VA MATH: Local VSO can help

As a disabled veteran I can tell you that VA Math is a bit different. Each percentage is computed from the last percentage. The VA considers the body at 100% to start. In your example, 100% minus 50% leaves 50%, the next disability is 30% which is computed as 30% of the remaining 50% which comes to only 15%. They then add the 50 to the 15, giving a total of 65% which they rounded down to 60%. The calculator I use says that should be rounded up to 70% but there could be nuances that are disclosed in your award letter. Your local VSO office can provide more insight, I believe they are in Post Falls and should be able to be reached at 208-446-1090. You can search for VA Math Calculator to find some good calculators and better descriptions of the math than I have provided.

JON GAGNON, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired

Eureka, Calif. (grew up in Coeur d’Alene)