The 2026 VA disability compensation rates took effect December 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Veterans received updated payments beginning in January 2026. Below you will find the complete monthly pay chart for every rating tier from 10% to 100%, plus rates for veterans with dependents — all verified against the official VA published rates.
2026 VA Disability Rates — Veteran Alone (No Dependents)
The rates below apply to veterans with no spouse, no children, and no dependent parents. Payments are tax-free and deposited monthly.
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment (2026) | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 |
Source: VA.gov official compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025 (paid January 2026). Rates reflect 2.8% COLA increase.
2026 VA Rates at 100% — With Dependents
Veterans rated at 30% or higher receive additional monthly compensation for dependent spouses, children, and dependent parents. The table below shows the 100% rate — the most commonly searched scenario — with various dependent combinations.
| Dependent Status | Monthly Payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran + spouse | $4,158.17 |
| Veteran + spouse + one child | $4,318.99 |
| Veteran + child only (no spouse) | $4,053.90 |
| Veteran + spouse + one dependent parent | $4,334.41 |
| Veteran + spouse + child + one parent | $4,495.22 |
| Veteran + spouse + child + two parents | $4,780.57 |
Each additional child under 18 adds approximately $109.11/month. Each child over 18 in a qualifying school program adds approximately $352.45/month.
What Is the 2026 VA COLA Increase?
COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces a COLA percentage in October, and VA disability compensation automatically increases by the same percentage beginning December 1 of that year (reflected in January payments).
How the COLA Is Calculated
- The SSA measures the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the prior year to the third quarter of the current year.
- That percentage change becomes the COLA. If prices rose 2.8%, the COLA is 2.8%.
- The VA applies the same COLA percentage to all disability compensation rates, pension rates, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rates.
- No action is needed from veterans — rates update automatically.
Recent COLA History
| Year | COLA % | 10% Rate (Veteran Alone) | 100% Rate (Veteran Alone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% | $165.92 | $3,621.95 |
| 2024 | 3.2% | $171.23 | $3,737.85 |
| 2025 | 2.5% | $175.51 | $3,831.30 |
| 2026 | 2.8% | $180.42 | $3,938.58 |
Rates for Ratings 30%–90% With a Spouse
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive a higher rate if they have an eligible dependent spouse. Here are the 2026 "veteran with spouse" rates at common rating levels:
| Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran + Spouse | Spouse Add-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | $618.24 | +$65.77 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $884.06 | +$88.22 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,243.48 | +$110.58 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,567.33 | +$132.31 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,963.00 | +$154.55 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,278.75 | +$176.60 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,561.06 | +$198.76 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | +$219.59 |
Spouse add-on amounts are approximate. Consult va.gov for exact figures by rating and dependent combination.
Important Notes About VA Compensation Rates
- 10% and 20% ratings: Veterans rated at 10% or 20% do not receive higher rates for dependents — the rate is the same regardless of whether you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
- Combined ratings vs. individual ratings: The VA uses a "whole person" method — also called the VA math formula — to combine multiple disability ratings. A veteran with a 70% and a 30% rating does not automatically receive 100%. Use our VA disability rating calculator to see how your conditions combine.
- Tax-free: VA disability compensation is completely exempt from federal income tax and most state income taxes.
- Not means-tested: Unlike VA pension, disability compensation is not based on your income or net worth. Any veteran with a service-connected disability qualifies regardless of income.
- Back pay: If your rating is increased or a claim is approved retroactively, you may be owed back pay to your effective date. Learn more about how VA back pay works.
What If You Think Your Rating Should Be Higher?
Many veterans are underrated. If your service-connected conditions have worsened, or if the VA missed a condition when rating your claim, you have options:
- File a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence
- Request a Higher-Level Review (HLR) for a senior VA rater to review the existing record
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) if you disagree with a prior decision
Visit our VA appeals process guide to understand your options, or use the VA disability rating calculator to estimate what your combined rating could be with additional conditions included.
How Dependents Change Your VA Pay
Added pay for dependents only starts at a combined rating of 30 percent or higher. At 10 percent or 20 percent, dependents do not raise your monthly amount. Your basic rate at 30 percent and above already includes one spouse or one child.
The Add-On Structure
The VA builds your check from a base rate plus dependent add-ons. The exact dollars rise with your rating, so a child add-on at 100 percent is larger than at 30 percent.
- Spouse: One spouse is built into the with-dependents base rate.
- Additional child under 18: Each child beyond the first adds a set amount.
- Child over 18 in school: A qualifying school program adds a higher per-child amount.
- Aid and Attendance for a spouse: If your spouse needs daily aid, an extra add-on applies.
Verify the current amount on VA.gov.
When the 2026 Increase Hits Your Check
The 2026 rates are effective December 1, 2025, after a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Because the VA pays in arrears, your first higher deposit arrives in early January 2026. The COLA matches the same adjustment used for Social Security and applies to compensation, TDIU, SMC, and DIC.
2026 Rates FAQ
Do I need to apply for the COLA? No. The increase is automatic for everyone already receiving compensation.
Do dependents help at 20 percent? No. Dependent add-ons begin only at 30 percent and higher. Confirm exact 2026 figures on VA.gov.
Bottom Line
The 2026 VA disability compensation rates reflect a 2.8% COLA increase over 2025, with the 100% veteran-alone rate now at $3,938.58 per month. Rates are automatically updated — no action is required from veterans. If you believe your rating does not fully capture your disabilities, the best time to file or appeal is now, because benefits are generally paid from the date of your claim, not the date of the decision.