VA Math // Final Conversion
VA Rating Rounding Explained
Rounding early is how a clean calculation turns into junk. Carry the real combined value through the entire sequence, then pass through the final rounding gate once.
01 // The rule
One through four goes down. Five through nine climbs out.
A final combined value of 64 converts to 60. A final value of 65 converts to 70. Section 4.25 specifically states that combined values ending in 5 are adjusted upward.
That conversion is used to express the final combined degree in increments of 10.
02 // More than two ratings
Carry the real number. Early rounding is friendly fire.
With three or more ratings, combine the first two and carry that exact table value into the third. Continue until every rating is included. Rounding early feels tidy right up until it produces the wrong answer.
Rounding the first pair to a multiple of 10 before adding the next rating can change the result and does not follow § 4.25.
03 // Verification
Show your work or prepare to argue with a ghost.
Keep the ordered list, every intermediate table value, any bilateral calculation, and the final conversion. A naked answer gives you nothing to inspect when the number disagrees with the decision.
- Individual ratings in descending order
- Bilateral group and added factor, if applicable
- Each intermediate combined value
- Final unrounded value and converted rating
Source rack
Trust, but verify. Mostly verify.
These official sources carry the factual load. Rules and public guidance change; screenshots and confident strangers do not receive automatic grandfather status.