Free tools to help you understand how the VA combines ratings, what evidence it generally looks for, and how the process works — using the VA's own rules. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent to anyone. You see the information and you decide.
The VA doesn't add ratings together. It starts with your highest rating, then applies each additional rating to the remaining healthy percentage, and rounds the final result to the nearest 10%. That's why 50% and 30% combine to about 65% (rounded to 70%), not 80%.
For conditions on paired limbs (both arms, both legs), the VA combines those paired ratings first, then adds an extra 10% of that value before combining with everything else.
For service connection, the VA generally looks for three things in any claim:
This is the general framework the VA uses for any claim. How it applies to an individual situation depends on the specific facts — a VSO can help you work through yours.
In general VA and medical literature, certain conditions are frequently discussed as potentially secondary to others (one condition contributing to another). This is general reference information — whether any secondary connection applies to an individual is a medical and factual question for that person and their providers, not something this tool determines.
| Often discussed as primary | Commonly discussed as potentially secondary |
|---|---|
| PTSD / mental health | Sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, erectile dysfunction |
| Knee / joint conditions | The other joint, back conditions, altered-gait issues |
| Diabetes | Peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney conditions |
| Tinnitus / hearing loss | Migraines, sleep disturbance |
| Medications (general) | GI conditions and others, depending on the medication |
General reference only — not a finding that any of these apply to you, and not a recommendation to file. A diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion are what establish a secondary connection. Discuss your situation with your doctor and a VSO.
Filing is free. You can file yourself at VA.gov and submit your own evidence through the VA's QuickSubmit tool from your own verified account. You never have to pay anyone to file. Accredited VSOs can also file and represent you, for free.
For advice on your own claim, or someone to represent you with the VA — free accredited help, at no cost.
Find a VSO →Something not working, math looks off, or feedback on the tool itself? Message Monte — tool questions only.
Message Monte →Once accredited, Monte will be able to advise on and represent specific claims directly. Want a heads-up when that happens? Leave your email — no spam, just a single notice.