The VA has officially updated its disability compensation rates for 2026, giving veterans a higher monthly payment based on this year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). These new rates took effect on December 1, 2025, and veterans started receiving the increased amount in their December 2025 or January 2026 payments. If you are a veteran or supporting one, here’s a simple and clear breakdown of the 2026 VA disability pay chart from 10% to 100%, along with how dependents can increase monthly compensation.

VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026

VA disability pay is a tax-free monthly benefit given to veterans who were injured, disabled, or developed medical conditions during active service. Your payment amount depends on your disability rating (10%–100%), whether you have dependents (spouse, children, or parents), and any additional benefits like Aid & Attendance. Each year, the VA updates these rates to keep up with inflation. For 2026, the increase is based on a 2.8% COLA adjustment.

VA Disability Benefits

About	VA Disability Benefits
Authority	VA Affairs
Financed By	US Government
New Increase Announced in VA Benefits	2.8% COLA Raise
Official Website	va.gov

2026 VA Disability Pay Chart (10% to 100%)

Below are the basic monthly rates for 2026. Ratings at 10% and 20% do not include dependent pay, but 30% and above may increase if you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents.

10% and 20% Disability Ratings

These ratings are simple — everyone receives the same amount regardless of dependents.

Rating	Monthly Payment (2026)
10%	$180.42
20%	$356.66

30% – 60% Disability Ratings (Veteran Alone)

Dependent pay begins at 30%. Here are the base amounts:

Rating	Monthly Payment
30%	$552.47
40%	$795.84
50%	$1,132.90
60%	$1,435.02
If you have dependents, your payment goes higher. For example, a veteran at 50% with a spouse receives around $1,241.90 per month.

70% – 100% Disability Ratings (Veteran Alone)

These ratings offer the highest monthly compensation and can increase significantly with dependents.

Rating	Monthly Payment
70%	$1,808.45
80%	$2,102.15
90%	$2,362.30
100%	$3,938.58
Veterans rated at 100% with a spouse and children can receive over $4,300 per month when all dependent benefits are included.

How Dependents Increase Your Payment

Once your disability rating is 30% or higher, the VA adds extra compensation for a spouse, children under 18, children over 18 in school, dependent parents, and a spouse who qualifies for Aid & Attendance. These add-on amounts vary by rating. For example, a child under 18 adds around $32–$109 monthly, while a spouse receiving Aid & Attendance adds about $61–$201 monthly.

Why Payments Increased in 2026

Every year, VA disability rates increase based on the Social Security COLA adjustment. For 2026, COLA is 2.8%, which translated into higher monthly payments across all disability ratings. For example, a 10% rating increased from $175.51 to $180.42, and a 100% rating increased from $3,831.30 to $3,938.58. This adjustment ensures veterans don’t lose purchasing power due to inflation.

When Did the New Rates Start?

The new rates became effective on December 1, 2025, and the first increased payment was deposited at the end of December 2025 or early January 2026. Veterans don’t need to apply — the increase is automatic.

FAQs On VA Disability Pay Rates Chart 2026