 So, how does the VA determine disability ratings? First, the VA will send a letter notifying you of your disability rating through the mail. You may notice that individual disability ratings might not add up to the same number as your overall rating. For example, this veteran has two disabilities rated at 50% each. Now that would normally equal 100%, but according to the VA combined rating table, these rated at 80% total disability. The combined ratings result from the VA considering the efficiency of individuals as affected first by the most disabling condition, then by lesser disabling conditions ranked in order of severity. So with this first disability equaling 50%, that means this individual is 50% disabled and 50% efficient. The second disability is also rated at 50%, but not at 50% of the total person, but 50% of the remaining efficient person. 50% of 50 is 25, so that means only 25% is added to the first 50% disability. The original 50% plus 25% from the second disability equals 75% combined disability. The total is then rounded up to the nearest number divisible by 10, making a 75% combined rating 80% total disability. To learn more, contact your nearest DAV National Service Office or visit DAV.org and click Veterans to find no cost claims help today.