Last Updated: April 16, 2026
The Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. These new compensation rates take effect on December 1, 2025, with the adjusted amounts first appearing in the January 1, 2026 benefit payment.
At Berry Law, we represent Veterans nationwide to ensure our nation’s heroes receive every dollar of the disability benefits they earned through their service. If your current rating does not accurately reflect the severity of your service-connected conditions, our team of battle-hardened attorneys is ready to lead your next fight.
Monthly compensation for Veterans with a 10% or 20% rating. Note that the VA does not provide additional compensation for dependents at these levels.
Disability Rating | Monthly Rate (2026) |
10% | $180.43 |
20% | $356.67 |
Monthly compensation for Veterans with qualifying dependents (spouse and/or parents) but no dependent children.
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
| Veteran Alone | $552.47 | $795.83 | $1,132.89 | $1,435.02 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $617.79 | $883.30 | $1,242.48 | $1,566.72 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $670.48 | $952.84 | $1,329.93 | $1,672.10 |
| Veteran with Spouse & Two Parents | $723.16 | $1,022.38 | $1,417.40 | $1,777.47 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $605.21 | $865.38 | $1,220.36 | $1,540.38 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $657.84 | $934.93 | $1,307.81 | $1,645.75 |
| Additional for A/A Spouse* | $60.06 | $80.08 | $100.10 | $120.12 |
| *Aid and Attendance (A/A) for a spouse who requires regular assistance. | ||||
Monthly compensation for Veterans with dependent children.
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $666.27 | $947.57 | $1,322.57 | $1,662.61 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $595.67 | $853.79 | $1,205.60 | $1,522.47 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $718.95 | $1,017.12 | $1,410.01 | $1,768.98 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $771.63 | $1,086.67 | $1,497.47 | $1,874.36 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $648.35 | $923.35 | $1,293.05 | $1,628.85 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $701.04 | $992.87 | $1,380.51 | $1,734.15 |
| Each Additional Child (Under 18) | $32.66 | $43.20 | $53.74 | $65.33 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild (18–23) | $60.06 | $80.08 | $100.10 | $120.12 |
At higher disability percentages, the compensation for dependents increases significantly.
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
| Veteran Alone | $1,808.45 | $2,102.14 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.57 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,961.23 | $2,277.06 | $2,559.34 | $4,158.16 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $2,084.52 | $2,417.20 | $2,717.39 | $4,334.41 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $2,207.80 | $2,557.34 | $2,875.46 | $4,510.65 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,931.73 | $2,242.28 | $2,520.35 | $4,114.81 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $2,055.01 | $2,382.42 | $2,678.42 | $4,291.05 |
| Additional for A/A Spouse | $141.20 | $161.22 | $181.24 | $201.41 |
Monthly compensation for high-percentage ratings with dependent children.
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $2,073.98 | $2,405.61 | $2,703.70 | $4,318.98 |
| Veteran with Child Only | $1,909.55 | $2,217.99 | $2,493.92 | $4,085.44 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $2,196.74 | $2,545.80 | $2,862.75 | $4,494.22 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $2,319.95 | $2,685.88 | $3,021.80 | $4,670.47 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $2,033.94 | $2,359.84 | $2,651.97 | $4,260.65 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $2,157.14 | $2,499.85 | $2,810.12 | $4,436.89 |
| Each Additional Child (Under 18) | $75.86 | $86.40 | $97.99 | $109.11 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild (18–23) | $246.57 | $281.33 | $317.17 | $352.45 |
The 2.8% increase applies to your base pay. For example, a Veteran rated at 100% (Veteran Alone) will see their monthly compensation move from $3,831.30 in 2025 to $3,938.57 in 2026.
These amounts reflect standard monthly rates. Veterans may be eligible for additional compensation beyond standard rates, such as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance.
If you believe your disability rating is inadequate or your claim was unjustly denied, don’t go to battle alone. Berry Law was founded by a Vietnam Veteran and is led by an Iraq War Veteran—we understand the mission because we’ve lived it.
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:
These are monthly, tax-free benefits paid directly to a Veteran who is disabled due to a service-related injury or illness. The amount is based on the Veteran’s disability rating.
This is a tax-free payment made to the surviving family of a Veteran who died during active duty or died from a service-related disability.
Benefits may also be available in other special circumstances, such a clothing allowance for Veterans who have a prosthetic, grants for Veterans who need home modifications, and assistance with buying an adapted vehicle, among others.
Additional benefits may be available disabled Veterans and/or their family members for costs related to assistance with activities of daily living.
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.
