2026 VA disability compensation rates: Updated tables and figures
Review the official 2026 VA disability pay charts. See the new compensation rates for 10% to 100% ratings and dependent "kicker" amounts effective December 1, 2025.
Effective December 1, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has adjusted disability compensation rates to reflect the new federal Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This yeaar, all disability compensation rates have increased by 2.8%.
While these new rates officially went into effect on December 1, it is important to remember that VA disability is paid in arrears. This means the first payment reflecting the 2.8% increase will be deposited into accounts on December 31, 2025.
The tables in this guide detail the final monthly payment amounts for 2026. These figures include the base compensation for ratings from 10% to 100%, as well as the adjusted "add-on" amounts for eligible dependents (spouses, children, and parents) and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
Sources & References
The information presented in this guide is sourced directly from official publications released by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). All benefit rates, thresholds, and tax limits reflect the official 2.8% adjustment effective December 2025 and January 2026.
Primary Government Sources:
- VA Disability Compensation Rates (2026)– Department of Veterans Affairs
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information– Social Security Administration
- 2026 Social Security Fact Sheet– Social Security Administration
- Retirement Planner: Benefits by Year of Birth– Social Security Administration
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on federal data available as of December 2025. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for advice specific to your personal situation.
Compensation for 10% and 20% Disability Ratings
Veterans with a disability rating of 10% or 20% receive a fixed monthly rate. It is important to note that you do not receive additional compensation for dependents (spouses, children, or parents) at these two specific rating levels. The rates below are the total monthly amount you will receive.
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
Compensation for 30% to 60% Disability Ratings
Once a Veteran reaches a 30% rating, the VA begins to factor in dependent status. The table below merges the basic monthly rates for Veterans with no children and those with children.
If your family status matches one of the rows below (for example, "With Spouse" or "With Spouse and 1 Child"), this is your Basic Monthly Rate. If you have additional children beyond the first child listed here, you will add those via the "Added Amounts" calculation (covered later in this guide).
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $552.47 | $795.84 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 |
| With Spouse | $617.47 | $882.84 | $1,241.90 | $1,566.02 |
| With Spouse & 1 Parent | $669.47 | $952.84 | $1,329.90 | $1,671.02 |
| With Spouse & 2 Parents | $721.47 | $1,022.84 | $1,417.90 | $1,776.02 |
| With 1 Parent | $604.47 | $865.84 | $1,220.90 | $1,540.02 |
| With 2 Parents | $656.47 | $935.84 | $1,308.90 | $1,645.02 |
| With 1 Child | $596.47 | $853.84 | $1,205.90 | $1,523.02 |
| With 1 Child & Spouse | $666.47 | $947.84 | $1,322.90 | $1,663.02 |
| With 1 Child, Spouse & 1 Parent | $718.47 | $1,017.84 | $1,410.90 | $1,768.02 |
| With 1 Child, Spouse & 2 Parents | $770.47 | $1,087.84 | $1,498.90 | $1,873.02 |
| With 1 Child & 1 Parent | $648.47 | $923.84 | $1,293.90 | $1,628.02 |
| With 1 Child & 2 Parents | $700.47 | $993.84 | $1,381.90 | $1,733.02 |
Compensation for 70% to 100% Disability Ratings
The highest tier of disability ratings sees the most significant financial impact from the 2026 COLA. For a Veteran rated at 100% with no dependents, the new base pay has crossed the $4,000 threshold to $4,085.43.
The table below outlines the rates for the most severe disability ratings. As with the previous table, these figures represent the "Basic Monthly Rate" for the specific family configurations listed.
