Your combined VA rating can stay the same even when a condition's rating goes up, because the VA combines ratings with "whole person" math and then rounds to the nearest 10. In our 2026 data, 2 of the 26 veterans with VA decisions had conditions increased while their combined rating stayed put (one at 60%%, one at 90%%). Monthly pay follows the combined rating, so in those cases the check did not change, but the higher individual ratings are now on record.
In This Article
  1. How VA math works
  2. Example: an increase that stays at 60%%
  3. Example: why 90%% is sticky
  4. Does the increase still matter?
  5. Check before you file
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

How VA Math Works

The VA does not add ratings. Under the Combined Ratings Table in 38 CFR 4.25, the highest rating is applied first, and each following rating is applied only to the part of the "whole person" that is left. The final combined value is then rounded to the nearest 10, and values ending in 5 round up. (A bilateral factor can add a little when both arms or both legs are affected.)

Example: An Increase That Stays at 60%%

RatingsCombined valueCombined rating
50%% and 10%%5560%%
50%% and 20%% (after an increase)6060%%

The second condition doubled from 10%% to 20%%, but the combined rating is 60%% both times. Moving to 70%% would take a combined value of 65 or more.

Example: Why 90%% Is Sticky

RatingsCombined valueCombined rating
70%%, 50%%, 30%% and 20%%9290%%
70%%, 50%%, 30%% and 30%% (after an increase)9390%%

At 90%%, each new percentage point is harder to gain because so little of the "whole person" remains. Reaching 100%% takes a combined value of 95 (or a single 100%% rating). See 8 veterans who reached 100%%.

Does the Increase Still Matter?

Check Before You File

Before filing for an increase, run your current ratings through our free VA disability calculator to see your exact combined value and how far you are from the next threshold. In a free consultation, we can look at which conditions, including secondary conditions, could realistically move it.

Our 2026 results: all 26 veterans with VA decisions back got at least one increase or new service connection, and 24 of 26 saw their combined rating rise. See the full results.
About these results: Figures come from Semper Solutus's internal client results tracker for veterans who joined in 2026, as of October 9, 2026, with all names and identifying details removed. They include only veterans who have received a VA rating decision; the VA decides every claim, results vary, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome. Dollar figures are estimates using the VA's veteran-alone monthly rates effective December 1, 2025. Semper Solutus provides medical documentation services and educational information. We do not prepare or submit claims or represent veterans before the VA, and this is not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The VA combines ratings using whole-person math (38 CFR 4.25) and rounds to the nearest 10. A smaller increase can be absorbed by the rounding, for example 50% and 10% combine to 60%, and 50% and 20% also combine to 60%.

Monthly compensation follows the combined rating. If the combined rating does not change, the monthly payment does not change, although some additional benefits depend on individual ratings.

A combined value of 95 or more rounds up to 100%. Alternatively, a single condition rated at 100% results in a 100% rating.

Enter your current ratings and the possible new rating into a VA combined ratings calculator to see whether the exact combined value crosses the next rounding threshold.

Not Sure What Would Move Your Rating?

Book a free consultation. We will check your exact combined value and which conditions could realistically raise it.

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