In 2026, VA disability pay ranges from $180.42 a month at 10% to $3,938.58 a month at 100% for a veteran with no dependents. At 30% or higher, VA adds more for a spouse, children and dependent parents; at 100%, a spouse adds $219.59 a month. Payments are tax-free and are paid monthly, after the month they cover.
Have more than one rating? Calculate your combined rating and monthly pay with our free VA disability calculator.
These rates are effective December 1, 2025, reflecting the 2.8% COLA adjustment for 2026. Source: VA.gov.
Planning ahead? The 2027 COLA is 3.6%. See our estimated 2027 pay chart for every rating and dependent combination, or the 2027 VA COLA announcement for when the first higher payment arrives. These 2026 tables stay current until VA publishes official 2027 rates.
Basic Monthly Rates (Veteran Alone, No Dependents)
| Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Rates With Spouse (No Children or Parents)
| Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 30% | $ 617.47 |
| 40% | $ 882.84 |
| 50% | $ 1,241.90 |
| 60% | $ 1,566.02 |
| 70% | $ 1,961.45 |
| 80% | $ 2,277.15 |
| 90% | $ 2,559.30 |
| 100% | $ 4,158.17 |
Note: Dependent additions only apply at 30% or higher combined rating. At 10% and 20%, veterans receive the base rate regardless of dependents.
Additional Amounts Per Dependent
| Rating | Spouse | Each Add'l Child Under 18 | 1 Parent | 2 Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $65.00 | $32.00 | $52.00 | $104.00 |
| 40% | $87.00 | $43.00 | $70.00 | $140.00 |
| 50% | $109.00 | $54.00 | $88.00 | $176.00 |
| 60% | $131.00 | $65.00 | $105.00 | $210.00 |
| 70% | $153.00 | $76.00 | $123.00 | $246.00 |
| 80% | $175.00 | $87.00 | $140.00 | $280.00 |
| 90% | $197.00 | $98.00 | $158.00 | $316.00 |
| 100% | $219.59 | $109.11 | $176.24 | $352.48 |
About These Rates
VA disability compensation rates are adjusted annually based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which is tied to the Consumer Price Index. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% increase over 2025 rates.
Use our VA disability calculator to calculate your combined rating and estimate your monthly payment based on your specific disabilities and dependents.
Looking for previous rates? View our 2025 VA disability pay rates (effective December 1, 2024), or look ahead with the estimated 2027 VA disability pay chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is VA disability pay in 2026?
For a veteran with no dependents, 2026 monthly pay ranges from $180.42 at 10% to $3,938.58 at 100%. For example, 50% pays $1,132.90 and 70% pays $1,808.45 a month. Veterans rated 30% or higher get more for a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
When are VA disability payments made?
VA pays compensation monthly, after the month it covers: each month's payment is due on the 1st of the following month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment arrives on the last business day before it.
Is VA disability compensation taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is not taxable income, so you do not report it on your federal tax return.
How much does a child add to VA disability pay?
It depends on your rating and whether you have a spouse, and children add nothing at 10% or 20%. At 30%, a first child adds $44.00 a month with no spouse or $49.00 with a spouse, and each additional child under 18 adds $32.00. At 100%, those amounts are $146.85, $160.82 and $109.11. Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program (to age 23) adds $105.00 at 30% and $352.45 at 100%.
When do the 2027 VA disability rates take effect?
If Congress passes the yearly VA COLA law in time, the increase takes effect December 1, 2026. December pay is normally due January 1, a federal holiday, so the first payment at the higher rate would arrive December 31, 2026. Social Security's 2027 COLA is 3.6%, and VA pay usually rises by the same percentage once that law passes.
How do I calculate my combined VA disability rating?
VA does not add ratings together. Under 38 CFR 4.25, it applies each rating to the part of you that is still 'whole', then rounds the result to the nearest 10%. For example, 50% and 30% combine to 65%, which rounds to 70%. Our VA disability calculator does this math and shows your monthly pay.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult a VA-accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent.