate as O; awarded for additional independent disabilities rated 50%+ stacked onto an O-level award. |
| SMC-R.1 | $9,425.81 | Higher-level Aid & Attendance — daily personal care required. Caregiver may be a family member. |
| SMC-R.2 | $10,808.20 | A&A by a licensed health professional (or daily skilled care). Highest tier of SMC short of T. |
| SMC-S | $4,272.04 | Statutory housebound. Awarded when one disability is rated 100% and additional disabilities combine to 60%+, or when the veteran is permanently housebound by reason of disability. |
| SMC-T | $10,808.20 | TBI requiring A&A that would otherwise need institutional care. Paid at the SMC-R.2 rate. |
Diagnostic codes (DC) live in 38 CFR Part 4. Below are the brackets veterans see most often.
Capped at 10% (single rating regardless of laterality). The #1 service-connected disability in the VA system. Subjective — but bring a hearing test (audiogram). Almost universal for combat arms, aviation, and artillery.
0% / 10% / 30% / 50% / 70% / 100%. Bracket is based on occupational and social impairment per 38 CFR 4.130. Anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders all rate under the same formula — VA only assigns the highest single mental-health rating, regardless of how many diagnoses you carry.
0% / 30% (persistent daytime hypersomnolence) / 50% (CPAP required) / 100% (respiratory failure or tracheostomy). Requires a sleep study diagnosis. Secondary connections (PTSD-induced, weight-gain-from-meds) are common but contested.
Rated across 10 facets (memory, judgment, social interaction, orientation, motor, visual, subjective symptoms, neurobehavioral, communication, consciousness). Each facet rates 0/1/2/3/total. Use the HIGHEST facet level as the overall rating: 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, or 100%. Combat blast exposure + post-deployment cognitive testing is the strongest evidence package.
Limitation of flexion (5260): 0/10/20/30. Limitation of extension (5261): 0/10/20/30/40/50. Instability/subluxation (5257): 10/20/30. Each knee is a separate rating; bilateral factor applies. Painful motion alone supports a 10% minimum under DeLuca / Mitchell case law.
General formula: forward flexion of 60°/45°/30° → 20%/40% range; ankylosis (fixed) → 50–100%. Radiculopathy down the leg is rated separately under the peripheral-nerve diagnostic codes (DC 8520+).
0% / 10% / 30% / 50% based on the frequency of prostrating attacks and whether they cause "severe economic inadaptability." Keep a migraine diary — the C&P examiner will ask for one.
10% (diastolic predominantly 100+, or controlled by medication with history of 100+); 20% (diastolic 110+); 40% (diastolic 120+); 60% (diastolic 130+). Now a PACT Act presumptive for Vietnam-era and post-9/11 deployed veterans.
IBS: 0% / 10% (moderate) / 30% (severe — diarrhea, alternating diarrhea/constipation with abdominal distress). GERD: 10% / 30% / 60% based on dysphagia, pain, hemorrhage, and weight loss.
Both pay at the 100% rate. The mechanics — and the strings — are different. See 38 CFR 4.16 for the TDIU regulation.
A rating in continuous effect for 5 years cannot be reduced based on a single examination. The VA must show sustained, material improvement under the ordinary conditions of life, not just a snapshot.
After a service-connected condition has been in effect for 10 years, the VA cannot sever service connection except for fraud or clear and unmistakable error. They can still reduce the percentage — they just can't zero out the connection.
After a rating has been in effect at a particular percentage for 20 years, the VA cannot reduce it below that percentage. The only exception is fraud. This is the strongest protection in the system.
Independent of the time-based rules: a P&T designation means VA has determined improvement is not reasonably expected. No future C&P exams will be scheduled (absent fraud or material change). Unlocks Chapter 35 DEA for dependents and most state property tax exemptions.
If you have a presumptive condition and qualifying service, the VA presumes service connection — no nexus letter required. Qualifying eras include the Gulf War (1990–present), Vietnam, and any deployment to a location with airborne hazards or burn pit exposure. See VA.gov: PACT Act and 38 USC 1119.
Composite examples — not specific veterans. Use them to sanity-check your own claim math.
Per 38 CFR 3.400, the effective date is generally the date the VA received your claim — but with two crucial windows:
Back pay is calculated month-by-month at the rate in effect during each retroactive month — so older months may use older COLA rates. Lump sum is paid by ACH within ~30 days of the final rating decision.
VFW, DAV, American Legion, state VSOs. Accredited under 38 CFR 14.629. Best for initial claims, PACT Act filings, supplemental claims. No fee, ever.
Contingency fee of up to 20% (33% if BVA hearing). Only payable after a Notice of Disagreement is filed and only on past-due benefits. Best for complex denials, TDIU, BVA appeals.
Viable for clear presumptive claims (PACT, Agent Orange) and routine increases. Free filing via VA.gov. Heavy lift for appeals — consider a VSO at minimum.
The VA does not add ratings linearly. It uses "VA math" (38 CFR 4.25): start with 100% efficiency, multiply by (1 − rating) for each condition from highest to lowest, then subtract from 100%. Example: 50% and 30% → 100 × 0.50 × 0.70 = 35% efficiency, so combined disability = 65%, which rounds to the nearest 10% → 70%.
