PEB Math, Bilateral Factor, and Pyramiding

[Jason]

This thread is all about the various administrative rules in arriving at a rating.

[Jason]

Wait a minute. 60% + 20% equals 70%?

The way the PEB (as well as the VA) computes disability ratings is often a source of confusion. The following excerpt from the DOD Instruction explains it pretty well. DODI 1332.39, para. 6.12. states, " Combined Ratings Table. When a member has more than one compensable disability, the percentages are combined rather than added (except when the VASRD modified by enclosure 2 indicates otherwise). The combined rating is based on the "whole person concept". A person without a medical impairment is considered 100% fit. An unfitting ratable medical impairment renders an individual less that 100% fit. A revised fitness level results. Subsequent impairments are calculated as a percentage basis of the new fitness level that is always less than 100%. Thus, a person having a 60 percent disability is considered to have a remaining efficiency or fitness of 40 percent. If there is a second disability rated at 20 percent, then the person is considered to have lost 20 percent of that remaining 40 percent, (20% x 40% = 8%). Hence, a 60 percent disability combined with a 20 percent disability results in a combined rating of 68 percent, and a 70% rating in the VASRD. The combined rating for any combination of disabilities is always determined by first arranging the disabilities in their exact order of severity and then

referring to the Combined Ratings Table in the VASRD..."