Veterans Affairs Disability Rates for 2023

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Click here to view the VA Disability Rates Table

Effective 12/1/23, VA disability rates will see a 3.2% cost-of-living increase for 2024 based on the Social Security Administration’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

 

Although the 8.7% COLA increase to VA disability rates in 2023 was the largest boost in 40 years, the new rate increase signifies a considerable increase in rates, which can mean more monthly compensation to Veterans.

 

It’s important to read through the following information to learn how this rate increase will impact you and your family. For specific advice regarding your VA disability rates, consult an experienced VA attorney in your area.

 

About Veterans Affairs Disability Pay Rates

For disabled Veterans, the total amount of the benefits depends on the extent of disability. The VA decides on your disability eligibility based on information that you submit as part of your claim, or from information that the VA receives from your military records.

About VA Disability Pay Rates

VA disability compensation pay rates vary from 0-100% in 10 percent increments. Eligible disabled veterans can receive as much as $4,295.90 per month in VA disability compensation as a tax-free benefit in 2023.

Veterans with disabilities may use VA disability compensation charts to get an idea about how much financial assistance they may be eligible to receive. The combined rating tables on the VA website also calculates the disability percentage if you have multiple disabilities.

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): VA Disability Rates

Periodically, the VA makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to VA disability compensation and pension benefits to help ensure VA benefits are not diminished by inflation. The cost-of-living adjustments to the VA’s compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as for Social Security benefits. Vets who are disabled received an increase that is connected to the level of their disability rating.

The COLA Increase for 2024 VA Disability Pay Rates

 

The SSA determined the official COLA for 2024 to be a 3.2% increase. Retired and disabled vets will see their benefits increase because an act of Congress is not required for COLA for these groups.

Types of Veteran Disability Claims

Several types of claims can apply to disability compensation. They may be based upon disabilities that existed and became intensified during military service, disabilities that arose during active military service, or disabilities that became worse after leaving service. These claims include:

Pre-Discharge VA Disability Claims

Veterans who are within 180 days of separation or retirement from active duty or National Guard duty can file claims for disability.

Pre-Service VA Disability Claims

People may enter military service with a disability. If this becomes worse during military service, the VA may be required to pay compensation.

In-Service VA Disability Claims

These include claims based on disabilities that are due to an injury or a disease that occurred during active duty. Claims related to alcohol abuse or addictions to drugs are generally excluded.

Post-Service VA Disability Claims

This includes claims for disabilities that are service-related, even though the disability occurred after service.

The types of VA disability compensation benefits include the following:

VA Disability Claims & Compensation

This compensation is paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. The benefit amount is granted according to the degree of the Veteran’s disability on a scale from 10 percent to 100 percent in increments of 10 percent. This type of benefit is also paid for disabilities that are related to or secondary to disabilities that happened during service or that are determined to be related to military service, even if they occur after military service. The degrees of disability specified are designed to compensate for a loss of working time.

VA Disability Claim: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit that is paid to the surviving family member of a Veteran, such as a spouse, child, or parent. This benefit applies to Veterans on active duty, active duty training, inactive duty training, or to survivors of service members who died from their disabilities. DIC is offered to the parents of Veterans who are financially dependent on a Veteran or of a Veteran who died from a service-related cause.

VA Disability Claim: Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

SMC is an additional tax-free benefit paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents. Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation due to special circumstances, such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or for a specific disability (for example, a loss of use of one hand or leg). This benefit is referred to as aid and attendance, and the compensation is based on the Veteran’s need for aid and attendance from another person.

Special Circumstances for VA Disability Compensation

These types of claims do not always occur during active duty. In some instances, a disability can be determined to be related to an event that happened during military service. Some examples include surgery related to a disability that occurred during service, or additional compensation that is needed due to additional aid or attendance. Special VA disability compensation programs include an individual’s unemployability, an allowance for a vehicle, clothing allowance, pre-stabilization, hospitalization, dental, and birth defects.

Changes to VA Disability Pay Rates & VA Disability Compensation

Changes can occur to Veterans’ disability benefits rates when the VA decides to reexamine the Veteran. The VA retains the right to reconsider the disability rating at any time. You may receive a Notice of Reexamination letter in the mail that includes a scheduled appointment date. It is critical that you attend this appointment.

After the VA reexamines you, it will make a recommendation to increase, to decrease, or to leave your Veteran disability compensation at its current rating.

Changes in Family Status for VA Disability Compensation

It is important to contact the VA whenever there are changes in your family status, as your VA disability pay rates may change as a result. If you have a 30% disability rating or higher and are supporting qualified dependents such as a spouse, child, or parent, you may be eligible to receive a higher VA disability payment. If your disability rating is 20% or lower, changes in your family status do not affect your payment.

Contact Us for Help
with VA Disability Claims

The Veterans disability attorneys at Berry Law are prepared to put our decades of experience and track record of success to work for you. Many of our lawyers are proud Veterans themselves, and we know the unique challenges that Veterans face when fighting for the disability benefits they need.

We serve Veterans nationwide. Contact us by phone today at (888) 682-0786 or request an appointment online.

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