$3,831.30/month for a veteran with no dependents, $4,044.91 with a spouse, and $4,221.71 with a spouse and one child (2.5% COLA over 2025). Each additional dependent child under 18 adds $106.14/month; each child 18–23 in school adds $343.55. Source: VA.gov current rates table.
When you have ratings on both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles, the VA adds 10% of the combined value of those paired ratings BEFORE combining with the rest of your conditions (38 CFR 4.26). Example: 20% right knee + 20% left knee → combined 36% × 1.10 = 39.6%, rounded to 40%. The bilateral factor only applies to paired extremities, not to internal organs or non-paired body systems.
Both pay at the 100% rate. 100% scheduler means your combined rating is actually 100% on paper. TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, 38 CFR 4.16) pays at the 100% rate when you cannot work due to service-connected conditions but your combined rating is below 100% — usually 70% combined with at least one 40% condition, or 60% from a single condition. TDIU restricts earned income (you can't earn above the federal poverty threshold from substantially gainful employment). 100% scheduler has no earnings restriction.
A 100% rating that the VA designates as both permanent (no future improvement expected) and total. P&T status protects the rating from re-examination, opens Chapter 35 DEA benefits for dependents, and is required for certain state property tax exemptions. You can be 100% scheduler or TDIU and still not have P&T — check Block 17 of your VA rating decision.
Average end-to-end time for a fully developed claim is approximately 130 days; standard claims average ~150 days. Higher-Level Reviews average ~125 days, and Board appeals can take 12–18 months. Track your specific claim at va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status. Source: VA Office of Performance Analysis monthly reports.
Generally the date the VA receives your "intent to file" (Form 21-0966) or the formal claim itself, whichever is earlier (38 CFR 3.400). Back pay accrues from the effective date forward — so filing an intent to file immediately, then taking up to one year to develop the claim, preserves your back pay window.
Yes, but the burden gets higher with time: ratings in effect for 5 years are "stabilized" — VA needs a sustained improvement, not a single good exam. After 10 years, a rating is "protected" against severance of service connection (38 CFR 3.957) — they can reduce, but cannot zero out the connection. After 20 years, the rating cannot be reduced below its highest sustained level (the "20-year rule," 38 CFR 3.951).
If you served in the Gulf War (1990–present), Vietnam, or any post-9/11 deployment with airborne hazards / burn pit exposure, you likely qualify for at least one PACT Act presumptive. Presumptive conditions include 11 cancers and 14 chronic illnesses (asthma, COPD, hypertension, sinusitis, sarcoidosis, etc.). Filing under PACT means the VA presumes service connection — you don't need a separate nexus letter.
SMC-K is a $137.85/month add-on (2026) paid for specific anatomical losses — loss of a hand, foot, eye, creative organ (testicle/ovary/breast), or deafness in both ears. Multiple SMC-K awards stack (up to a cap). It is added to whatever schedular or SMC rate you receive, including 100% schedular or TDIU.
Per 38 CFR 4.97 DC 6847: 0% (asymptomatic, documented on sleep study); 30% (persistent daytime hypersomnolence); 50% (requires CPAP); 100% (chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or requires tracheostomy). Most CPAP users are rated 50%. The condition must be diagnosed by a sleep study, not symptoms alone.
PTSD is rated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (38 CFR 4.130): 0% (diagnosed but no symptoms), 10% (mild/transient), 30% (occasional decreased work efficiency), 50% (reduced reliability), 70% (deficiencies in most areas of life), 100% (total occupational and social impairment). 70% is the most common award for veterans who can still work with significant impairment.
100% scheduler: yes, no earnings limit. TDIU: no — you cannot earn above the federal poverty level from "substantially gainful employment" (approximately $15,650 in 2026). Marginal employment (sheltered workshop, self-employment below threshold, family business) is permitted. Earning above the limit triggers a re-evaluation and potential reduction.
No. VA disability compensation is federally tax-free (26 USC 104(a)(4)). It does not appear on your W-2 or 1099. Most states also exempt it from state income tax, but check your state's rules. It also does not count as income for most means-tested federal benefits (SNAP, Medicaid in many states, ACA subsidies).
The Appeals Modernization Act (2019) gives three lanes after a denial: (1) Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence (Form 20-0995); (2) Higher-Level Review by a senior reviewer, no new evidence (Form 20-0996); (3) Board appeal directly to a Veterans Law Judge (Form 10182), with three sub-lanes (direct review, evidence submission, hearing). You have one year from the decision notice to file under AMA.
VSO (free): VFW, DAV, American Legion, state VSOs. Best for routine claims and PACT Act filings. Lawyer (contingency fee, up to 20–33% of past-due benefits, only paid if you win): best for complex appeals, TDIU disputes, and BVA hearings. VA-accredited claims agent: similar fee structure to lawyers, narrower scope. DIY: viable for straightforward presumptive claims if you understand the CFR. Never pay anyone up front for filing assistance — that's illegal under 38 USC 5904.
Authoritative table of monthly compensation by rating and dependent status.
SMC tables K through T with eligibility criteria.
The full diagnostic code schedule. Every percentage is defined here.
Presumptive condition list and eligibility windows under the 2022 PACT Act.
The forms C&P examiners fill out. Knowing the questions in advance helps you prepare.