Resources and source register
Sources used in Phase 1 (verified October 29, 2026)
| Topic | Source | Status in Phase 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation dollar amounts | VA.gov — Current Veterans disability compensation rates (2026, effective December 1, 2025); 2025 past rates (effective December 1, 2024); 2024 past rates (effective December 1, 2023) | Used — full tables in rate data |
| 2027 COLA percentage (not a dollar table) | SSA — 3.6% COLA announced October 14, 2026 | Used only for the labeled 2027 projection (2026 amount × 1.036). VA.gov has not published a 2027 dollar table as of October 29, 2026. |
| Automatic rate updates | Rate-update pipeline: scripts/check-va-rates.py (workspace draft, no live cron). See the site README. | Delivered as a script + proposed schedule for Ingra's approval. No live auto-deploy. |
| Combined ratings methodology | 38 CFR 4.25, eCFR Title 38, Part 4, Subpart A | Used — calculation engine + tests |
| Bilateral factor | 38 CFR 4.26, same eCFR source | Used — calculation engine + tests |
Sources registered for later phases (not built, not used for any Phase 1 figure)
| Topic | Source | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Effective dates / retroactive pay logic | 38 CFR 3.400, eCFR | Phase 3 — planned |
| CRDP and CRSC (overview) | DFAS — CRSC and CRDP payments; DFAS — VA Waiver / CRDP / CRSC | Phase 4 — planned |
DFAS and 3.400 sources above are registered so Phase 3–4 work starts from the right authorities. No retirement, CRDP, CRSC, or back-pay figure is produced by this site.
Concepts, in plain language
- Combined rating: VA's whole-person method (4.25). Ratings apply to what remains, greatest first; final rounding happens once.
- Bilateral factor: paired-side ratings combine first, then 10% of that value is added (4.26), before combining with anything else.
- Dependents: no added amount at 10–20%; added amounts at 30%+ for a spouse, children, and dependent parents, subject to VA's own qualification and filing rules.
- Effective dates: generally the later of claim receipt and entitlement arising (3.400) — this is why a future back-pay tool must model dates, not just multiply a current rate by months. Planned, not built.
Estimate only. VA Pay IQ is independent, not VA or DoD. This page is educational, not claims advice, and does not offer accredited representation.