Every calculation on this site is documented. Here's exactly how the math works and where the data comes from.
VA Combined Disability Rating — Uses the official VA 'whole person' formula defined in 38 CFR § 4.25. Disabilities are sorted from highest to lowest. Each successive rating is applied to the remaining healthy percentage, not added. The exact result is rounded to the nearest 10%. This is the same calculation the VA's internal system uses.
BAH Rates — Sourced from the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) BAH rate tables, published annually each December. Rates are specific to each of the 299 Military Housing Areas. The MVP covers 93 major MHAs — the production version includes all 299.
Base Pay — From 2026 DFAS military pay tables reflecting the 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026. Pay is determined by pay grade and years of creditable service. These rates are identical across all branches.
BRS vs. Legacy — Legacy: 2.5% × years of service × high-3 base pay average. BRS: 2.0% multiplier + TSP matching (DoD matches dollar-for-dollar up to 3%, then 50 cents per dollar up to 5%, plus 1% automatic). TSP growth projected at 7% average annual return based on historical L Fund performance.
Separation Pay — Calculated per 10 USC § 1174. Full involuntary = 10% × years × 12 × monthly base pay. Voluntary = half. Requires minimum 6 years active service.
SCRA Interest Rate Cap — Under 50 USC § 3937, pre-service debts are capped at 6% during active duty. Savings calculated as delta between current rate and 6% cap.
VA Loan Calculations — Standard amortization formulas. Funding fee rates per VA Circular 26-22-13. Affordability uses 41% DTI standard for VA loans.
CRSC / CRDP — Based on current VA compensation rate tables and retirement pay offset methodology per 10 USC Chapter 71.
SBP — 6.5% premium, up to 55% coverage per 10 USC §§ 1447-1455.
DIC — 2026 rates per 38 USC § 1311.
Data Freshness — All rates reflect 2026 values. Updated annually in January (pay tables, BAH) and December (VA COLA). Last updated April 2026. Next update January 2027.