Rating Ledger

Combined ratings / 30% and 30%

38 CFR 4.25 Table I · checked 2026-10-20

30% and 30% VA rating combined

A 30% and a 30% rating combine to 51, which VA rounds down to 50%. Two equal ratings never double: it takes 30% of the 70% efficiency the first rating leaves, which is 21 points. At 50% a veteran alone receives $1,132.90 a month and a veteran with a spouse $1,241.90.

Table I value51%Rounded once50%30 + 30 → 511234
  1. 1First rating 30 squares
  2. 230% of what is left 21 squares
  3. 3Efficiency left 49%
  4. 4Combined rating 50%
Table I value
51%
VA rating
50%
Monthly, alone
$1,132.90
Efficiency left
49%

The arithmetic, step by step

  1. Order by severity: 30% first (both are the same, so either goes first), then 30%.
  2. After the 30% rating, 70% efficiency is left. The 30% rating takes 30% of that: 30 × 70 ÷ 100 = 21.
  3. 30 + 21 = 51. That is the figure printed in Table I at row 30, column 30.
  4. Round once to the nearest 10, values ending in 5 going up: 51 becomes 50%.

Because 51 ends in 1, it rounds down. The 30% still lifts the rating 20 points above the 30% alone. One more 10% rating would lift it to 56, rated 60%.

Added together, the two ratings would make 60. VA's method gives 50, 10 points less. The gap grows with the size of the ratings, because each later rating works on a smaller remainder.

What 50% pays

30% alone$552.4730% + 30% (50%)$1,132.90With another 10% (60%)$1,435.02
Monthly compensation, veteran with no dependents, VA rates effective December 1, 2025. Bars to scale from zero.

At 50%, VA's table effective December 1, 2025 pays $1,132.90 a month to a veteran alone, $1,241.90 with a spouse, and $1,322.90 with a spouse and one child under 18. Compared with 30% alone ($552.47), the pair adds $580.43 a month for a veteran with no dependents. The 50% pay page lists every dependent row.

If a third rating is added

A third 10% rating would combine with 51, not with 50: 51 and 10 give 56, rated 60%, one step up. The smallest single rating that moves this pair up a step is 10%, reaching 56 and 60% ($1,435.02 a month alone).

If the two ratings are on paired limbs

When the 30% and the 30% are on the left and right leg (or both arms), 38 CFR 4.26 adds a bilateral factor: 30 and 30 combine to 51, plus 10% of that gives 56, rated 60%. Here the factor moves the rating from 50% to 60%, worth $1,435.02 a month alone instead of $1,132.90. The bilateral factor guide has the full rule.

Conditions that are rated at 30%

Diagnostic codes on this site with a 30% level include Vertigo (peripheral vestibular disorder) (DC 6204), Meniere's disease (DC 6205), PTSD (DC 9411), Shoulder replacement (DC 5051), Hip replacement (DC 5054), Knee replacement (DC 5055), Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion (DC 5201), Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206), Back strain (lumbosacral or cervical strain) (DC 5237), Knee instability (DC 5257), Knee limitation of flexion (DC 5260), Knee limitation of extension (DC 5261), Flat feet (pes planus) (DC 5276), Plantar fasciitis (DC 5269), Foot injury (other) (DC 5284), Hip (thigh) limitation of flexion (DC 5252), Migraines (DC 8100), Carpal tunnel (median nerve) (DC 8515), Common peroneal nerve (foot drop) (DC 8521), Sleep apnea (DC 6847), Asthma (DC 6602), COPD (DC 6604), Allergic rhinitis (DC 6522), Chronic sinusitis (DC 6510-6514), Supraventricular arrhythmia (incl. AFib) (DC 7010), GERD (acid reflux) (DC 7206), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (DC 7319), Hernia (inguinal, ventral, umbilical) (DC 7338), Scars of the head, face or neck (DC 7800), Deep scars (not head, face or neck) (DC 7801), Painful or unstable scars (DC 7804), Eczema (dermatitis) (DC 7806), Prostate conditions (voiding dysfunction) (DC 7527), TMJ (temporomandibular disorder) (DC 9905).

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5201, Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion, 30%: “Midway between side and shoulder level (flexion and/or abduction limited to 45 degrees).”

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5051, Shoulder replacement, 30%: “Minimum rating.”

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5055, Knee replacement, 30%: “Minimum evaluation for total knee replacement only.”

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5257, Knee instability, 30%: “Unrepaired or failed repair of a complete ligament tear causing persistent instability, and a medical provider prescribed both an assistive device (such as a cane, crutches or walker) and bracing for ambulation. For patellar instability: recurrent instability after surgical repair requiring both a brace and a cane or walker.”

Criteria summarized from the rating schedule; each condition page links to the regulation.

Other pairs

2 other pairs also round to 50%: 40+20, 40+10.

For three or more ratings, or to add dependents, use the calculator. Background: why 50 and 50 is not 100.

Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.