VA math when multiple small ratings

Question:

Hello Jim, I am a disabled vet due to a fall when working on the side of the USS Independence. My back injury has got worse through the years. The last time my condition was rated was 2/19/2013. I recently looked at my disabilities one benefits.

I have a list of four 20% and  two 10% disabilities. When I input these into an online calculator it says I am at 67%. I assume that rounds to 70%. Unless I am inputting this wrong, it seems like I should be at 70%.. They read like this; 10%. 1996 20%. 2013 20%. 2012 20%. 2012 20%. 2012 10%. 1973

Jim's Reply:

I did the VA math w/o a calculator. It's tricky wrapping your head around it but with practice I think this works better than on-line calculators. The date sequencing isn't important.

We start with the top 4 and work our way down.

20 + 20 = 36

36 + 20 = 49

49 + 20 = 54

54 + 10 = 59

59 + 10 = 63

63 rounds down...60% is the correct rating.

If you believe your injury has worsened, you should file for an increase.  https://www.vawatchdog.org/how-to-increase-an-existing-benefit--.html