About VA Disability Navigator
An independent educational resource built by a veteran, for veterans — helping you understand the VA disability system, know your rights, and maximize the benefits you earned through your service.
Our Mission
The VA disability system is complex, often confusing, and the stakes are high. Veterans who don't understand how ratings are calculated, what evidence is required, or when to appeal frequently leave significant compensation on the table — not because their conditions don't warrant higher ratings, but because they lack the information to navigate the process.
VA Disability Navigator exists to close that information gap. Every article, calculator, and guide on this site is designed to give veterans the knowledge they need to engage with the VA system confidently — whether they're filing their first claim, appealing a denial, or exploring TDIU.
We believe that understanding your benefits is the first step to receiving them.
About the Author
About the Author
Retired U.S. Air Force Officer
17+ Years of Active Duty Service
The author of VA Disability Navigator is a retired U.S. Air Force officer with over 17 years of active duty service. Having personally navigated the VA disability claims process — from initial filing through appeals — the author brings firsthand experience to every article and calculator on this site.
During active duty, the author witnessed countless fellow service members exit the military with little understanding of the VA benefits system, frequently receiving ratings that did not accurately reflect their service-connected conditions. That experience was the driving force behind building a resource that cuts through the bureaucratic complexity and delivers clear, actionable information.
Every piece of content on this site is reviewed for accuracy against current VA regulations (38 CFR), VA.gov guidance, and M21-1 adjudication procedures. When regulations change — particularly during the annual COLA updates — this site is updated to reflect current rates and rules.
Editorial Standards
All content on VA Disability Navigator is written and reviewed by the author with reference to official VA sources including the Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR), VA.gov, and the M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. This site does not provide legal advice. Veterans are encouraged to work with a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for their specific situation.
What We Cover
VA Disability Ratings
- How the VA rating schedule (VASRD) works
- Combined ratings formula explained
- Rating for specific conditions (MSK, mental health, hearing)
- Bilateral factor and how it increases your rating
- What each rating percentage means for compensation
The Claims Process
- Filing VA Form 21-526EZ correctly
- Gathering medical evidence and buddy statements
- The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam
- Understanding your rating decision
- Supplemental Claims, HLR, and BVA appeals
TDIU (Total Disability / Individual Unemployability)
- TDIU eligibility requirements
- Schedular vs. extra-schedular TDIU
- How to apply with VA Form 21-8940
- Protecting your TDIU rating
- TDIU and Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Calculators & Tools
- VA Combined Ratings Calculator
- TDIU eligibility estimator
- Monthly compensation by rating (2024 rates)
- SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) overview
- P&T (Permanent & Total) disability explained
Important Disclaimer
VA Disability Navigator is an independent educational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the U.S. military.
Nothing on this Site constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or professional advice. VA regulations and compensation rates change regularly — always verify current information at va.gov or by contacting a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization.
This Site participates in affiliate marketing programs and displays advertising. We may earn a commission when you click certain links. This does not affect the integrity of our educational content.