2026 VA Disability Pay Chart
Complete compensation rates for all ratings with dependent combinations
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates: Veterans receive monthly tax-free payments based on their disability rating (10%-100%) and number of dependents. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025. A 100% rated veteran alone receives $3,832.73/month; with a spouse, $4,044.73/month. Ratings of 10-20% receive flat rates regardless of dependents.
10% and 20% Disability Rates
Veterans rated 10% or 20% receive a flat monthly rate regardless of dependents.
| Rating | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $2,106.12 | $170.74 | +$4.77 |
| 20% | $347.02 | $4,164.24 | $337.57 | +$9.45 |
30% to 100% Disability Rates (With Dependent Combinations)
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional compensation for qualifying dependents including spouse, children, and dependent parents.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | With Child Only | Spouse + 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $537.42$6,449/yr | $600.42$7,205/yr | $577.42$6,929/yr | $649.42$7,793/yr |
| 40% | $774.17$9,290/yr | $858.17$10,298/yr | $808.17$9,698/yr | $920.17$11,042/yr |
| 50% | $1,102.34$13,228/yr | $1,207.34$14,488/yr | $1,131.34$13,576/yr | $1,282.34$15,388/yr |
| 60% | $1,395.79$16,749/yr | $1,521.79$18,261/yr | $1,418.79$17,026/yr | $1,609.79$19,317/yr |
| 70% | $1,760.58$21,127/yr | $1,907.58$22,891/yr | $1,796.58$21,559/yr | $2,008.58$24,103/yr |
| 80% | $2,046.06$24,553/yr | $2,214.06$26,569/yr | $2,076.06$24,913/yr | $2,328.06$27,937/yr |
| 90% | $2,299.34$27,592/yr | $2,488.34$29,860/yr | $2,322.34$27,868/yr | $2,615.34$31,384/yr |
| 100% | $3,832.73$45,993/yr | $4,044.73$48,537/yr | $3,971.73$47,661/yr | $4,194.73$50,337/yr |
Additional dependent rates (2+ children, dependent parents, Aid & Attendance for spouse) available in extended table below.
Additional Dependent Combinations
For veterans with multiple children or dependent parents, additional amounts are added to the base rate:
Additional Amounts Per Dependent (2026)
- Each additional child under 18: +$32 to +$104 (varies by rating)
- Each child over 18 in school: +$104 to +$338 (varies by rating)
- Each dependent parent: +$42 to +$145 (varies by rating)
- Spouse receiving Aid & Attendance: +$58 to +$194 (varies by rating)
Use our VA Disability Calculator to calculate your exact compensation with all dependents.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Rates
SMC is additional compensation for veterans with severe disabilities. These amounts are paid in addition to regular disability compensation.
| SMC Level | Monthly Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SMC-K | $136.47 | Loss of use of creative organ, one hand, one foot, or blindness in one eye |
| SMC-S | $456.22 | Housebound — 100% rating plus additional 60%+ rating, or permanently housebound |
| SMC-L | $4,695.30 | Loss of use of both feet, both hands, one hand and one foot, or blindness |
| SMC-L 1/2 | $4,932.66 | Between SMC-L and SMC-M conditions |
| SMC-M | $5,183.21 | Loss of use of both hands, both legs at/above knee, or one arm and one leg |
| SMC-N | $5,891.75 | Loss of use of both arms at/above elbow, or combination of three extremities |
| SMC-O | $6,730.58 | Paraplegia with loss of use of both lower extremities and loss of bowel/bladder |
| SMC-R.1 | $9,555.87 | Need for regular Aid and Attendance at SMC-O level |
| SMC-R.2 | $10,965.27 | Higher level of care required |
SMC-K can be combined with any rating level. Multiple SMC-K awards are possible (up to 3).
2026 COLA Adjustment Explained
The 2026 VA disability compensation rates include a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. This adjustment is mandated by federal law and is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Key COLA Facts
- Effective date: December 1, 2025
- First payment at new rate: January 2026
- 2026 COLA increase: 2.8%
- Previous year (2025): 3.2%
- No action required: Increase applied automatically to all recipients
For example, a veteran rated at 100% disability saw their monthly payment increase from $3,737.85 (2025) to $3,832.73 (2026) — an increase of $94.88 per month or $1,138.56 per year.
How to Read This Chart
To find your VA disability compensation rate:
- Find your combined rating in the leftmost column (10% to 100%)
- Select your dependent status from the column headers
- Read your monthly rate at the intersection
Understanding Combined Ratings
If you have multiple disabilities, the VA uses "VA Math" to calculate your combined rating — not simple addition. For example:
- 50% + 30% = 65% (rounds to 70%)
- 70% + 50% = 85% (rounds to 90%)
- 70% + 50% + 30% = 90% (rounds to 90%)
Use our Combined Rating Calculator to calculate your exact combined rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Sources
- VA.gov — 2026 Disability Compensation Rates
- VA Benefits — Special Monthly Compensation Rates
- Rates effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA)
Last verified: February 2026