In 2025, the VA disability rates increase by 2.5% compared to 3.2% in 2024.
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In 2026, the VA disability rates are projected to increase by 2.7% compared to 2.5% in 2025. This change will take effect on December 1, 2025, and Veterans will see the updated rates in their January 1, 2026, payment.
Find out how these changes might impact you and your family. For specific advice regarding your situation, reach out to an experienced VA attorney in your area.
The 2026 VA disability pay rates are projected to increase by 2.7%, providing Veterans and their families with higher monthly compensation. These new rates would take effect on December 1, 2025, with Veterans seeing the updated compensation in their January 1, 2026 payment.
While the projected 2026 increase is smaller than the historic 8.7% jump in 2023, it still represents an expected raise in monthly compensation to help Veterans and their families keep up with rising living costs.
This projection is based on the Social Security Administration’s COLA estimate. The official 2026 VA disability rates will be finalized in October 2025 when the COLA is confirmed.
Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews inflation data to determine if Veterans’ benefits should increase. The adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which is calculated monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The SSA uses the third-quarter data from the previous year to set the COLA for the year ahead. After approval, the VA updates monthly disability compensation to match the new COLA rate. This usually means Veterans see a small increase in benefits each year to help keep pace with rising living costs.
By tying VA benefits to COLA, the system ensures Veterans don’t lose ground as expenses rise.
Yes. The projected 2.7% COLA increase will raise Veterans’ monthly disability benefits.
For example, a Veteran with a 100% disability rating and no dependents would see an additional $103.44 each month, bringing their total monthly compensation to $3,934.74 in 2026 compared to $3,831.30 in 2025.
Even small increases can make a meaningful difference in helping Veterans and families manage day-to-day costs.
The 2026 VA Disability Pay Rates below provide an estimate of the monthly compensation Veterans may receive with the new 2.7% COLA increase.
For a more personalized calculation, use our VA Disability Calculator. Please remember that these figures are estimates only, and actual payment amounts may vary.
These updates ensure Veterans’ benefits keep pace with changes in the economy and continue to provide meaningful support.
Please note that the numbers found on this page are only estimates and the actual payment amounts may vary.
Paid January 1, 2025
10% – 20% No Dependents
| PERCENTAGE | RATE |
| 10% | $180.25 |
| 20% | $356.32 |
30% – 60% With Children
| DEPENDENT STATUS | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $665.62 | $946.65 | $1,321.28 | $1,660.99 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $595.09 | $852.96 | $1,204.43 | $1,520.99 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $718.25 | $1,016.13 | $1,408.65 | $1,766.26 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $770.88 | $1,085.60 | $1,496.02 | $1,871.53 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $647.72 | $922.44 | $1,291.80 | $1,626.26 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $700.36 | $991.91 | $1,379.17 | $1,731.52 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $32.63 | $43.16 | $53.69 | $65.27 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (A) | $60.00 | $80.00 | $100.00 | $120.00 |
| Additional for A/A Spouse (B) | $60.00 | $80.00 | $100.00 | $120.00 |
30% – 60% Without Children
| DEPENDENT STATUS | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
| Veteran Alone | $551.93 | $795.06 | $1,131.79 | $1,433.62 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $617.19 | $882.44 | $1,241.27 | $1,565.20 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $669.83 | $951.91 | $1,328.64 | $1,670.47 |
| Veteran with Spouse & Two Parents | $722.46 | $1,021.39 | $1,416.02 | $1,775.74 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $604.62 | $864.54 | $1,219.17 | $1,538.88 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $657.20 | $934.02 | $1,306.54 | $1,644.15 |
| Additional for A/A Spouse (B) | $60.00 | $80.00 | $100.00 | $120.00 |
70% – 100% With Children
| DEPENDENT STATUS | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $2,071.96 | $2,403.27 | $2,701.07 | $4,314.78 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $1,908.79 | $2,216.94 | $2,491.59 | $4,081.45 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $2,195.12 | $2,543.27 | $2,858.97 | $4,490.85 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $2,318.29 | $2,683.28 | $3,016.87 | $4,666.92 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $2,031.96 | $2,356.95 | $2,649.49 | $4,257.52 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $2,155.12 | $2,496.96 | $2,807.39 | $4,433.59 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $75.79 | $86.32 | $97.90 | $109.00 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (A) | $246.33 | $281.06 | $316.86 | $352.11 |
| Additional for A/A Spouse (B) | $141.06 | $161.06 | $181.06 | $201.21 |
70% – 100% Without Children
| DEPENDENT STATUS | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
| Veteran Alone | $1,806.69 | $2,100.10 | $2,360.00 | $3,934.74 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,959.32 | $2,274.84 | $2,556.85 | $4,154.12 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $2,082.49 | $2,414.85 | $2,714.75 | $4,330.19 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $2,205.65 | $2,554.85 | $2,872.66 | $4,506.26 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,929.85 | $2,240.10 | $2,517.90 | $4,110.81 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $2,053.01 | $2,380.10 | $2,675.81 | $4,286.88 |
| Additional for A/A Spouse (B) | $141.06 | $161.06 | $181.06 | $201.21 |
These tables give Veterans and families a clear picture of what to expect from their monthly compensation in 2026.
Several types of claims can apply to VA 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:
Several types of claims can apply to VA disability compensation.
Veterans who are within 180 days of separation or retirement from active duty or National Guard duty can file claims for disability.
People may enter military service with a disability. If this becomes worse during military service, the VA may be required to pay compensation.
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.
This includes claims for disabilities that are service-related, even though the disability occurred after service.
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