Bilateral Factor Calculator
When a veteran has paired extremity disabilities, VA adds a 10 percent bilateral factor. This walks through the steps from 38 CFR 4.26, including the April 2023 exception that keeps the factor from ever lowering your combined rating.
Enter ratings for paired extremities on the left and right sides. The calculator combines them, adds the bilateral factor, then combines with any other ratings. Since April 16, 2023, VA must leave bilateral disabilities out of the factor whenever that produces a higher combined evaluation, and this calculator checks both methods automatically.
The 4.26(d) exception took effect on April 16, 2023. If VA decided your combined rating before then and the math above shows the factor working against you, your decision may still reflect the lower number. VA said it would correct affected ratings on its own, but you do not have to wait: you can file VA Form 21-4138 explaining what you think happened and request an audit of the calculation, and an accredited representative can review the math with you at no cost.
Find an accredited representativeQuestions veterans ask about the bilateral factor
What is the bilateral factor?
When a veteran has disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscle groups, VA adds an extra 10 percent of the combined value of those paired ratings before combining them with everything else. It reflects the added burden of losing function on both sides of the body.
How does VA calculate the bilateral factor?
VA combines the ratings on the paired sides using the combined-ratings table, takes 10 percent of that combined value, adds it back to reach a bilateral total, and only then combines that result with any ratings that are not part of the pair. The factor is applied to the paired group first, not to your overall rating.
Did the bilateral factor rule change in 2023?
Yes. Effective April 16, 2023, under 38 CFR 4.26(d), VA must leave bilateral disabilities out of the factor whenever doing so produces a higher combined evaluation. In practice, the factor can now only help your combined rating, never lower it, and this calculator checks both methods automatically.
Which conditions count as bilateral?
Disabilities of both upper extremities or both lower extremities, including the related joint and muscle conditions. A condition on one side paired with a different condition on the other side can still qualify, as long as both involve the paired extremities.