2026 VA Rates Chart: Updated Disability Pay with COLA Increase
2026 VA Rates Chart
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| Dependency Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone, no dependents | $552.47 | $795.84 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 |
| Veteran with Spouse only | $618.26 | $883.22 | $1,241.87 | $1,566.60 |
| Veteran with Spouse and one parent | $670.69 | $953.12 | $1,329.25 | $1,671.46 |
| Veteran with spouse and two parents | $723.12 | $1,023.02 | $1,416.63 | $1,776.31 |
| Veteran with one parent | $604.90 | $865.74 | $1,220.28 | $1,539.87 |
| Veteran with two parents | $657.32 | $935.64 | $1,307.66 | $1,644.73 |
| Additional A/A benefits (2026) | $59.62 | $80.18 | $100.74 | $120.28 |
| Dependency Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone, no dependents | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran with Spouse only | $1,961.62 | $2,276.91 | $2,559.34 | $4,158.17 |
| Veteran with Spouse and one parent | $2,084.98 | $2,417.74 | $2,717.39 | $4,334.41 |
| Veteran with spouse and two parents | $2,208.34 | $2,558.58 | $2,875.45 | $4,510.65 |
| Veteran with one parent | $1,931.81 | $2,242.98 | $2,520.36 | $4,114.82 |
| Veteran with two parents | $2,055.17 | $2,383.82 | $2,678.41 | $4,291.06 |
| Additional A/A benefits (2026) | $140.84 | $161.40 | $180.93 | $201.41 |
| Dependency Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with one child, no spouse or parents | $595.64 | $854.43 | $1,205.89 | $1,522.40 |
| Veteran with one child and spouse | $666.58 | $947.98 | $1,323.08 | $1,663.23 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and one parent | $719.00 | $1,017.88 | $1,410.46 | $1,768.09 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and two parents | $771.43 | $1,087.79 | $1,497.84 | $1,872.94 |
| Veteran with one parent and child | $648.07 | $924.34 | $1,293.27 | $1,627.25 |
| Veteran with two parents and child | $700.50 | $994.24 | $1,380.65 | $1,732.11 |
| Each additional child under 18 | $31.87 | $43.18 | $54.48 | $64.76 |
| Each additional child over 18 | $104.86 | $140.84 | $175.79 | $210.74 |
| Dependency Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with one child, no spouse or parents | $1,910.22 | $2,219.34 | $2,493.89 | $4,085.43 |
| Veteran with one child and spouse | $2,074.70 | $2,406.43 | $2,704.63 | $4,318.99 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and one parent | $2,198.06 | $2,547.27 | $2,862.94 | $4,495.23 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and two parents | $2,321.42 | $2,688.11 | $3,021.25 | $4,671.47 2 |
| Veteran with one parent and child | $2,033.58 | $2,360.17 | $2,652.20 | $4,261.67 |
| Veteran with two parents and child | $2,156.94 | $2,501.01 | $2,810.51 | $4,437.91 |
| Each additional child under 18 | $76.07 | $86.35 | $97.66 | $109.11 |
| Each additional child over 18 | $245.69 | $281.67 | $316.62 | $352.45 |
2025 VA Rates Chart
| 10% | $175.51 |
| 20% | $346.95 |
| Dependency Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone, no dependents | $537.42 | $774.16 | $1,102.04 | $1,395.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse only | $600.97 | $859.24 | $1,208.64 | $1,524.05 |
| Veteran with Spouse and one parent | $652.22 | $926.89 | $1,293.71 | $1,626.55 |
| Veteran with spouse and two parents | $703.47 | $994.54 | $1,378.79 | $1,729.05 |
| Veteran with one parent | $588.67 | $841.81 | $1,187.11 | $1,498.43 |
| Veteran with two parents | $639.92 | $909.46 | $1,272.19 | $1,600.93 |
| Additional A/A benefits (2025) | $58.43 | $77.90 | $97.38 | $116.85 |
| Dependency Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone, no dependents | $1,759.19 | $2,044.89 | $2,297.96 | $3,831.30 |
| Veteran with Spouse only | $1,907.81 | $2,215.04 | $2,489.63 | $4,044.91 |
