Last Updated: May 2026
VA Rating Guides
Specific answers to the combined rating questions veterans search for most, with the 2026 math worked out in full.
Written and reviewed by Daniel Terry, Army Veteran · Published May 2026 · Last Updated: May 2026
PTSD and Sleep Apnea Combined Rating
70% PTSD plus 50% sleep apnea equals 90%, not 100%. See the math, the secondary claim path, and the 2026 pay difference.
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Combined Rating
Tinnitus is capped at 10%. Here is what it combines to with hearing loss, and why a 0% hearing rating still matters.
Does the Bilateral Factor Apply to Hands and Arms?
Yes, upper extremities qualify under 38 CFR 4.26. Worked examples for bilateral carpal tunnel, wrists, and shoulders.
VA Rating Rounding Chart
Every raw combined range and the tier it rounds to, plus why 94% does not become 100%.
Back Pain and Radiculopathy Ratings
Your spine and each affected limb get separate ratings. How DC 8520 stacks with a lumbar rating without pyramiding.
Want the full calculation for your own conditions? Use the VA disability calculator.
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