The VA disability cheat sheet is a quick-reference guide to the rules, ratings, and dollar amounts that matter most for veterans in 2026. Bookmark this page or share it with a buddy starting a claim.
2026 VA disability pay rates (quick view)
| Rating | Monthly (alone) | Monthly (with spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $175.51 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $601.42 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,208.04 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,908.19 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $4,044.91 |
VA combined rating math (cheat formula)
- Sort your ratings from highest to lowest.
- Start with 100% efficiency.
- Subtract the highest rating from 100. Take that percent of what's left for the next rating.
- Round the final number to the nearest 10.
Example: 50 + 30 + 20.
- 100 − 50 = 50 left.
- 30% of 50 = 15. 50 + 15 = 65.
- 100 − 65 = 35 left. 20% of 35 = 7. 65 + 7 = 72.
- Round 72 → 70%.
Top 10 claimed VA conditions
- Tinnitus — flat 10%
- Hearing loss — 0–100%
- Lumbar strain — 10–50%
- PTSD — 0–100%
- Knee limitation — 0–30%
- Sleep apnea — 0/30/50/100%
- Migraines — 0/10/30/50%
- Painful scars — 10/20/30%
- Hypertension — 10/20/40/60%
- Sciatica/radiculopathy — 10–80%
Important VA forms cheat list
- 21-526EZ — main disability claim.
- 21-4138 — buddy and lay statements.
- 21-0781 — PTSD stressor statement.
- 21-8940 — TDIU application.
- 21-0966 — Intent to File.
Key deadlines
- Intent to File — 12 months to file the formal claim.
- BDD claim — file 180 to 90 days before separation.
- Higher-Level Review / Supplemental claim — 1 year from VA decision letter.
- Board appeal — 1 year from decision letter.
Where to get help
- VSO — free. Use VFW, DAV, American Legion, or state-level service officers.
- Accredited VA attorney — usually for appeals.
- VA.gov — file online, track status, upload evidence.
- VA hotline — 1-800-827-1000.