The Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed a 2.5% increase in disability compensation rates for 2026. Here’s the full 2026 VA pay chart, eligibility details, and how the new COLA will impact your monthly payment.
100% VA Disability Benefits Increase 2026: Overview
| Program | 2026 VA Disability Compensation |
|---|---|
| Department | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Effective Date | December 1, 2025 |
| COLA Increase | 2.5% (projected) |
| Tax Status | 100% tax-free |
| Eligible Veterans | Service-connected disabilities (10–100%) |
| Average Monthly Benefit (100%) | ~$3,927 for single veteran |
| Announcement Date | Official rates finalized in October 2025 |
2026 VA Disability Pay Overview
The 2026 VA disability pay rates take effect on December 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The increase mirrors the rise in Social Security benefits and aims to help veterans keep pace with inflation.
That means veterans rated 100% disabled will see a monthly payment of around $3,927, up from approximately $3,830 in 2025.
“COLA ensures veterans’ benefits don’t lose purchasing power,” the VA’s Compensation Service said. “Even modest increases protect household stability for those living on fixed incomes.”
VA Disability Pay Chart 2026 (10%–100%)
10% – 20% (No Dependents)
| Percentage | Rate (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $179.90 |
| 20% | $355.62 |
30% – 60% Without Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $550.86 | $793.51 | $1,129.59 | $1,430.83 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $616.46 | $880.64 | $1,238.24 | $1,562.03 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Parent | $668.73 | $950.34 | $1,325.37 | $1,666.58 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 2 Parents | $721.01 | $1,020.04 | $1,412.49 | $1,771.13 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent | $603.13 | $863.21 | $1,216.72 | $1,535.38 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents | $655.41 | $932.91 | $1,303.84 | $1,639.93 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | +$59.45 | +$79.95 | +$100.45 | +$119.93 |
70% – 100% Without Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,803.17 | $2,096.01 | $2,355.41 | $3,927.08 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,955.89 | $2,270.26 | $2,552.21 | $4,146.03 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Parent | $2,078.89 | $2,410.69 | $2,710.06 | $4,321.76 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 2 Parents | $2,201.89 | $2,551.11 | $2,867.91 | $4,497.48 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent | $1,926.17 | $2,236.44 | $2,513.26 | $4,102.81 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents | $2,049.17 | $2,376.86 | $2,671.11 | $4,278.53 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | +$140.43 | +$160.93 | +$180.40 | +$200.82 |
30% – 60% With Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran + Child Only | $593.91 | $851.94 | $1,202.37 | $1,517.95 |
| Veteran + Spouse + Child | $664.63 | $945.21 | $1,319.22 | $1,658.38 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Parent + Child | $716.91 | $1,014.91 | $1,406.34 | $1,762.93 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 2 Parents + Child | $769.18 | $1,084.61 | $1,493.47 | $1,867.48 |
| Add per Child Under 18 | +$31.78 | +$43.05 | +$54.33 | +$64.58 |
| Each Schoolchild Over 18 | +$104.55 | +$140.43 | +$175.28 | +$210.13 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | +$59.45 | +$79.95 | +$100.45 | +$119.93 |
70% – 100% With Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran + 1 Child | $1,904.64 | $2,212.86 | $2,486.61 | $4,073.50 |
| Veteran + Spouse + Child | $2,068.64 | $2,399.41 | $2,696.73 | $4,306.38 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Parent + Child | $2,191.64 | $2,539.84 | $2,854.58 | $4,482.11 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 2 Parents + Child | $2,314.64 | $2,680.26 | $3,012.43 | $4,657.84 |
| Each Additional Child Under 18 | +$75.85 | +$86.10 | +$97.38 | +$108.79 |
| Each Schoolchild Over 18 | +$244.98 | +$280.85 | +$315.70 | +$351.42 |
| Additional for A/A spouse | +$140.43 | +$160.93 | +$180.40 | +$200.82 |
About VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit for former U.S. service members with service-connected injuries or illnesses.
Veterans may also receive extra compensation based on:
- Number of dependents (spouse, children, parents)
- Severe injuries (e.g., loss of limb, blindness, or paralysis)
- Having a spouse who qualifies for Aid and Attendance (A/A)
“These benefits are the foundation of veteran financial security,” said a VA spokesperson. “Each COLA adjustment represents our commitment to protecting that security.”
Also Read
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How VA Disability Pay is Calculated?
Disability Rating
The VA Disability Rating System assigns a percentage (10%–100%) to reflect the severity of a veteran’s condition. Ratings are based on medical evidence, service treatment records, and examinations.
Combined Rating
If a veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA uses a combined-rating formula, not simple addition.
Example: A veteran rated 50% for PTSD and 30% for hearing loss will not have an 80% combined rating — it’s typically 65% rounded to 70%.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Every year, the VA applies the same COLA used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure benefits match inflation. For 2026, COLA is projected at 2.5% (finalized October 2025).
How to Apply or Update Your Claim?
Applying for VA disability is not automatic — veterans must submit a formal claim.
To apply:
- Visit VA.gov/disability.
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation).
- Attach medical records, DD-214, and supporting evidence.
- Submit online, by mail, or through an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
If your condition worsens, you can request a review to increase your rating — and your payment will reflect the new 2026 pay chart.
Are VA Disability Payments Taxable?
No. VA disability payments are 100% tax-free at the federal and state level. They also don’t count as income when applying for federal assistance or state benefits.
Key FAQs
What is the 2026 COLA for VA disability?
Projected at 2.5%–3.0%, depending on inflation trends through late 2025.
When will new rates take effect?
December 1, 2025, with the first increased payments arriving January 2026.
Will my VA payment increase automatically?
Yes. The VA automatically adjusts all active disability benefits based on COLA.
How much will 100% disabled veterans receive in 2026?
Approximately $3,927 per month (single veteran).
Do dependents affect pay?
Yes — spouses, children, and dependent parents increase monthly compensation.
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No — they remain tax-exempt under federal law.
Where can I find the official chart?
The final 2026 VA pay table will be published on VA.gov in October 2025.
