How to Calculate VA Disability

Two types of VA disability benefits are available to disabled veterans. One is compensation for disabilities incurred while in military service. The other is a pension to veterans with disabilities not necessarily related to military service. If you are awarded VA benefits and want to calculate the amount of your monthly VA disability check, all you have to do is refer to the benefits rate tables.

Things You'll Need

• VA disability percentage rating
• VA benefits rate tables

Instructions

1. Look up your VA disability percentage rating. This is on the award letter you received notifying you that you were granted either a VA compensation or pension.

2. Pull up the VA benefits rate tables (see Reference). Look under the compensation section if you were awarded a VA compensation; look under the pension section if you were awarded a VA pension. Click on the link corresponding to the year for which you want to calculate your disability. The most recent VA benefits rate tables are listed under the "Current" column and are most likely where you want to look.

3. Locate your dependent status in the chart and then locate your disability percentage rating in the column next to your dependent status. Your monthly benefit award is listed where your dependent status and disability percentage rating meet.

Tips & Warnings

• To determine the VA disability benefits you will receive in one year, multiply your monthly benefit rate by 12.

• Your VA disability benefits are not subject to tax.

• If you are offered compensation and pension, you can only select one. Thus, check the VA benefits rate tables, see which one offers the most monthly benefits and select that one.

References

• VA: Compensation and Pension Benefits Payment Rate Tables