VA Disability Rates 2027 Explained: The 3.6% COLA Increase and What Changed

The Department of Veterans Affairs adjusts disability compensation rates every year based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) set by Congress. For 2027, the COLA increase is 3.6%, which means higher monthly payments for every rating level. This guide covers the complete 2027 VA disability rate table from 10% to 100%, including rates with dependents, Special Monthly Compensation, and a 2026-to-2027 comparison so you can see exactly how your pay changed. You can also look up your exact rate by rating and dependent status using our free rate lookup tool.

2027 COLA Adjustment: What Changed

The 2027 VA disability COLA increase is 3.6%, effective December 1, 2026. Because VA pays in arrears and January 1 is a federal holiday, the first payment at the new rate arrives December 31, 2026.

COLA is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which measures changes in the cost of everyday goods and services. When the CPI-W rises, VA compensation rises by the same percentage to help veterans keep pace with inflation. The 3.6% increase follows a 2.8% COLA in 2026, 2.5% in 2025, and 3.2% in 2024, meaning veterans have seen meaningful pay growth over the past several years.

While 3.6% may sound modest, it adds up quickly at higher rating levels. For a veteran rated at 100%, the COLA translates to roughly an extra $142 per month—over $1,700 more per year in tax-free compensation.

2027 VA Disability Rates: Veteran Alone (No Dependents)

Below are the complete 2027 VA disability compensation rates for a single veteran with no dependents. These rates apply to all veterans regardless of branch of service.

Rating	Monthly (2027)	Annual (2027)
10%	$186.92	$2,243.04
20%	$369.50	$4,434.00
30%	$572.36	$6,868.32
40%	$824.49	$9,893.88
50%	$1,173.68	$14,084.16
60%	$1,486.68	$17,840.16
70%	$1,873.55	$22,482.60
80%	$2,177.83	$26,133.96
90%	$2,447.34	$29,368.08
100%	$4,080.37	$48,964.44

These 2027 figures are computed from the official 3.6% COLA announced by the Social Security Administration on October 14, 2026. Congress passes that increase through to VA compensation each year in the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act; the 2026 act (S. 4487 / H.R. 8552) had not been signed as of November 7, 2026. VA is expected to post its final 2027 table around December 1, 2026, and this page will be re-verified against it. The 2026 rates remain in effect through November 30, 2026.

All VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state level. You do not need to report it as income on your tax return.

Key Rate Milestones Every Veteran Should Know

Not all rating increases are created equal. Certain thresholds unlock additional benefits or trigger major pay jumps:

30% — Unlocks dependent pay. This is the most important threshold for veterans with families. At 30% and above, the VA pays additional compensation for your spouse, children, and dependent parents. At 10% and 20%, you receive only the base rate regardless of how many dependents you have.

50% — Unlocks Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP). Military retirees with a combined VA rating of 50% or higher can receive both their full military retirement pay and their full VA disability compensation without offset. Below 50%, retirees must choose one or the other (with some exceptions through Combat-Related Special Compensation).

100% — Massive pay jump from 90%. The increase from 90% to 100% is by far the largest single step in the entire rate table—a jump of $1,633.03 per month ($19,596.36 per year). No other 10-percentage-point increase comes close. Additionally, 100% unlocks benefits like Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), CHAMPVA healthcare for dependents, and property tax exemptions in many states.

Each 10% increase in your rating means hundreds of additional dollars per month. For example, moving from 40% to 50% adds $349.19/month, and moving from 60% to 70% adds $386.87/month. Understanding where you fall on the scale—and what the next threshold unlocks—can help you prioritize which conditions to pursue or appeal.

2027 VA Disability Rates with Dependents

Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional monthly compensation for qualifying dependents. The amount added per dependent increases at higher rating levels, and the add-ons themselves rose with the COLA: the spouse add-on at 100% went from $219.59 in 2026 to $227.50 in 2027. Here is a snapshot showing the 2027 rate with a spouse compared to the veteran-alone rate:

Rating	With Spouse (2027)	Added for Spouse
30%	$640.36	+$68.00
50%	$1,286.68	+$113.00
70%	$2,032.55	+$159.00
100%	$4,307.87	+$227.50

Additional compensation is also available for dependent children, children over 18 in school, and dependent parents. The full dependent rate tables with every combination are covered in our companion guide: VA Disability Pay with Dependents: Complete 2027 Rate Tables.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Overview

Special Monthly Compensation provides additional payments above the standard 100% rate for veterans with severe disabilities. SMC is not calculated through the standard VA disability rating system—it is a separate, higher tier of compensation.

