The VA uses the "whole person" method. Your first condition (50%) makes you 50% disabled — leaving 50% of a healthy person. Your second condition (50%) then applies to that remaining 50%, not to the full 100%. So the second condition adds 25% (50% of 50%), bringing your combined to 75%. This prevents ratings from ever technically reaching 100% through math alone — which is why TDIU exists for veterans who are effectively unable to work.

The bilateral factor (38 CFR § 4.26) is a 10% bonus applied when you have service-connected disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired organs (like both knees or both ears). The VA calculates the sub-combined rating for your bilateral conditions, adds 10% of that subtotal, then factors the result into your overall combined rating. This calculator applies a simplified bilateral adjustment: if any condition is marked bilateral, 10% of the overall combined rating is added before rounding.

Yes — through TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability). If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding substantially gainful employment, the VA can pay you at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower. You generally need a single rating of 60% or a combined rating of 70% with at least one condition rated 40% or higher. Speak with a VSO (Veterans Service Organization) — they're free and can evaluate your eligibility.