§ 1523. Combination of ratings
(a)
The Secretary shall provide that, for the purpose of determining whether or not a veteran is permanently and totally disabled, ratings for service-connected disabilities may be combined with ratings for non-service-connected disabilities.
(b)
Where a veteran, by virtue of subsection (a), is found to be entitled to a pension under section
1521 of this title, and is entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability, the Secretary shall pay such veteran the greater benefit.