Calculator Inputs
Enter each service-connected condition, select a bilateral group when appropriate, and calculate the estimated combined rating.
Example Data Table
This example shows how whole-person math and a bilateral factor can change a total.
| Condition | Percent | Pair Group | Side | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTSD | 50% | No bilateral pair | Not side-specific | Largest rating applied first. |
| Right Knee Instability | 20% | Knees | Right | Matches left knee for bilateral handling. |
| Left Knee Pain | 10% | Knees | Left | Combined with right knee before add-on. |
| Tinnitus | 10% | No bilateral pair | Not side-specific | Added after higher effective values. |
| Estimated Example Outcome: raw combined near 68.86%, whole number 69%, rounded combined rating 70%. | ||||
Formula Used
Whole-person combination:
New Combined = Current Combined + (100 − Current Combined) × Next Rating ÷ 100
Bilateral factor estimate:
Bilateral Effective = Bilateral Base Combined + (Bilateral Base Combined × 0.10)
Final rounding:
Round the raw combined value to the nearest whole number, then round to the nearest 10%.
- Higher percentages are applied first.
- Each new rating affects only the remaining efficient portion.
- Bilateral handling is applied only when compensable left and right entries exist in the same selected pair group.
- This is an estimation workflow for planning, software prototyping, and documentation.
How to Use This Calculator
- Add one row for each service-connected condition.
- Enter the percentage for every compensable condition.
- Select a bilateral group only when left and right paired conditions exist.
- Choose the correct side for paired conditions.
- Click Calculate Rating to show results above the form.
- Review the graph, step table, and bilateral detail table.
- Export the scenario using CSV or PDF download buttons.
- Adjust inputs to compare multiple claim scenarios.
FAQs
1) What does a combined service-connected rating mean?
It estimates the total impact of multiple service-connected disabilities using whole-person math instead of simple addition. The result is then rounded to a schedular percentage.
2) Why does 50% plus 30% not become 80%?
The second percentage applies only to the remaining efficient portion of the body. That is why combined ratings usually grow slower than direct arithmetic addition.
3) When is the bilateral factor used?
It is used when compensable disabilities affect both sides of a paired body area, such as both knees, both arms, or both feet, within the same bilateral group.
4) Can this replace an official benefits decision?
No. It is an estimate for planning, review, and software modeling. Official determinations depend on evidence, regulations, adjudication, and current agency rules.
5) Can I model future or hypothetical claims?
Yes. Add proposed conditions, change percentages, and compare scenarios. This helps forecast how a new rating could affect the combined total.
6) What happens if one side is missing?
Without a matched compensable opposite-side condition in the same selected pair group, the entry is combined normally and no bilateral add-on is applied.
7) Why do raw and rounded ratings differ?
The raw value shows the exact combined math result. The rounded rating follows the usual whole-number step and then rounds to the nearest 10 percent.
8) What do the CSV and PDF buttons export?
CSV exports the summary and step breakdown. PDF captures the visible results block, which is useful for documentation, review packets, and scenario sharing.