VA Disability Compensation Rates (2026)
VA disability compensation rates range from $0 at 0% to $3,938.58/month at 100% in 2026. Rates are tax-free, adjusted annually for COLA (2.8% in 2026), and modified by dependents at ratings of 30% and higher. This page lists every percentage tier with monthly amounts, benefit unlocks, and TDIU eligibility.
"Basic entitlement exists if a veteran is disabled as the result of a personal injury or disease suffered or contracted in line of duty in the active military service."
What does each VA disability percentage pay?
| Rating | Monthly | Annual | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | $0.00 | $0.00 | View Details |
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 | View Details |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 | View Details |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,629.64 | View Details |
| 40% | $795.84 | $9,550.08 | View Details |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 | View Details |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $17,220.24 | View Details |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701.40 | View Details |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,225.80 | View Details |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,347.60 | View Details |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 | View Details |
How do dependent allowances change the monthly rate?
Dependent rates only apply at 30% or higher. Veterans rated 10-20% receive the same amount regardless of dependents.
| Rating | Alone | With Spouse | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | +$65.00 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | +$87.00 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | +$109.00 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | +$131.00 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | +$153.00 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | +$175.00 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | +$197.00 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | +$219.59 |
When does Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) apply?
SMC provides additional compensation for veterans with severe disabilities beyond the standard 100% schedular rating.
SMC-K
$139.87/moLoss of use of a creative organ
SMC-L
$4,900.83/moBoth feet lost/lost use
SMC-S
$4,408.53/moHousebound
SMC-R1
$9,826.88/moAid and attendance
SMC-R2
$11,271.67/moHigher level A&A
Frequently Asked Questions
How are VA disability compensation rates calculated?
VA disability compensation rates are set by Congress and adjusted annually for COLA. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% increase, effective 2025-12-01. Base rates are tied to the disability rating percentage (0–100%) and increase with dependents at ratings of 30% or higher under 38 CFR § 3.4.
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is excluded from gross income under 26 U.S.C. § 104(a)(4). Veterans do not need to report it on federal or state tax returns. Military retirement pay is separate and may be taxable unless waived in favor of disability compensation.
How often do VA disability rates change?
VA disability rates change annually on December 1 when the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) takes effect. COLA is tied to the Social Security Administration's inflation index. The 2026 adjustment was 2.8%. Veterans do not need to apply — rates update automatically.
What is the VA "whole person" theory?
The VA does not add disability ratings together. Under the whole person theory (38 CFR § 4.25), each successive disability is applied to the remaining healthy percentage. A 50% rating leaves 50% whole; a second 30% rating is 30% of 50% (15%), for a combined 65%, rounded to 70%. This means combined ratings are always lower than arithmetic addition.
Can I receive more than 100% VA disability compensation?
A schedular combined rating cannot exceed 100%. However, veterans rated at 100% may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 CFR § 3.350 for specific severe disabilities such as loss of use of a limb, blindness, or the need for regular aid and attendance. SMC rates exceed the 100% schedular rate.
How does the VA combined rating work for multiple conditions?
Each rated condition reduces the remaining whole person. The VA starts at 100% efficiency. The highest-rated condition is applied first, then each successive condition is applied to whatever percentage remains. Final combined ratings are rounded to the nearest 10% under 38 CFR § 4.25. Two conditions rated 50% each combine to 75%, not 100%.
Where can I find historical VA disability rates?
The VA publishes historical compensation rates on VA.gov at https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/. Rates for prior years reflect the COLA effective on December 1 of the preceding year. The eCFR (ecfr.gov) archives all prior versions of 38 CFR Part 3, which governs compensation entitlement.
How much does a 50% VA disability rating pay in 2026?
A 50% VA disability rating pays $1,132.90/month for a veteran without dependents, or $1,241.90/month with a spouse in 2026. These amounts are tax-free.
Calculate Your Exact Compensation
Our platform can calculate your combined rating using VA math and show exactly what you should be receiving based on your conditions and dependents.
Calculate My Compensation