Frequently Asked Questions

The VA uses a unique "whole person" formula rather than simply adding percentages. Each condition is calculated against your remaining efficiency.

Example: If you have 50% PTSD and 30% back pain, the VA doesn't give you 80%. Instead, they take 30% of your remaining 50% efficiency (15%) and add it to 50%, giving you 65%.

Try our VA Rating Calculator to see how this works with your conditions.

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We're funded by donations from veterans who found the tools helpful. If Bravo Claims helps you, consider supporting the project so we can keep it free for others.

Our calculator uses the official VA combined ratings table, so it's accurate for estimating your rating. However, this is for informational purposes only - not medical or legal advice.

Always verify with your VSO (Veterans Service Officer) or check official VA resources before filing. The VA makes the final determination based on medical evidence.

On any diagnostic code page (from the Disability Codes Library), click the "Save to My List" button. The code is saved to your browser's local storage - no account needed.

To view your saved codes, go to the Calculator and click "Load Saved Codes". You can add them directly to your calculation from there.

A VSO (Veterans Service Officer) is an accredited representative who helps veterans file claims for free. Organizations like DAV, VFW, and American Legion provide VSOs at no cost.

You don't need one, but it's highly recommended. VSOs know the system, can help gather evidence, and significantly increase your chances of approval.

Find a VSO near you through the VA's accreditation search.

You get 100 free AI messages per day using our VA Coach. The counter resets at midnight.

This should be more than enough for researching your claim, understanding diagnostic codes, and getting guidance. If you need more, come back tomorrow or reach out to us.

Service-connected: A disability that was caused by or aggravated during military service. These qualify for VA disability compensation.

Non-service-connected: A disability unrelated to military service. These don't qualify for disability compensation, but you may still get VA healthcare.

To establish service connection, you need: 1) a current diagnosis, 2) an in-service event or injury, and 3) a medical nexus linking them.

As of 2026, the VA averages 120-150 days for initial claims, but it varies widely by region and claim complexity.

Fully Developed Claims (FDC) with all evidence submitted upfront tend to be faster. You can check your claim status on VA.gov or eBenefits.

Yes! You can and should file for all service-connected conditions at once. This is faster than filing separate claims later.

Use our Disability Codes Library to identify all applicable diagnostic codes, then submit them together in one claim.

All diagnostic codes come from 38 CFR Part 4 - the VA's official Schedule for Rating Disabilities. We've translated the legal language into plain English to make it easier to understand.

The data is updated regularly to reflect VA policy changes and new rating criteria.