2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates: Complete Guide
Introduction: What Changed in 2026
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the 2026 disability compensation rates, reflecting a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. This annual adjustment ensures that veterans' benefits keep pace with inflation, protecting the purchasing power of the compensation you've earned through your service.
Whether you're newly rated or have been receiving benefits for years, understanding these rates helps you plan your finances and ensures you're receiving the correct amount.
The 2026 COLA increase of 2.8% applies to all veterans receiving VA disability compensation. The new rates became effective December 1, 2025, with payments reflecting the increase starting in January 2026. You do not need to take any action to receive the increase---it is automatic.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates (No Dependents)
The following rates apply to veterans without dependents. If you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents, see the dependent rates section below.
| Rating | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Rates With Dependents
Veterans rated 30% or higher are eligible for additional compensation for dependents. The more dependents you have, the higher your monthly payment.
With Spouse Only (No Children)
| Rating | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 30% | $617.47 |
| 40% | $882.84 |
| 50% | $1,241.90 |
| 60% | $1,566.02 |
| 70% | $1,961.45 |
| 80% | $2,277.15 |
| 90% | $2,559.30 |
| 100% | $4,158.17 |
With Spouse and One Child
| Rating | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 30% | $666.47 |
| 40% | $947.84 |
| 50% | $1,322.90 |
| 60% | $1,663.02 |
| 70% | $2,074.45 |
| 80% | $2,406.15 |
| 90% | $2,704.30 |
| 100% | $4,318.99 |
Additional amounts are added for each additional child under 18, each child over 18 in school, and each dependent parent. Use our Benefits Finder to calculate your exact rate.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
If you cannot work due to your service-connected disabilities, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is less than 100%.
TDIU Eligibility Requirements
- Schedular TDIU: One disability rated at 60% or more, OR multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more (with at least one rated at 40% or more)
- Extraschedular TDIU: For veterans who do not meet the schedular requirements but can demonstrate their service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment
TDIU can significantly increase your compensation. A veteran rated at 70% who qualifies for TDIU receives the same $3,938.58 monthly payment as a veteran rated at 100%. Check your eligibility to see if TDIU may apply to your situation.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Special Monthly Compensation provides additional payments for veterans with severe disabilities or specific combinations of disabilities. SMC rates are designated by letters (SMC-K, SMC-L, SMC-S, etc.) and can be added to your basic compensation.
Common SMC Categories
- SMC-K: Loss or loss of use of a creative organ, one hand, one foot, or both buttocks. SMC-K ($131.40/month in 2026) can be combined with other ratings and even stacked with other SMC levels.
- SMC-L: Need for regular aid and attendance due to disability
- SMC-S: 100% schedular rating plus additional disabilities independently rated at 60% or more, qualifying for housebound benefits
State Tax Implications by State
One often-overlooked aspect of VA disability compensation is how your state treats it for tax purposes. Federal VA disability compensation is always tax-free, but state benefits and your overall tax situation can vary significantly.
States with No Income Tax
These states don't tax any income, including VA disability compensation:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (dividends and interest only)
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
States with Full VA Disability Tax Exemption
All states exempt VA disability compensation from state income tax. However, some states offer additional benefits for disabled veterans:
- Property Tax Exemptions: Many states offer partial or full property tax exemptions for veterans with certain disability ratings
- Vehicle Registration Exemptions: Some states waive vehicle registration fees
- State Bonus Payments: Several states offer one-time or recurring bonus payments
Use our Benefits Finder to discover state-specific tax benefits you may qualify for based on your rating and location.
How VA Ratings Combine (VA Math Explained)
If you have multiple service-connected conditions, the VA doesn't simply add percentages together. Instead, they use a specific formula often called "VA math."
The Concept
VA math starts with your highest-rated disability and applies subsequent ratings to the remaining "whole person" percentage. Here's how it works:
- Start with 100% (whole person)
- Apply your highest rating first
- Apply subsequent ratings to the remaining percentage
- Round to the nearest 10%
Example Calculation
Let's say you have a 50% rating and a 30% rating:
- Start with 100%
- Apply 50%: 100% - 50% = 50% remaining
- Apply 30% to remaining 50%: 50% × 30% = 15%
- Combined: 50% + 15% = 65%
- Rounded to nearest 10%: 70%
This is why having two 50% ratings doesn't equal 100%---it actually equals 75% (rounded to 80%).
Bilateral Factor
If you have disabilities affecting both arms, both legs, or paired skeletal muscles, the VA applies a bilateral factor that adds 10% to the combined value of those bilateral disabilities before combining with other ratings. This can result in a higher overall rating.
2026 VA Disability Payment Schedule
VA disability compensation is paid in arrears on the first business day of each month. This means you receive payment for the previous month. For example, the payment you receive in February covers your January benefits.
Complete 2026 Payment Schedule
VA disability compensation for a given month is paid on the first business day of the following month. When the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments arrive on the last business day before that date.
| Benefits For | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 30, 2026 (Friday) |
| February 2026 | February 27, 2026 (Friday) |
| March 2026 | April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| April 2026 | May 1, 2026 (Friday) |
| May 2026 | June 1, 2026 (Monday) |
| June 2026 | July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| July 2026 | July 31, 2026 (Friday) |
| August 2026 | September 1, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| September 2026 | October 1, 2026 (Thursday) |
| October 2026 | October 30, 2026 (Friday) |
| November 2026 | December 1, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| December 2026 | December 31, 2026 (Thursday) |
Some banks, including USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union, may release VA deposits 1-3 days earlier than the official payment date.
COLA History and Projections
Understanding COLA trends helps you anticipate future changes to your compensation:
| Year | COLA Increase |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 5.9% |
| 2023 | 8.7% |
| 2024 | 3.2% |
| 2025 | 2.5% |
| 2026 | 2.8% |
COLA adjustments are tied to the Consumer Price Index and are announced each October for the following year.
Maximize Your Benefits
VA disability compensation is just one part of the benefits you've earned. Depending on your rating, service history, and state of residence, you may qualify for:
- State property tax exemptions
- Education benefits for you and your dependents
- Healthcare through VA or CHAMPVA
- Home loan benefits with funding fee waivers
- Employment preferences for federal and state jobs
Don't leave benefits on the table. Use our Benefits Finder to discover all the federal, state, and local benefits you may qualify for based on your unique situation.
Next Steps: Maximize Your 2026 VA Disability Benefits
- Verify your current rating at VA.gov and confirm your January 2026 payment reflects the 2.8% COLA increase
- Check your payment amount against the tables above---if your payment does not match, contact the VA immediately
- Explore state benefits using our Benefits Finder to discover property tax exemptions, vehicle registration waivers, and more
- Consider filing for an increase if your service-connected conditions have worsened since your last evaluation
- Review dependent information in your VA profile to ensure you are receiving additional compensation for all eligible dependents
- Explore TDIU eligibility if your disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment
Ready to find all the benefits you have earned? Our Benefits Finder analyzes your unique situation---disability rating, service history, and state of residence---to identify federal, state, and local benefits you may be missing. It only takes 5 minutes.
Your service earned you these benefits. Make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to.
Last updated: February 2026. Rates verified against official VA compensation rates. For real-time rate information, visit VA.gov.
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