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| With Spouse | $1,961.45 | $2,277.15 | $2,559.30 | $4,158.17 |
| With Spouse & 1 Parent | $2,084.45 | $2,417.15 | $2,717.30 | $4,334.41 |
| With Spouse & 2 Parents | $2,207.45 | $2,557.15 | $2,875.30 | $4,510.65 |
| With 1 Parent | $1,931.45 | $2,242.15 | $2,520.30 | $4,114.82 |
| With 2 Parents | $2,054.45 | $2,382.15 | $2,678.30 | $4,291.06 |
| With 1 Child | $1,910.45 | $2,219.15 | $2,494.30 | $4,085.43 |
| With 1 Child & Spouse | $2,074.45 | $2,406.15 | $2,704.30 | $4,318.99 |
| With 1 Child, Spouse & 1 Parent | $2,197.45 | $2,546.15 | $2,862.30 | $4,495.23 |
| With 1 Child, Spouse & 2 Parents | $2,320.45 | $2,686.15 | $3,020.30 | $4,671.47 |
| With 1 Child & 1 Parent | $2,033.45 | $2,359.15 | $2,652.30 | $4,261.67 |
| With 1 Child & 2 Parents | $2,156.45 | $2,499.15 | $2,810.30 | $4,437.91 |
The "Added Amounts" Logic (Kickers)
The tables above cover the "Basic Monthly Rate" for standard family units. However, many Veterans have larger families or unique circumstances that qualify for additional compensation. These are often referred to as "kickers" or "added amounts."
If you have more than one child, or if you have a child over 18 in a qualifying school program, you must stack these amounts on top of your basic rate.
Key Rules for Added Amounts:
- Children: The Basic Rate tables typically include "1 Child." You only use the added amounts below for your second child, third child, and so on.
- Aid & Attendance (A&A): If your spouse has a severe disability and requires the aid and attendance of another person, you receive an additional monthly stipend.
Below are the added amounts for Veterans with a 70% to 100% disability rating:
| Benefit Type | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each Additional Child (Under 18) | +$76.00 | +$87.00 | +$98.00 | +$109.11 |
| Each Child 18+ (In School) | +$246.00 | +$281.00 | +$317.00 | +$352.45 |
| Spouse Aid & Attendance | +$141.00 | +$161.00 | +$181.00 | +$201.41 |
Calculation Example: Putting It All Together
Calculating your final monthly payment involves finding your "Basic Rate" first, and then adding any "kickers" that apply to your family size.
The Scenario:
You are a Veteran with a 70% Disability Rating. You have a spouse and 3 children (all under age 18). Your spouse also qualifies for Aid and Attendance benefits.
Step 1: Find Your Basic Rate
First, look at the "70% to 100% Rating" table. Find the row for "With Spouse and 1 Child."
- Basic Monthly Rate: $2,074.45 (Note: This rate covers you, your spouse, and your first child).
Step 2: Add Your Additional Children
Since you have 3 children total, and the Basic Rate covers the first one, you need to add "kickers" for the remaining 2 children.
- Look at the Added Amounts table for 70% rating: $76.00 per child.
- Math: $76.00 x 2 = $152.00
Step 3: Add Spouse Aid and Attendance
Because your spouse qualifies for A&A, you add that specific kicker.
- Look at the Added Amounts table for 70% rating: $141.00
Step 4: The Final Total
Add all the figures together to find your 2026 monthly deposit.
- $2,074.45 (Basic Rate)
- $152.00 (2 Additional Children)
- $141.00 (Spouse A&A)
- = $2,367.45 Total Monthly Payment
Final Thoughts on Your 2026 VA Benefits
The 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026 ensures that your disability compensation continues to align with economic conditions. While the percentage increase is fixed, the actual dollar amount you receive depends heavily on the accuracy of your dependent status.
Key Takeaways to Remember:
- Effective Date: The new rates technically begin December 1, 2025, but you will see the first increased payment on December 31, 2025.
- Verify Your Dependents: If you have had a child, gotten married, or if a child has recently turned 18 (and is still in school), you must update your file with the VA immediately. The "Added Amounts" listed in this guide are not automatic; they require you to file the correct dependency claims.
- Concurrent Receipt: If you are a military retiree who also receives Social Security, remember that your Social Security benefits will also see a 2.8% increase in January 2026.
