Quick answer: For 2026, a veteran with no dependents receives $180.42 a month at a 10% VA disability rating, $1,132.90 at 50%, $1,808.45 at 70% and $3,938.58 at 100%. These rates include a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and took effect December 1, 2025. Veterans rated 30% or higher receive more for a spouse, children and dependent parents.
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with a disability caused or made worse by military service. The amount depends on your combined disability rating and your dependents. Below are the 2026 VA disability pay charts, how to estimate your payment, and how VA disability can help when you buy a home with a VA loan.
2026 VA Disability COLA: 2.8%
VA compensation rates rise each year by the same percentage as Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment. For 2026 the increase is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025. Veterans first saw the higher amount in the payment for December 2025, which arrived around January 1, 2026. The rates were published by VA in the Federal Register.
2026 VA Disability Pay Chart: Veteran Alone
| Disability rating | Monthly payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0.00 |
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Veterans rated 10% or 20% receive the same amount regardless of dependents. Additional amounts for dependents start at a 30% rating.
2026 VA Disability Rates With a Spouse or Children
| Rating | Veteran alone | Veteran and spouse | Veteran, spouse and one child | Veteran and one child (no spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | $618.26 | $666.58 | $595.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $883.22 | $947.98 | $854.43 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.87 | $1,323.08 | $1,205.89 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.60 | $1,663.23 | $1,522.40 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.62 | $2,074.70 | $1,910.22 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,276.91 | $2,406.43 | $2,219.34 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.34 | $2,704.63 | $2,493.89 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 | $4,085.43 |
Added Amounts for Additional Dependents (2026)
| Rating | Each additional child under 18 | Each additional child 18–23 in school | Spouse receiving Aid and Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $31.87 | $104.86 | $59.62 |
| 40% | $43.18 | $140.84 | $80.18 |
| 50% | $54.48 | $175.79 | $100.74 |
| 60% | $64.76 | $210.74 | $120.28 |
| 70% | $76.07 | $245.69 | $140.84 |
| 80% | $86.35 | $281.67 | $161.40 |
| 90% | $97.66 | $316.62 | $180.93 |
| 100% | $109.11 | $352.45 | $201.41 |
Veterans who support one or two dependent parents also receive more. Because the combinations are many, use the official VA compensation rate tables to confirm your exact amount, or estimate it with our VA disability calculator.
What Affects Your VA Disability Payment
1. Your combined disability rating
VA rates each service-connected condition and then combines them using its combined ratings table. Combined ratings are not simply added together. For example, a 50% and a 30% rating combine to 65%, which rounds to 70%.
2. Your dependents
At 30% and above, VA pays more for a spouse, children under 18, children 18 to 23 who are in school, and dependent parents. You must add dependents to your VA file to be paid for them.
3. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Veterans with certain severe disabilities, such as the loss of use of a limb or the need for regular aid and attendance, may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, which is paid on top of or in place of the standard rates.
How to Estimate Your 2026 VA Disability Payment
- Find your combined disability rating on your VA decision letter or at VA.gov.
- Find your row in the tables above for your rating and family situation.
- Add any amounts for additional children, children in school or a spouse who receives Aid and Attendance.
Example: a veteran rated 70% with a spouse and one child receives $2,074.70 a month in 2026. With a second child under 18, add $76.07 for a total of $2,150.77 a month.
If your rating is newly granted or increased, you may also be owed retroactive pay. Estimate it with our VA back pay calculator.
How to File for VA Disability Compensation
- Gather evidence: service records, medical records and statements that connect your condition to your service.
- File your claim: online at VA.gov, by mail, in person at a VA regional office, or with help from an accredited representative.
- Attend any exam: VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) exam.
- Get your decision: VA assigns a rating and an effective date. If you disagree, you can request a higher-level review, file a supplemental claim with new evidence, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
How VA Disability Helps When You Buy a Home
VA disability compensation can make buying a home easier with a VA loan:
- No VA funding fee: veterans who receive, or are entitled to receive, VA compensation for a service-connected disability are exempt from the VA funding fee, which can save thousands of dollars.
- Counts as income: VA disability compensation is stable, tax-free income that lenders can count when you qualify.
- $0 down: eligible veterans can buy or build with no down payment, subject to entitlement and approval.
Security America Mortgage specializes in VA loans, including VA construction loans for veterans who want to build. Get pre-approved or call (855) 701-2816.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 VA Disability Pay Chart
When did the 2026 VA disability rates take effect?
The 2026 rates took effect December 1, 2025. Because VA pays at the start of each month for the previous month, the first payment at the new rate arrived around January 1, 2026.
How much is the 2026 VA disability COLA?
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment is 2.8%, the same as Social Security’s increase.
How much is 100% VA disability per month in 2026?
A veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives $3,938.58 a month in 2026. With a spouse, the amount is $4,158.17 a month.
Is VA disability compensation taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is not taxed by the federal government.
Do veterans with a disability rating pay the VA funding fee?
No. Veterans who receive, or are entitled to receive, VA disability compensation are exempt from the VA funding fee on VA home loans.
What if I disagree with my disability rating?
You can request a higher-level review, file a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. A Veterans Service Organization such as the American Legion, DAV or VFW can help for free.
Rates shown are VA’s published 2026 compensation rates. Always confirm your exact payment with VA.
