VA rating increase planning for veterans

Rating Impact

A rating increase is more than a bigger monthly deposit. It can change your long-term cash flow and what you may be able to build.

See your impact

How a small jump can add up

Example: 70% to 100% rating in 2026.

Current rating
$1,808/mo

70% monthly compensation (single, no dependents)

Updated rating
$3,939/mo

100% monthly compensation

2026 VA rates shown for illustration only. Individual outcomes vary by profile and assumptions. Full disclaimer.

1

Select your ratings

Choose current and target ratings to calculate the monthly difference.

2

Set your timeline

Enter your age and projection window.

3

Review your results

See monthly, annual, and projection-period impact with optional growth assumptions.

Your VA Rating

Select your current rating and the rating you're considering pursuing.

Current VA Disability Rating

Please select your current rating

Updated VA Rating

The rating you're considering pursuing

Please select your updated rating

Your Details

Enter your age to calculate the lifetime value of this increase.

Please enter your current age

Projection Settings

Fine-tune the assumptions for your projections. The defaults are based on historical averages.

Your Compensation Analysis

Rating change from —% to —% over — years

Additional Monthly Compensation
—
From $— to $—
First Year Total
—

📊 Value Over Your —-Year Projection

💵
Total Additional Compensation
From age — to — (— years, includes annual COLA)
—
In future dollars (not adjusted for inflation)
Assumes —% annual COLA adjustment

📈 Hypothetical: If Invested for Growth

Educational illustration only - not investment advice. Shows what could happen if you invested the additional compensation each month.

Total Contributed
—
In today's dollars
Hypothetical Growth
—
From compound returns
🎯
Hypothetical Portfolio Value
--
—
Assumes —% annual return, —% inflation, —% COLA. Values in today's dollars.
⚖️
What You'd Miss at Current Rating
If rating stays at —% over this period
—
Additional compensation over — years you wouldn't receive

💡 Bottom Line

—

💡 Considering Filing?

An Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) preserves your effective date for up to 1 year while you consult with a VSO about whether to proceed.

File Intent to File (Free) → (opens in new tab)

Important: Filing an actual claim can open your entire rating for review. Consult a free VSO before filing any claim. ITF only preserves your date - it doesn't commit you to anything.

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Important: This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Projections use simplified models that do not capture every real-world factor. Default assumptions: 10% nominal return and 3% inflation (based on S&P 500 historical average, 1926–2025; ~7% real return after inflation). Investment growth projections assume tax-advantaged treatment (e.g., Roth IRA); actual results in taxable accounts will be lower due to taxes on dividends and capital gains. VA disability ratings are based on medical evidence of service-connected conditions — never exaggerate symptoms or file fraudulent claims. Past performance does not guarantee future results. VA disability ratings may be subject to periodic re-evaluation and could be reduced. Consult an accredited VSO for claims guidance and a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. VetFIRE LLC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Full Disclaimer →