VA math is not normal math
Two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%. The whole-person formula and the bilateral factor decide what your percentages are really worth — and one rounding step at 95 changes everything.
The rating is the key
Even a 0% rating unlocks VA health care for that condition and waives the home-loan funding fee entirely. Percentages price the benefit; service connection is the key that opens the door.
File the intent first
A five-minute Intent to File (Form 21-0966) locks your effective date for a full year. It is the cheapest back-pay insurance in the entire VA system — file it before anything else.
About this site
VA Benefits Decoded explains how US veterans benefits actually work: how disability compensation is priced by percentage and household, how combined ratings really combine, how TDIU pays the 100% rate without a 100% rating, how Veterans Pension and Aid & Attendance are calculated, what DIC pays a surviving family, and how the GI Bill and the VA home loan run on their own sets of numbers.
Every figure is dated and sourced: compensation, pension and DIC rates are VA's, effective December 1, 2025 (the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment under Public Law 119-42); home-loan limits are FHFA's 2026 conforming loan limits; GI Bill amounts are VA's 2026–27 education rates; and the legal mechanics cite the Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR). Figures checked October 2026.
Educational information only. Nothing here is legal, tax or benefits advice for your situation. Benefit decisions are personal; base yours on VA.gov and your own figures, and get free help from an accredited veterans service organization (VSO) such as the DAV, VFW or American Legion. Questions about the site: hello [at] tapetoolhq.com
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