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2026 VA disability pay rates increase 2.8% with the annual COLA. The new VA disability rates are effective December 1, 2025. Use the 2026 VA disability pay chart below to find your exact tax-free monthly amount by combined rating and dependents.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates (Without Children)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran & Spouse | Veteran, Spouse, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, & Two Parents | Veteran & One Parent | Veteran & Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,334.41 | $4,510.65 | $4,114.82 | $4,291.06 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.34 | $2,717.39 | $2,875.45 | $2,520.36 | $2,678.41 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,276.91 | $2,417.74 | $2,558.58 | $2,242.98 | $2,383.82 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.62 | $2,084.98 | $2,208.34 | $1,931.81 | $2,055.17 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.60 | $1,671.46 | $1,776.31 | $1,539.87 | $1,644.73 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.87 | $1,329.25 | $1,416.63 | $1,220.28 | $1,307.66 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.22 | $953.12 | $1,023.02 | $865.74 | $935.64 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $618.26 | $670.69 | $723.12 | $604.90 | $657.32 |
| Rating | 100% | 90% | 80% | 70% | 60% | 50% | 40% | 30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional For A/A Spouses | $201.41 | $180.93 | $161.40 | $140.84 | $120.28 | $100.74 | $80.18 | $59.62 |
Note: Veterans with VA ratings of 10% or 20% do not receive additional compensation for dependents.
- 10% Disability Rating = $180.42
- 20% Disability Rating = $356.66
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates (With Children)
| Rating | Veteran & Child | Veteran, Spouse, & Child | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, Child, & Two Parents | Veteran, Child, & One Parent | Veteran, Child, & Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $4,085.43 | $4,318.99 | $4,495.23 | $4,671.47 | $4,261.67 | $4,437.91 |
| 90% | $2,493.89 | $2,704.63 | $2,862.94 | $3,021.25 | $2,652.20 | $2,810.51 |
| 80% | $2,219.34 | $2,406.43 | $2,547.27 | $2,688.11 | $2,360.17 | $2,501.01 |
| 70% | $1,910.22 | $2,074.70 | $2,198.06 | $2,321.42 | $2,033.58 | $2,156.94 |
| 60% | $1,522.40 | $1,663.23 | $1,768.09 | $1,872.94 | $1,627.25 | $1,732.11 |
| 50% | $1,205.89 | $1,323.08 | $1,410.46 | $1,497.84 | $1,293.27 | $1,380.65 |
| 40% | $854.43 | $947.98 | $1,017.88 | $1,087.79 | $924.34 | $994.24 |
| 30% | $595.64 | $666.58 | $719.00 | $771.43 | $648.07 | $700.50 |
| Rating | 100% | 90% | 80% | 70% | 60% | 50% | 40% | 30% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each Additional Child Under 18 | $109.11 | $97.66 | $86.35 | $76.07 | $64.76 | $54.48 | $43.18 | $31.87 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over 18 | $352.45 | $316.62 | $281.67 | $245.69 | $210.74 | $175.79 | $140.84 | $104.86 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official 2026 VA disability pay increase?
The official 2026 VA disability pay increase is 2.8%, based on the Social Security Administration’s annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This adjustment ensures your tax-free monthly VA compensation keeps pace with inflation.
When do the new rates take effect, and when will I see the higher payment?
The new 2026 VA pay rates take effect on December 1, 2025. That deposit covers your December 2025 benefits at the new 2026 rate. Check the 2026 VA Pay Dates Calendar for your exact deposit schedule. Note: your VA disability payment can be deposited between one and three days early if you have USAA or Navy Federal).
Do I need to do anything to get the 2026 COLA increase?
No. The COLA increase is automatic. You don’t need to apply, call the VA, or submit a claim. The VA adjusts your benefit amount internally, and you’ll see the change reflected in your January 2026 deposit. If you’re receiving multiple VA benefits—like Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), or VA Pension—they’ll all increase automatically as well.
Who gets the 2026 COLA increase?
All veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher qualify for the 2026 COLA increase. That includes: Veterans rated from 10% to 100%, those receiving Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate, and recipients of SMC, DIC, or VA Pension benefits. If you have a 0% rating, you won’t see a change because that level doesn’t include monthly compensation.
Do I get extra dependent pay at 10% or 20%?
No. Additional compensation for dependents (spouse, children, or dependent parents) starts only at a combined rating of 30% or higher. Veterans rated at 10% or 20% receive a flat rate, regardless of dependents. See the tables above for exact 2026 rates with and without dependents.
Does the 2.8% COLA affect my retroactive or back pay?
No. Retroactive pay is always based on the rates that were in effect for each month of your retro period. The 2.8% increase applies only to payments made from December 2025 forward. So if your back pay covers earlier years, those months are calculated at their respective rates for those years.
Is VA disability pay taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state levels. That includes payments for SMC, DIC, VA Pension, and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). If you receive both VA disability and military retired pay, make sure to review your DFAS Form 1099-R to understand which portions are taxable. See my full breakdown of Veterans’ Tax Rules and Exemptions.
How does the VA determine my disability rating?
The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) found in 38 CFR Part 4 to assign a percentage to each service-connected condition. Each condition gets a diagnostic code and rating level based on symptom severity, frequency, and impact on your work and life. If you have multiple service-connected conditions, VA applies the Combined Ratings Table—often called “VA math”—to determine your final combined rating. Try our free VA disability calculator to quickly find your combined VA rating and monthly payment amount.
Can I file for a VA disability rating increase?
Yes. If your service-connected conditions have worsened or you’ve obtained new medical evidence, you can request a VA rating increase at any time through VA.gov. A properly documented increase claim can often raise your monthly benefit more than a COLA adjustment alone. If you need help developing your evidence and strategy, see my guide: 8 Ways to Increase Your VA Disability Rating.
How do I find VA resources near me?
You can search for VA-accredited VSOs, attorneys, or claims agents using the VA’s official tool (VSO services on claims are free), and you can look up nearby VA facilities (medical centers, Vet Centers, regional benefits offices).
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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.
