How the calculations work

Monthly compensation

The exact published dependent row forms the base amount. Each additional child under 18, each qualifying schoolchild and spouse Aid and Attendance are separate additions. At 10% and 20%, dependent status does not change compensation. We compute in integer cents; annual compensation equals 12 times the monthly amount, assuming no rate or eligibility change.

Combining ratings

Sort individual ratings from greatest to least. For two ratings A and B, combine A + (100 − A) × B ÷ 100, rounding to a whole percentage at each table step. Use that combined value for the next condition. After all conditions, round to the nearest 10, with 5 rounding up. For example, 60 and 40 give 76; combine 20 to get 81, then round to 80%.

Bilateral factor

Combine qualifying compensable disabilities of paired extremities first, then add 10% of that combined value. Round that group to a whole percentage and treat it as one rating for the remaining combination. For 60, 20, 10 and 10 where both 10s are paired, the bilateral group is 19 + 1.9 = 20.9 (21); 60 and 21 give 68; with 20 gives 74; final rating 70%. The favorable exception under 4.26(d) is applied by comparing valid bilateral subsets.

Back pay

Payment generally begins the month after the effective date under 38 CFR 3.31. The initial partial month and decision month are excluded. Each completed entitlement month uses the rate in effect that month; December uses the next pay year’s table. We subtract a constant user-entered already-paid amount, floored at zero. We do not infer offsets, staged ratings, changes in dependents or special exceptions.

Payment dates

The next month’s first day is the scheduled payment date. If it falls on a weekend or federal holiday, use the last prior business day. Calendar pages label entitlement months explicitly. Your bank may post funds earlier.

Projections and state eligibility

Next-year rates are pending until an official announcement. A projection, if generated, is labelled and does not override official VA amounts. State benefits have independent residence, income, service and rating rules; the official program is linked at each entry.