A veteran has both arms rated at 30% for a service-connected disability. What is the combined evaluation for compensation?

To determine the combined evaluation for compensation for a veteran with two service-connected disabilities, the whole person approach is utilized by the Department of Veterans Affairs. When calculating combined disability ratings, the individual percentages are not simply added together. Instead, the method reflects the concept that disability ratings represent the degree of impairment relative to a whole person.

In this case, the veteran has each arm rated at 30%. To calculate the combined evaluation:

1. Start with the first arm's rating: 30%. The veteran is left with 70% of their "whole" capability.

2. Apply the second rating of 30% to the remaining capability. To find the effective additional impairment from the second 30% rating, calculate 30% of the remaining 70%. This is done using the formula: (30% of 70) = 0.30 x 0.70 = 0.21 or 21%.

3. Now, calculate the veteran's total evaluation: the initial 30% plus the additional 21% equals 51%.

4. Round this total to the nearest available percentage, aligning with how the VA rounds. In this case, the evaluation rounds to 50%.

Thus, the combined evaluation for the veteran