| Veteran with Spouse and one parent | $2,027.74 | $2,351.36 | $2,643.38 | $4,216.35 |
| Veteran with spouse and two parents | $2,147.66 | $2,487.69 | $2,797.13 | $4,387.79 |
| Veteran with one parent | $1,879.11 | $2,181.21 | $2,451.71 | $4,002.74 |
| Veteran with two parents | $1,999.04 | $2,317.54 | $2,605.46 | $4,174.18 |
| Additional A/A benefits (2025) | $137.35 | $156.83 | $176.30 | $195.92 |
| Dependency Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with one child, no spouse or parents | $579.44 | $830.54 | $1,172.76 | $1,481.00 |
| Veteran with one child and spouse | $648.12 | $921.76 | $1,286.54 | $1,617.33 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and one parent | $699.37 | $989.41 | $1,371.61 | $1,719.83 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and two parents | $750.62 | $1,057.06 | $1,456.69 | $1,822.33 |
| Veteran with one parent and child | $630.69 | $898.19 | $1,257.84 | $1,583.50 |
| Veteran with two parents and child | $681.94 | $965.84 | $1,342.91 | $1,686.00 |
| Additional A/A benefits (2025) | $58.43 | $77.90 | $97.38 | $116.85 |
| Each additional child under 18 | $31.78 | $42.03 | $52.28 | $63.55 |
| Each additional child over 18 | $102.50 | $136.33 | $171.18 | $205.00 |
| Dependency Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with one child, no spouse or parents | $1,858.61 | $2,158.66 | $2,426.08 | $3,974.15 |
| Veteran with one child and spouse | $2,017.49 | $2,340.09 | $2,630.06 | $4,201.34 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and one parent | $2,137.41 | $2,476.41 | $2,783.81 | $4,372.78 |
| Veteran with spouse, one child, and two parents | $2,257.34 | $2,612.74 | $2,937.56 | $4,544.22 |
| Veteran with one parent and child | $1,978.54 | $2,294.99 | $2,579.83 | $4,145.59 |
| Veteran with two parents and child | $2,098.46 | $2,431.31 | $2,733.58 | $4,317.03 |
| Additional A/A benefits (2025) | $137.35 | $156.83 | $176.30 | $195.92 |
| Each additional child under 18 | $73.80 | $84.05 | $95.33 | $106.14 |
| Each additional child over 18 | $239.85 | $273.68 | $308.53 | $342.85 |
The VA Rates Chart outlines the monthly compensation amounts veterans receive based on their service-connected disability rating. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sets these rates annually to ensure veterans are fairly compensated for conditions that limit their ability to work.
Related terms:
- VA Disability Rating Chart
- VA Compensation Rates
- VA Payment Rates
The VA disability pay chart for 2026 goes into effect December 1, 2025. Veterans will see the increased monthly payments in their January 1, 2026 disbursements.
This reflects the estimated 2.6% COLA increase for 2026, which is designed to adjust for inflation and help veterans maintain their purchasing power.
Note: The official 2026 COLA increase will be announced by the Social Security Administration in October 2025.
The VA Disability Rating Chart for 2026 includes updated monthly compensation rates for disability percentages ranging from 10% to 100%, plus adjustments for dependents—including spouses, children, and parents.
Understanding the VA compensation chart can help you:
✔️ Estimate your 2026 monthly benefits
✔️ Plan for additional dependent pay
✔️ Project long-term financial support
This updated chart is especially helpful for veterans expecting changes to their disability rating or dependent status in the upcoming year.
Navigating the VA monthly pay chart starts with your disability rating—this is the baseline for your benefit amount. Next, account for any eligible dependents. Veterans with spouses, minor children, or dependent parents will receive additional compensation.
The 2025 VA disability pay chart with dependents breaks down every combination clearly, showing exactly how much you’ll receive based on your situation.