SMC may apply if you have conditions such as loss of use of a hand, foot, or eye; blindness; the need for regular aid and attendance of another person; or being permanently housebound. There are multiple SMC levels, each with different criteria and payment amounts:

• SMC-K: Awarded for loss of use of a creative organ, one hand, one foot, or one eye. This is often paid in addition to your regular compensation.
• SMC-L: Awarded when you need regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.
• SMC-S: Awarded when you have a single 100% rating plus additional disabilities independently rated at 60% or more, or you are permanently housebound.

SMC levels go beyond S through O, with higher levels corresponding to more severe combinations of disabilities. Because SMC involves complex eligibility rules, it is not included in standard VA disability calculators. If you believe you may qualify, consult a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or accredited claims agent for guidance.

TDIU: Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability

If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU allows the VA to pay you at the 100% rate even if your combined schedular rating is less than 100%.

Basic eligibility for TDIU requires one of the following:

• One service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or
• A combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one individual disability rated at 40% or higher

TDIU is an important pathway for veterans whose disabilities significantly impact their ability to work but whose individual ratings don't combine to reach 100%. If awarded, you receive the full $4,080.37 per month (2027 rate for veteran alone) plus any applicable dependent additions.

How 2027 VA Rates Compare Year Over Year

The 3.6% COLA increase for 2027 is the largest since the 8.7% adjustment for 2023 and a step up from last year's 2.8%. Here is how key rating levels compare between 2026 and 2027:

Rating	2026 Rate	2027 Rate	Monthly Increase
10%	$180.42	$186.92	+$6.50
30%	$552.47	$572.36	+$19.89
50%	$1,132.90	$1,173.68	+$40.78
70%	$1,808.45	$1,873.55	+$65.10
100%	$3,938.58	$4,080.37	+$141.79

Even a seemingly small COLA percentage adds up to meaningful dollars. At the 100% level, the 3.6% increase means an extra $1,701.48 per year in tax-free compensation. Over a decade of similar adjustments, that compounds into tens of thousands of additional dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 100% VA disability pay in 2027?

In 2027, a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating receives $4,080.37 per month ($48,964.44 per year) with no dependents (2027 rate, 3.6% COLA, effective December 1, 2026). With a spouse, the 100% rate increases to $4,307.87 per month. All VA disability compensation is tax-free at both the federal and state level.

What is the 2027 VA disability COLA increase?

The 2027 VA disability COLA increase is 3.6%. This cost-of-living adjustment takes effect December 1, 2026, and the first payment at the new rate arrives December 31, 2026. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Last year's increase, for 2026, was 2.8%.

How much does 70% VA disability pay?

A 70% VA disability rating pays $1,873.55 per month ($22,482.60 per year) for a veteran with no dependents in 2027 (2027 rate, 3.6% COLA, effective December 1, 2026). With a spouse, the rate increases to $2,032.55 per month. With a spouse and one child, the rate is $2,148.55 per month.

When do new VA disability rates take effect?

New VA disability rates officially take effect on December 1 of the prior year. For 2027 rates, the effective date is December 1, 2026. Because VA pays in arrears and January 1 is a holiday, the first payment at the 2027 rate arrives December 31, 2026.

Are VA disability payments taxable?

No. VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at both the federal and state level. You do not need to report VA disability payments as income on your tax return. This applies to all rating levels from 10% to 100%.

What is the difference between 90% and 100% VA disability pay?

In 2027, the jump from 90% to 100% VA disability is the largest single increase in the pay table. A 90% rating pays $2,447.34 per month, while 100% pays $4,080.37 per month—a difference of $1,633.03 per month or $19,596.36 per year. Additionally, 100% unlocks benefits such as Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), CHAMPVA for dependents, and property tax exemptions in many states.