Compensation
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.
- 100% rating
- $3,938.58
- a month, tax-free
- 10% rating
- $180.42
- a month
- 2026 COLA
- 2.8%
- cost-of-living increase
Monthly rates
What does each VA disability percentage pay?
Dependents
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 |
Beyond 100 percent
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 a month
Loss of use of a creative organ, one hand/foot, or blindness in one eye (5/200 or less). Added to existing compensation, and up to 3 SMC-K awards can be paid at the same time.
SMC-L
$4,900.83 a month
Both feet lost/lost use; blind in both eyes (5/200 or less); permanently bedridden; or requires daily aid and attendance for basic needs.
SMC-L 1/2
$5,154.00 a month
One foot and opposite knee lost; blind in one eye with light perception only in other; blindness in both eyes with loss of use of one foot.
SMC-M
$5,408.55 a month
Both hands lost/lost use; one hand and one leg lost near hip/shoulder; blind in one eye with complete blindness in other.
SMC-M 1/2
$5,780.00 a month
One knee and one leg lost near hip; one hand and one elbow lost near shoulder.
SMC-N
$6,152.64 a month
Both elbows lost; both legs lost near hip; one arm and one leg lost near shoulder/hip; both eyes physically lost.
SMC-N 1/2
$6,514.00 a month
One elbow and one arm lost near shoulder; both eyes lost with loss of use of one foot.
SMC-O
$6,877.12 a month
Both arms lost near shoulders; complete paralysis of both legs with loss of bladder/bowel control; or two separate disabilities each qualifying at SMC-L/M/N.
SMC-R1
$9,826.88 a month
Requires regular aid and attendance for all basic daily needs (dressing, eating, bathing, toileting).
SMC-R2
$11,271.67 a month
Higher level of aid and attendance: requires a higher level of daily care.
SMC-S
$4,408.53 a month
Housebound: substantially confined to home due to service-connected disabilities, OR has 100% rating plus additional 60%+ from other disabilities.
SMC-T
$11,271.67 a month
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring daily care and protection from environmental hazards.
Look up VA pay rates in Claude or ChatGPT
"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."
Questions
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, applies the highest-rated condition first, then combines each successive condition with the running total using the Combined Ratings Table, rounding to a whole percent after each step. The final table value is converted to the nearest 10% under 38 CFR § 4.25, with values ending in 5 adjusted upward. Two conditions rated 50% each combine to 75%, which converts to 80%.
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.
Sources & Authorities
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VeteranHQ
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