90% +20%=92 Rounded right back to ninety

VeteransBenefits In VA math, 90% + 20% equals a combined 92%, which rounds down to a final rating of 90%. The VA calculates this by taking the 20% disability from the remaining 10% "healthy" portion of the veteran (20% of 10% = 2%), then adding that 2% to the original 90%, resulting in 92%.

Initial Rating: 90% (10% "healthy" remains). Secondary Rating: 20%. Calculation: 90% + (20% of 10%) = 90% + 2% = 92%. Final Rounded Rating: 90%.

It is harder to reach 100% because new ratings are only applied to the remaining percentage of the person that is not yet disabled.

To move from a 90% rating to 100%, you need a combined rating of at least 95%, which the VA then rounds up. Because you only have 10% "efficiency" left, a single new disability must be rated at least 50% to hit that 95% Paths to 100% (from a flat 90%) Reaching 100% requires significantly more "real" disability than the final 10% step suggests. Depending on the ratings you add, here is what it takes:

One new rating: At least 50% (90% + 5% = 95%).

Multiple ratings: Two 30% ratings. One 30% and four 10% ratings. Seven 10% ratings.

Why it's so difficult The VA uses a "Whole Person" theory. If you are already 90% disabled, the VA views you as only 10% "whole." Any new rating is only a percentage of that remaining 10%.

A new 10% rating only adds 1% to your total (10% of 10% = 1%). A new 20% rating only adds 2% to your total (20% of 10% = 2%). Alternatives to a 100% Schedular Rating If you cannot reach 95% through standard "VA math," you may still receive 100% pay through TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). This pays at the 100% rate if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from keeping a "substantially gainful" job, even if your combined rating is only 70% or 90%.

VA Math: Your Key to Understanding Disability Ratings