Looking ahead? The 2026 VA disability pay chart will be adjusted based on the next COLA announcement, expected in October 2025. While exact numbers aren’t confirmed, veterans can anticipate another rate increase if inflation trends continue.
Bookmark this page for future updates to the VA pay chart 2026 and information on the VA COLA increase date.
Each year, the VA Compensation Rates are updated using the Social Security Administration’s COLA. This adjustment ensures VA benefits keep pace with inflation.
For 2025, the COLA increase is 2.5%, affecting all payment tiers. Other factors include:
• Disability severity (percentage rating)
• Number of dependent family members
• Combined ratings for multiple conditions
• Changes to the VA rating schedule
VA payment rates are based on a formula that includes:
- Medical Evaluation: VA doctors assess each condition.
- Disability Percentage: Each issue is assigned a rating from 0%–100%.
- Combined Ratings: Multiple service-connected conditions are merged into one combined score using the VA rating formula.
- Monthly Pay Assignment: The final rating is matched to a pay level from the VA disability pay chart.
If your current VA rating doesn’t match the severity of your medical conditions, you’re not alone. Many veterans are under-rated and miss out on compensation they rightfully earned.
Let a VA-accredited Veterans Disability Attorney help. At Chad Barr Law, we’ve helped hundreds of veterans challenge unfair ratings, secure backpay, and get the VA benefits they deserve. We handle everything from appeals to secondary condition claims.
Get help today—because your service matters.
Additional Ways to Increase Your VA Compensation
While the VA Rates Chart and VA Disability Pay Chart show standard monthly compensation based on your rating and dependent status, some veterans may qualify for additional monthly compensation beyond the basic rate.
Here are several ways your VA compensation may be increased:
1. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Special Monthly Compensation is an extra payment awarded to veterans with certain severe disabilities or conditions that require additional support. This includes situations such as:
Loss of use of a limb, vision, or hearing
Needing aid and attendance of another person
Being housebound due to service-connected disabilities
Loss of reproductive organs or speech
Amputation or paralysis
The VA offers multiple SMC levels—labeled with letters like SMC-K, SMC-L, and so on—each tied to specific criteria. If you’re eligible, SMC is added on top of your regular monthly payment shown in the VA Disability Rating Chart.
What is Special Monthly Compensation
2. Temporary 100% Disability Rating
You may qualify for a temporary 100% VA disability rating during periods of recovery from surgery or hospitalization related to a service-connected condition. If approved, this can temporarily increase your monthly payment to the maximum amount allowed.
Common situations include:
Surgery requiring at least one month of recovery
Hospitalization lasting more than 21 days
Immobilization by cast or brace of a major joint
3. Secondary Service-Connected Conditions
If a new medical issue develops as a result of an existing service-connected disability, you may be entitled to secondary service connection. This can lead to an increased combined rating and higher monthly compensation.
Examples include:
Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD
Sciatica secondary to a back condition
Depression caused by chronic pain or limited mobility
If you’re unsure whether your additional conditions qualify, speak with a VA-accredited attorney like those at Chad Barr Law.
4. Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Even if your combined rating is less than 100%, you may still qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful employment.
TDIU provides the same monthly compensation as a 100% rating, making it a critical option for veterans unable to work due to their conditions.
TDIU for Veterans
Could You Be Missing Out on VA Benefits?
Understanding the VA Disability Pay Chart is important—but it’s not the whole picture. If you believe your current VA compensation doesn’t reflect the full impact of your conditions, you may be eligible for:
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Increased ratings for worsening conditions
TDIU or secondary service connection
At Chad Barr Law, we help veterans nationwide fight for every benefit they’ve earned. Whether you’re appealing a denial, requesting a rating increase, or exploring additional forms of compensation, our team is here to help.
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Common Misconceptions About P&T Ratings
Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability Ratings
Can the VA Reduce a Permanent and Total P&T Disability Rating
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits
70% VA Disability Rating
