About the Data
VetCalc is committed to accuracy and transparency. Every calculator on this site uses official data from government sources. This page explains where our data comes from, how often it's updated, the formulas we use, and how we verify accuracy.
Data Sources
| Data | Source | Official URL |
|---|---|---|
| Military Base Pay | DFAS Military Pay Tables | dfas.mil |
| BAH Rates | DoD BAH Rate Lookup | travel.dod.mil |
| BAS Rates | DFAS BAS Rates | dfas.mil |
| VA Disability Rates | VA Disability Compensation | va.gov |
| GI Bill Rates | VA Education Benefits | va.gov |
| TSP Fund Returns | Thrift Savings Plan | tsp.gov |
| Tax Brackets | IRS Tax Tables | irs.gov |
Update Frequency
- Military Base Pay — January 1 each year (or when NDAA is signed)
- BAH Rates — January 1 each year
- BAS Rates — January 1 each year
- VA Disability Rates — Effective December 1, based on COLA
- GI Bill MHA Rates — August 1 each year
- TSP Returns — Reflected in real-time fund prices
- Federal Tax Brackets — Updated annually by IRS
Formulas & Legal References
- VA Combined Rating (38 CFR § 4.25) — Start at 100% health. For each rating, take that percentage of remaining health. Final result rounded to nearest 10%.
- Bilateral Factor (38 CFR § 4.26) — When conditions affect both sides of the body, combine bilateral conditions first, then add 10% of that combined value.
- Military Retirement — High-36 (10 USC § 1409) — Average of highest 36 months of base pay × (years of service × 2.5%).
- BRS Retirement (10 USC § 1409 as amended) — Average of highest 36 months × (years of service × 2.0%), plus TSP matching up to 5%.
- Drill Pay (37 USC § 206) — 1/30th of monthly base pay per drill period. A standard drill weekend = 4 drill periods.
- CRDP (10 USC § 1414) — Full concurrent receipt for retirees with 20+ years and 50%+ VA rating.
- CRSC (10 USC § 1413a) — Combat-related disability restoration, lesser of combat VA compensation or retired pay waived.
Verification Process
- All rate tables are cross-referenced against official PDF publications
- Calculator outputs are spot-checked against published examples
- Data is re-verified when new rates are published
- Last verified: February 27, 2026
If you find a discrepancy between our calculators and official sources, please let us know.
Limitations & Disclaimers
- Estimates only — official determinations are made by the VA, DFAS, and other agencies
- Individual results may vary based on specific service records, tax situations, and state laws
- State tax calculations use simplified brackets and may not reflect all credits/deductions
- TSP projections assume consistent returns — actual results will vary
- We are not affiliated with any government agency
- This site does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice