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The 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected to be 2.5%, according to the latest estimates based on the May 2025 CPI data.
If confirmed, this increase would directly raise 2026 VA disability compensation rates for veterans with a service-connected rating of 10% or higher.
These updated pay rates will take effect on December 1, 2025, and show up in your January 1, 2026 VA disability payment.
Table of Contents
2026 VA DISABILITY RATES WITHOUT CHILDREN
| VA Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran & Spouse | Veteran, Spouse, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, & Two Parents | Veteran & One Parent | Veteran & Two Parents | Additional For A/A Spouses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,927.08 | $4,146.03 | $4,321.76 | $4,497.48 | $4,102.81 | $4,278.53 | $200.82 |
| 90% | $2,355.41 | $2,551.87 | $2,709.47 | $2,867.06 | $2,513.00 | $2,670.59 | $180.71 |
| 80% | $2,096.01 | $2,270.41 | $2,410.14 | $2,549.88 | $2,235.74 | $2,375.47 | $160.75 |
| 70% | $1,803.17 | $1,955.51 | $2,078.43 | $2,201.35 | $1,926.09 | $2,049.01 | $140.78 |
| 60% | $1,430.83 | $1,562.15 | $1,667.22 | $1,772.28 | $1,535.89 | $1,640.95 | $119.77 |
| 50% | $1,129.59 | $1,238.85 | $1,326.06 | $1,413.26 | $1,216.79 | $1,303.99 | $99.81 |
| 40% | $793.52 | $880.72 | $950.06 | $1,019.40 | $862.86 | $932.20 | $79.85 |
| 30% | $550.85 | $615.99 | $668.52 | $721.05 | $603.38 | $655.92 | $59.89 |
Note: Veterans with VA ratings of 10% or 20% do not receive additional compensation for dependents.
- 10% VA Rating = $179.90
- 20% VA Rating = $355.62
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2026 VA DISABILITY RATES WITH CHILDREN
| VA Rating | Veteran & Child | Veteran, Spouse, & Child | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & Two Parents | Veteran, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Child, & Two Parents | Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $4,073.50 | $4,306.38 | $4,482.10 | $4,657.83 | $4,249.23 | $4,424.96 | $108.79 | $351.42 |
| 90% | $2,486.73 | $2,695.81 | $2,853.40 | $3,011.00 | $2,644.33 | $2,801.92 | $97.71 | $316.24 |
| 80% | $2,212.63 | $2,398.59 | $2,538.32 | $2,678.05 | $2,352.36 | $2,492.09 | $86.15 | $280.52 |
| 70% | $1,905.08 | $2,067.92 | $2,190.85 | $2,313.77 | $2,028.00 | $2,150.92 | $75.65 | $245.85 |
| 60% | $1,518.03 | $1,657.76 | $1,762.82 | $1,867.89 | $1,623.09 | $1,728.15 | $65.14 | $119.77 |
| 50% | $1,202.08 | $1,318.70 | $1,405.90 | $1,493.11 | $1,289.28 | $1,376.49 | $53.58 | $99.81 |
| 40% | $851.30 | $944.81 | $1,014.15 | $1,083.49 | $920.64 | $989.98 | $43.08 | $79.85 |
| 30% | $593.93 | $664.32 | $716.85 | $769.38 | $646.46 | $698.99 | $32.57 | $59.89 |
What is the Estimated 2026 COLA Increase?
The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is currently projected at 2.5%, based on recent inflation data.
But keep in mind—this is only a forecast.
The official 2026 COLA won’t be finalized until mid-October 2025, when the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews third-quarter inflation numbers from July through September.
- If inflation cools, the final increase could dip slightly below projections.
- If inflation rises—potentially driven by new tariffs or supply chain disruptions—the final COLA could edge higher.
As it stands, veterans can plan for a COLA increase between 2.3% and 2.7%, depending on how inflation trends unfold in the coming months.
How Does the VA Determine My Disability Rating?
The VA uses the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to assign ratings from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.
Ratings are based on the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your work, life, and social functioning.
Multiple conditions are combined using a specific formula to calculate your total rating.
How Can I Calculate My Combined VA Disability Rating?
Your rating decision letter will list each condition’s rating and your total combined percentage.
Use our free VA disability calculator to quickly calculate your combined VA rating and current monthly payment.
How Do I Increase My VA Rating?
You can file for a VA rating increase online at VA.gov with updated medical evidence showing how your condition has worsened and meets the criteria for a higher rating.
Is VA Disability Pay Tax Free?
Yes, VA disability compensation is tax-exempt at both the federal and state levels, ensuring you keep 100% of your benefit.
Do Dependents Qualify for Extra VA Pay?
If your combined rating is 30% or higher, you may qualify for additional compensation for dependents, including a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
Where Can I Find Help with VA Claims?
A VA-accredited representative, such as a Veteran Service Officer (VSO), claims agent, or attorney, can assist with filing or appealing your claim.
Click here to find one near you.
Looking for VA Claim Tips and Strategies?
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
