Ratings & pay
2026 VA disability compensation rates
The 2026 standard monthly compensation rates took effect December 1, 2025. Your combined rating and qualifying dependents determine the applicable amount.
Monthly compensation at a glance
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse | Spouse + 1 child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $666.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $947.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,322.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $1,663.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $2,074.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $2,406.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $2,704.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 |
These are standard rates before special monthly compensation, offsets, recoupment, or other award-specific adjustments. “Spouse + 1 child” assumes a qualifying child under 18 and no dependent parents.
When dependents affect payment
At a combined rating of 30% or more, VA may pay additional compensation for qualifying dependents. A spouse, qualifying children, and qualifying dependent parents may affect the amount. At 10% or 20%, the standard payment does not increase for dependents.
Dependent status is not automatic just because a family member lives with you. VA must recognize the dependent. Children 18 to 23 in qualifying school programs have separate rules; avoid counting the same child in both age categories.
Use the rate year that applies
The calculator uses the published 2026 schedule. A back-pay estimate covering earlier years needs the rates in effect for each period, along with any changes in rating or dependents. Multiplying today’s payment by the number of months since a claim was filed can be misleading.
What about the next COLA?
Future-year projections are not official compensation tables. This site will label a forecast as a forecast if one is published. For a current award or financial decision, use the official VA rate table and your decision letter. The source link below is the reference for the amounts displayed here.
Official sources
Sources checked September 20, 2026. General education; no individual claim assessment. How we prepare and check content.