The 2026 VA disability compensation rates include a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) effective December 1, 2025. These are the current rates paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities as of January 2026. Here are the complete pay tables for every rating level and dependent combination.
VA disability pay increased 2.8% in 2026 — the same COLA applied to Social Security benefits. The increase took effect December 1, 2025 and veterans received their first 2026-rate payment in January 2026. No action was required — the increase was applied automatically. Use our pay calculator for your exact monthly amount.
2026 VA Disability Pay — Veteran Alone (No Dependents)
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment | Annual Tax-Free Income |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $2,106.12 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $4,163.40 |
| 30% | $524.31 | $6,291.72 |
| 40% | $673.28 | $8,079.36 |
| 50% | $1,075.16 | $12,901.92 |
| 60% | $1,361.88 | $16,342.56 |
| 70% | $1,760.58 | $21,126.96 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $24,538.68 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $27,575.52 |
| 100% | $3,737.85 | $44,854.20 |
2026 VA Disability Pay — With Spouse (No Children)
| Rating | Monthly Payment | Added for Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | $586.31 | +$62.00 |
| 40% | $754.28 | +$81.00 |
| 50% | $1,175.16 | +$100.00 |
| 60% | $1,481.88 | +$120.00 |
| 70% | $1,907.58 | +$147.00 |
| 80% | $2,212.89 | +$168.00 |
| 90% | $2,484.96 | +$187.00 |
| 100% | $3,946.25 | +$208.40 |
2026 VA Disability Pay — With Spouse and One Child
| Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 30% | $627.31 |
| 40% | $806.28 |
| 50% | $1,251.16 |
| 60% | $1,575.88 |
| 70% | $2,008.58 |
| 80% | $2,322.89 |
| 90% | $2,601.96 |
| 100% | $4,079.25 |
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — Additional Pay Above 100%
Veterans with severe disabilities may receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) on top of their regular rating pay. The most common SMC levels:
- SMC-K (erectile dysfunction, loss of creative organ): +$126.77/month
- SMC-S (housebound): +$367.30/month added to existing pay
See our complete SMC guide for all levels and how to qualify.
What Is VA Disability Pay Based On?
Your monthly payment depends on three factors: your combined disability rating (calculated using VA math — see our combined ratings guide), your number of dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents), and whether you qualify for SMC. All VA disability compensation is completely tax-free at the federal and state level.
Use our pay calculator to get your exact monthly amount for any rating level and dependent combination. Use our combined rating calculator to see how multiple conditions combine into one overall rating.
Calculate Your Exact Monthly Payment
Enter your rating and dependents for your precise 2026 monthly amount.
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