2026 VA Disability Pay Rates by Rating and Dependents
In 2026, VA disability pay for a veteran with no dependents runs from $180.42 a month at 10% to $3,938.58 at 100%. These rates took effect December 1, 2025, after a 2.8% cost-of-living increase. At 30% and above, a spouse, children, or parents raise the amount.
Written by Staff Writer AI-assisted · YourVABenefits · Last updated October 2, 2026 · Who writes these
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rates effective December 1, 2025, from VA's official 2026 compensation rate tables.
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment for conditions caused or made worse by your military service. Your amount depends on two things: your combined disability rating and, at 30% or higher, who depends on you. The tables below show the 2026 amounts exactly as VA publishes them.
What are the 2026 VA disability rates for a veteran alone?
These are the monthly amounts for a veteran with no spouse, children, or dependent parents. At 10% and 20%, everyone gets the same amount, even with dependents.
| Combined rating | Monthly payment (2026) | Yearly total (12 payments) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 |
The jump from 90% to 100% is the biggest on the scale: about $1,576 more each month.
How much is VA disability with a spouse or children in 2026?
Starting at 30%, VA pays more if you have a dependent spouse, child, or parent. Here are the most-used rows from VA's tables.
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse | With spouse and 1 child | With 1 child (no spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $666.47 | $596.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $947.84 | $853.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,322.90 | $1,205.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $1,663.02 | $1,523.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $2,074.45 | $1,910.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $2,406.15 | $2,219.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $2,704.30 | $2,494.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 | $4,085.43 |
VA's tables also include rows for one or two dependent parents. For example, a veteran rated 30% with one dependent parent and no spouse or children gets $604.47. See the full VA rate tables for every combination.
How much does VA add for each extra child or a spouse on Aid and Attendance?
The "spouse and 1 child" rate already covers your first child. For each child after that, and for a spouse who gets Aid and Attendance, you add these monthly amounts.
| Rating | Each additional child under 18 | Each additional child 18 to 23 in school | Spouse receiving Aid and Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $32.00 | $105.00 | $61.00 |
| 40% | $43.00 | $140.00 | $81.00 |
| 50% | $54.00 | $176.00 | $101.00 |
| 60% | $65.00 | $211.00 | $121.00 |
| 70% | $76.00 | $246.00 | $141.00 |
| 80% | $87.00 | $281.00 | $161.00 |
| 90% | $98.00 | $317.00 | $181.00 |
| 100% | $109.11 | $352.45 | $201.41 |
Example: A veteran rated 50% with a spouse and two children under 18 starts with the "spouse and 1 child" rate of $1,322.90. Then they add $54.00 for the second child. Their total is $1,376.90 a month.
A child between 18 and 23 counts for the school rate only if VA approves their school attendance. VA uses VA Form 21-674 for that.
Key dates for VA disability pay
| Item | Date or amount |
|---|---|
| Current rates took effect | December 1, 2025 |
| Increase over 2025 rates | 2.8% (for example, 100% went from $3,831.30 to $3,938.58) |
| Next expected rate change | December 1, 2026 |
| Lowest monthly payment | $180.42 (10%) |
| Monthly payment at 100%, veteran alone | $3,938.58 |
When will VA disability rates go up again?
The next change is expected on December 1, 2026. VA says it is required by law to match the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) given to Social Security benefits. So the 2027 VA increase is expected to be the same percentage as the Social Security COLA. VA posts the new tables on VA.gov once the increase is final.
The 2026 rates were a 2.8% increase. You can check this against VA's 2025 rate tables: the 10% rate rose from $175.51 to $180.42, and the 100% rate rose from $3,831.30 to $3,938.58.
Do I get more money if I add a dependent?
Yes, if your combined rating is 30% or higher. But VA only pays the higher rate after the dependent is on your record. You can add a spouse, child, or parent with VA Form 21-686c or online at VA.gov. You should also tell VA about changes, like a divorce or a child turning 18 and leaving school.
How do I estimate my own monthly payment?
First, find your combined rating. VA does not add ratings together, so a 50% and a 30% rating do not make 80%. Our free combined rating calculator does the VA math for you. Then plug that rating and your family details into the monthly compensation calculator. If anything about your dependents is unclear, a free accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can check it with you.
YourVABenefits is independent and is not part of VA. VA sets and pays these rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much is 100% VA disability in 2026? A veteran rated 100% with no dependents gets $3,938.58 a month in 2026. With a spouse, it is $4,158.17. With a spouse and one child, it is $4,318.99.
How much is 70% VA disability in 2026? A veteran rated 70% gets $1,808.45 a month with no dependents. With a spouse, it is $1,961.45. With a spouse and one child, it is $2,074.45.
Do I get extra money for dependents at 10% or 20%? No. At 10% and 20%, VA pays a flat amount of $180.42 or $356.66 a month. Dependents only raise your payment at 30% and above.
Is VA disability pay taxed? No. VA describes disability compensation as a tax-free monthly payment.
When do the 2026 VA disability rates end? The 2026 rates apply from December 1, 2025, until the next increase, which is expected December 1, 2026. That increase is expected to match the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment.
What was the 2026 VA disability COLA? It was 2.8%. That is why the 100% rate for a veteran alone rose from $3,831.30 in 2025 to $3,938.58 in 2026.
YourVABenefits is software you run on your own records. It is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not file claims. You file on VA.gov, or an accredited representative files for you at no charge.