VA Retirement Calculator
Planning military retirement requires understanding multiple income sources — base retirement pay, VA disability compensation, TSP withdrawals, and future COLA increases. Our VA Retirement Calculator helps you estimate your complete retirement picture in minutes.
Whether you served under the High-36, BRS, or REDUX retirement system, this tool provides a detailed breakdown of:
- Total service credit
- Retirement multiplier
- Monthly and annual military pension
- VA disability compensation
- TSP monthly income (4% rule)
- Total projected retirement income
- Estimated pension value after 10 years with COLA
This calculator is designed specifically for U.S. service members and veterans covered under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the military retirement systems managed by the Department of Defense.
What Is Military Retirement Pay?
Military retirement pay is a lifetime monthly benefit paid to eligible service members who complete the required years of service, typically 20 years or more.
Your retirement pay is based on:
- Years of service
- Retirement system
- Final base pay (or high-36 average)
- Retirement multiplier percentage
Our calculator simplifies these calculations automatically.
How to Use the VA Retirement Calculator
Follow these simple steps to get accurate retirement estimates:
1. Enter Years of Service
Input your completed years in the military.
2. Add Additional Months
If you served partial years, enter the extra months (0–11).
The calculator converts months into fractional years.
3. Enter Final Base Pay (Monthly)
Provide your final monthly base pay. This is used to calculate your pension.
4. Select Retirement System
Choose the retirement plan you are covered under:
- High-36 (Entered before 2018)
- BRS – Blended Retirement System (After 2018)
- REDUX (Rare – Before 1980)
The multiplier formula automatically adjusts based on your selection.
5. Choose VA Disability Rating
Select your disability percentage (0%–100%).
Compensation amounts are estimated based on standard VA compensation tables.
6. Enter Number of Dependents
If your disability rating is 30% or higher, dependent benefits are added.
7. Add TSP Balance
Input your current balance in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
The calculator uses the 4% withdrawal rule to estimate monthly retirement income.
8. Enter Retirement Age
This ensures your projections are realistic for planning purposes.
9. Set Expected COLA Rate
Default is 2.5%, but you can adjust based on expected inflation.
COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases are applied to estimate your pension value in Year 10.
10. Click “Calculate”
You’ll instantly receive a full retirement income breakdown.
Understanding Retirement System Multipliers
The retirement multiplier determines what percentage of your base pay you receive.
High-36 System
- Multiplier = Years of Service × 2.5%
Example:
20 years × 2.5% = 50% of base pay
Blended Retirement System (BRS)
- Multiplier = Years of Service × 2.0%
- Includes TSP government matching
Example:
20 years × 2.0% = 40% of base pay
REDUX System
- 40% at 20 years
- Adjusted formula for additional service
- Reduced multiplier compared to High-36
Our VA Retirement Calculator automatically applies the correct formula.
Example Calculation
Let’s say:
- 22 years and 6 months of service
- Final Base Pay: $6,000/month
- Retirement System: High-36
- VA Disability Rating: 60%
- 2 Dependents
- TSP Balance: $250,000
- Retirement Age: 42
- COLA: 2.5%
Results Breakdown
Total Service Credit: 22.5 years
Multiplier: 56.25%
Monthly Retirement Pay: $3,375
Annual Retirement Pay: $40,500
VA Disability Pay: Estimated monthly compensation based on 60% rating plus dependent allowance.
TSP Monthly Income (4% rule):
$250,000 × 4% ÷ 12 = approx. $833/month
Total Monthly Retirement Income:
Military Pension + Disability + TSP
The calculator also projects what your pension could look like after 10 years with compounded COLA increases.
What Is VA Disability Compensation?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to veterans with service-connected conditions through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Key Points:
- Ratings range from 0% to 100%
- Higher ratings receive larger payments
- Veterans rated 30% or more receive additional compensation for dependents
- Compensation is typically tax-free
This calculator estimates disability income based on your selected rating and dependents.
Understanding the 4% TSP Withdrawal Rule
The 4% rule is a common retirement planning guideline suggesting you withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually to reduce the risk of running out of money.
Example:
- $300,000 TSP balance
- 4% annual withdrawal = $12,000
- Monthly income = $1,000
This tool calculates your estimated TSP monthly withdrawal automatically.
Why Use This VA Retirement Calculator?
✔ All-in-One Retirement Estimate
Combines pension, disability, and TSP income.
✔ Accurate Multiplier Calculations
Automatically adjusts for High-36, BRS, and REDUX systems.
✔ Dependent Compensation Included
Accounts for additional disability benefits.
✔ COLA Projections
See how inflation adjustments impact your pension over time.
✔ Fast & Free
Instant calculations with no registration required.
How COLA Impacts Long-Term Retirement
COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) helps protect your pension from inflation. Even a 2.5% annual increase can significantly raise your monthly benefit over 10 years.
For example:
- $3,000 monthly pension today
- With 2.5% annual COLA
- After 10 years → significantly higher monthly benefit
The calculator compounds COLA automatically to show long-term value.
Important Retirement Planning Tips
- Aim for at least 20 years of service for full eligibility.
- Contribute consistently to your TSP for maximum growth.
- Understand differences between High-36 and BRS before separation.
- Consider disability claims early if eligible.
- Reevaluate COLA expectations periodically.
- Consult a certified military financial advisor before retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is military retirement calculated?
By multiplying years of service by the retirement multiplier and final base pay.
2. What is the High-36 system?
A retirement system using 2.5% per year of service based on highest 36 months of pay.
3. What is the BRS?
The Blended Retirement System uses 2.0% multiplier plus TSP matching contributions.
4. Who qualifies for REDUX?
Primarily service members who entered before 1980 and chose the REDUX option.
5. Is VA disability pay taxable?
No, VA disability compensation is tax-free.
6. Can I receive both retirement pay and disability?
Yes, depending on eligibility and rating.
7. What is the minimum service for retirement?
Typically 20 years for active duty retirement.
8. How accurate is this calculator?
It provides estimates based on standard formulas but is not an official VA tool.
9. Does it include dependent benefits?
Yes, for disability ratings of 30% or higher.
10. What is the 4% rule?
A retirement guideline for sustainable withdrawals from savings.
11. Does COLA apply every year?
Yes, pensions typically receive annual COLA adjustments.
12. Can I adjust the COLA rate?
Yes, you can customize it in the calculator.
13. What happens if I retire under BRS?
You receive a smaller pension multiplier but gain TSP matching benefits.
14. Is this calculator free?
Yes, it’s completely free to use.
15. Should I rely only on this estimate?
No, always confirm figures with official military finance offices.
Final Thoughts
Our VA Retirement Calculator provides a comprehensive look at your military pension, disability compensation, and retirement savings income. By combining multiple retirement income sources into one simple tool, it helps service members and veterans plan confidently for long-term financial security.
Use this calculator regularly as your career progresses to adjust expectations, optimize savings, and prepare for a stable and rewarding retirement.