Dod Disability Rating Calculator

Navigating military disability ratings can be confusing, especially when dealing with multiple ratings and the Department of Defense’s unique calculation method. That’s why we’ve created the DoD Disability Rating Calculator—a free, easy-to-use tool designed to help active-duty service members, veterans, and caregivers calculate a combined disability rating accurately and instantly.

This calculator simplifies the math behind the DoD’s method and gives users a reliable estimate of their combined disability percentage based on one to four individual ratings. Whether you’re preparing for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) or just want clarity on your current status, this tool is designed to save time and eliminate guesswork.

🚀 How to Use the DoD Disability Rating Calculator

Using the tool is straightforward. Follow these steps to quickly get your combined disability rating:

  1. Enter Your Disability Ratings:
    Input one to four individual disability ratings (in percentages) in the fields provided. These should be the ratings you’ve received or expect to receive from the DoD.
  2. Click the “Calculate” Button:
    Once your ratings are entered, click the “Calculate” button. The tool will automatically apply the Department of Defense’s combined rating formula.
  3. View Your Combined Rating:
    Your calculated combined disability percentage will be displayed, including both the rounded rating (in increments of 10%) and the raw calculated score.
  4. Reset if Needed:
    To start over or input new values, click the “Reset” button, and the form will clear for new entries.

🧮 Behind the Math: How the DoD Combines Disability Ratings

Unlike the VA, which uses a different combined rating system, the Department of Defense (DoD) employs a method that calculates each additional rating as a percentage of the remaining “non-disabled” portion of the body.

Here’s a simplified version of the process:

  1. Sort the ratings from highest to lowest.
  2. Apply the first rating to 100%.
  3. For each subsequent rating, apply it to the remaining percentage of the body that is not yet disabled.
  4. Add all results together.
  5. Round the total to the nearest 10%, as required by DoD rules.

The calculator automates this entire process, making it easy for you to get an accurate combined rating instantly.

📌 Practical Example

Let’s say you have three individual disability ratings:

  • 40%
  • 30%
  • 20%

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

  1. Start with 40% of the body disabled → 60% remains.
  2. Apply 30% to the remaining 60% → 18%. New total = 40% + 18% = 58%
  3. Apply 20% to the remaining 42% → 8.4%. New total = 58% + 8.4% = 66.4%
  4. Rounded to the nearest 10% → 70% Combined Disability Rating

Our calculator handles all of this math behind the scenes, giving you accurate results every time.

💡 Use Cases for the DoD Disability Calculator

  • Active-duty service members going through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
  • Veterans checking how DoD ratings may differ from VA ratings
  • Medical boards and care teams supporting evaluations
  • Military family members seeking clarity on a loved one’s rating
  • Advocates helping clients navigate disability benefits
  • Legal advisors and consultants assisting in appeals and claims

📚 Additional Information

What’s the Difference Between DoD and VA Ratings?

The DoD assigns ratings based on conditions that make a service member “unfit for continued military service.” In contrast, the VA rates all service-connected conditions, regardless of whether they cause fitness issues.

Also, the DoD rounds ratings to the nearest 10%, while the VA often uses different thresholds and doesn’t always round.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a combined DoD disability rating?

It’s a total percentage that represents your overall level of disability based on multiple individual conditions, using a specific formula.

2. How many ratings can I enter in the calculator?

You can enter up to four disability ratings. The tool will use all valid entries in the calculation.

3. Can I enter only one rating?

Yes. If you enter a single rating, the tool will return that value as your combined rating.

4. Does this tool follow VA or DoD math?

It uses DoD math, which is different from the VA’s combined ratings table.

5. Why does the tool round to the nearest 10%?

The DoD requires disability ratings to be rounded to the nearest 10%, unlike the VA which uses exact decimals and percentages.

6. What if my combined rating exceeds 100%?

The tool caps ratings at 100%, as you cannot be more than fully disabled.

7. Is this calculator accurate for legal or official use?

It provides accurate estimates, but always consult official DoD documentation or a legal advisor for official matters.

8. Can I use this on mobile devices?

Yes, the calculator is responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

9. Is my data stored?

No. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No data is saved or transmitted.

10. What if I enter a value above 100%?

The input is limited to values between 0 and 100%. Any out-of-range input will not be calculated.

11. How often is the tool updated?

It’s updated periodically to ensure alignment with the latest DoD disability rules and guidelines.

12. Can I save my result?

You can copy the result manually or take a screenshot. Future updates may include a print/save option.

13. Does this help with retirement eligibility?

It can help estimate if your disability percentage meets thresholds for certain DoD medical retirements, but it’s not a definitive decision tool.

14. How do I appeal a disability rating?

Contact your Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) or legal rep. This tool is for informational use only.

15. Can I use decimals like 25.5%?

The calculator accepts only whole numbers to comply with standard rating practices.

16. Is this approved by the DoD?

No. It’s an independent, unofficial tool created to assist users in understanding DoD rating methodology.

17. Can this tool be used for the VA disability process?

No. VA uses a different method (the VA Combined Ratings Table), so this tool won’t provide accurate VA results.

18. What happens if I don’t enter any rating?

You’ll receive an alert asking for at least one valid rating before the calculation can proceed.

19. What does “raw” vs. “rounded” mean in the result?

The raw value is the actual calculated total, while the rounded value is what the DoD would officially use.

20. Is there a limit to how many times I can use the tool?

No. It’s free and available 24/7 for unlimited use.

✅ Try the DoD Disability Rating Calculator Now

Whether you’re navigating your medical separation process or helping someone else understand their benefits, this tool can be an invaluable resource. Simply enter your ratings and let the calculator do the work. It’s fast, secure, and built specifically for those who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

👉 Use the calculator above and take the guesswork out of your disability rating today!