The VA uses a concept called the "Whole Person Theory." If you are 50% disabled, you are 50% "healthy." The next rating only applies to the "healthy" 50% remaining.
So, 50% + 50% = 75% (which rounds up to 80%). Getting from 90% to 95% (which rounds to 100%) is the hardest leap in the entire system. This is why you need a strategy to identify high-value claims (50%+) rather than piling on tiny 10% ratings.
If you have service-connected ratings on both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles, do not stop at straight VA math. Review the VA bilateral factor evidence checklist to see whether paired-extremity ratings should be adjusted before the rest of the combined-rating calculation.
Crack the VA Math Code
We strategize specifically to bridge the gap to 100%.