VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026: It is great news to the veterans serving in the U.S. military. The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) has officially revised the VA Disability Compensation Rates in 2026. This revision will see veterans get increased tax-free payments monthly. Such increase has been pegged on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that is pegged at 2.8 percent this year. The new rates became effective on December 1, 2025 and veterans started to receive the higher benefits in their December 2025 or January 2026 payments.
Assuming you are a veteran or you are helping one, it is essential to know the extent of VA Disability Pay you will get in 2026, the amount of money assigned to various disability ratings, and the amount of payment in relation to dependents.
What are VA Disability Benefits and to whom are they awarded?
VA Disability Compensation is a monthly payment that is free of tax and offered to veterans who either sustained injuries, developed illnesses, or had a temporary or permanent disability as a result of a medical condition during their active years in military service. This is a payment that is directly funded by the United States Government and administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
How much you earn every month is based upon three major factors:
- To start with, your disability rating which is between 10 and 100 percent.
- Second, your dependants, a spouse, children or parents.
- Third, there are some other benefits like Aid and Attendance.
The VA revises these rates every year basing on inflation to make sure that the purchasing power of veterans is not reduced.
How come VA Disability Rates were raised in 2026?
The 2.8% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) is the primary cause of the VA Disability Pay rise in 2026. COLA is the identical rate at which Social Security and other government benefits were raised. With the increasing inflation rates and the rising cost of living, it is only imperative that corresponding corresponding assistance to the Veterans be increased.
For example,
- The payment of a Veteran with a 10 percent disability rating rose to $180.42 against the previous amount of 175.51.
- Equally, a Veteran with a rating of 100 percent disability had an increase in their payment of $3,831.30 to 3,938.58.
It is not a big increase, but in a span of one year, it is quite relieving.
2026 VA Disability Pay Chart: 10 percent and 20 percent Ratings.
The 10% and 20% are the lowest VA disability ratings. Dependents on these two ratings do not receive any extra payment; hence, all Veterans are paid equally.
The yearly payments of 2026 are shown below:
- 10% Disability Rating: $180.42 per month
- 20% Disability Rating: $356.66 per month
This compensation is given to Veterans whose disability is rated as low-level and yet service-related.
Disability Rating Between 30 and 60%: Single Veteran Payment.
The VA also starts making extra payments to dependents once the disability rating is 30 percent or more. But first, we shall know the minimum payment of a Veteran only (no dependents).
The monthly amounts will be as follows according to 2026 rates:
- 30% Rating: $552.47
- 40% Rating: $795.84
- 50% Rating: $1,132.90
- 60% Rating: $1,435.02
This is no more than the Veteran. In the event that the Veteran has children or a spouse, the amount is even more.
70 percent to 100 percent Disability Rating: The Maximum Benefits.
Those veterans that are rated as disabled with a disability rate that is 70 percent and above are given the highest monthly assistance by the VA. The amount of payments made at such ratings is high and higher with dependents. The monthly payments in 2026 will be as follows:
- 70% Rating: $1,808.45
- 80% Rating: $2,102.15
- 90% Rating: $2,362.30
- 100% Rating: $3,938.58
When a Veteran is completely disabled and has a spouse and children, the amount of payment made each month can go over 4,300.
What is the VA Disability Pay increase on dependents?
One of the biggest advantages of VA Disability is that the dependents have an added money when rating is 30 and more. This includes:
- Spouse
- Children under 18 years old
- Children in school above 18 years.
- Dependent parents
- Ineligible Spouse Aid and Attendance.
For example,
- In the case of one child, it is possible to add about $32 to $109 per month.
- In case the spouse is paid Aid and attendance, the amount may be raised to $61 to 201.
This is because VA provides more financial security to Veterans who have families.
What advantage will the 2026 VA Disability Pay have on Veterans?
This 2026 growth is more than a question of numbers, as it has a direct effect on the life of the Veterans day in, day out. With the increasing inflation, medical bills, and rental fees among other basic needs, this extra sum assists Veterans in getting financial stability.
It guarantees that individuals who sacrificed their health in the service to the nation can live a respectable life in their old years or when they are sick.
Conclusion
This is the new 2026 VA Disability Pay Rates that are significant to veterans. The payments have been raised by 2.8% COLA increment, at all disability rating, 10% or 100. Notably, this increase is most valuable to the Veterans who have dependents. In case you are a Veteran or a family member of a Veteran, this information is much needed by you so that you can be aware of your rights and what benefits you are entitled to.
FAQs
Q. When did the new VA disability pay rates for 2026 start?
A. The updated VA disability pay rates took effect on December 1, 2025.
Q. Why did VA disability payments increase in 2026?
A. Payments increased due to a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to match inflation.
Q. Is VA disability compensation taxable?
A. No, VA disability benefits are completely tax-free.
