VA Disability Archives

Table of Contents

VA disability rates increased 2.5% in 2025 over the previous year. The rate increase starts in December of 2024 as part of the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

You can also find your VA disability pay rate using our 2025 VA disability compensation calculator.

2025 VA Disability Pay Charts

This is a look at the 2025 VA disability pay rates. The pay charts will give you an idea of what the 2.5% increase will look like on your budget.

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 10%-20% Disability Rating

Percentage	Rate
10%	$175.51
20%	$346.95

Note: Veterans with a 10-20 percent disability rating do not receive additional compensation for dependents.

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 30%-60% Disability Rating (Without Children)

Dependent Status	30%	40%	50%	60%
Veteran alone	$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 for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$58.43	$77.90	$97.38	$116.85

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 70%-100% Disability Rating (Without Children)

Dependent Status	70%	80%	90%	100%
Veteran alone	$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 for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$137.35	$156.83	$176.30	$195.92

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 30%-60% Disability Rating (With Children)

Dependent Status	30%	40%	50%	60%
Veteran with one child only (no spouse or parents)	$579.44	$830.54	$1,172.76	$1,481.00
With one child and spouse (no parents)	$648.12	$921.76	$1,286.54	$1,617.33
With one child, spouse and one parent	$699.37	$989.41	$1,371.61	$1,719.83
With one child, spouse, and two parents	$750.62	$1,057.06	$1,456.69	$1,822.33
With one child and one parent (no spouse)	$630.69	$898.19	$1,257.84	$1,583.50
With one child and two parents (no spouse)	$681.94	$965.84	$1,342.91	$1,686.00
Each additional child under age 18	$31.78	$42.03	$52.28	$63.55
Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program	$102.50	$136.33	$171.18	$205.00
Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$58.43	$77.90	$97.38	$116.85

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 70%-100% Disability Rating (With Children)

Dependent Status	70%	80%	90%	100%
Veteran with one child only (no spouse or parents)	$1,858.61	$2,158.66	$2,426.08	$3,974.15
With one child and spouse (no parents)	$2,017.49	$2,340.09	$2,630.06	$4,201.34
With one child, spouse and one parent	$2,137.41	$2,476.41	$2,783.81	$4,372.78
With one child, spouse, and two parents	$2,257.34	$2,612.74	$2,937.56	$4,544.22
With one child and one parent (no spouse)	$1,978.54	$2,294.99	$2,579.83	$4,145.59
With onoe child and two parents (no spouse)	$2,098.46	$2,431.31	$2,733.58	$4,317.03
Each additional child under age 18	$73.80	$84.05	$95.33	$106.14
Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program	$239.85	$273.68	$308.53	$342.85
Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$137.35	$156.83	$176.30	$195.92

About VA Disability Compensation

VA disability pay is a monthly tax-free monetary benefit for veterans who have service-connected disabilities that limit their participation in work or daily activities.

Veterans with post-service disabilities related to an injury that occurred during service may also be eligible for disability benefits.

VA disability payments are monthly. Find the next VA disability payment date here.

Annually, the VA makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to VA disability benefits to ensure inflation does not erode VA benefits’ purchasing power. Under federal law, the cost-of-living adjustments to VA’s compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the 2025 VA disability rate increases on the COLA Watch page.

How VA Disability Ratings and VA Disability Compensation Work

Military members and veterans who became injured or ill in the line of duty or experience other service-connected physical or mental health conditions may be eligible to file a VA disability claim.

But, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not award compensation automatically. The VA will review your health, medical records, medical history, and other factors during the claims process.

You can schedule your first claims appointment when you out-process from the military, or you can schedule an appointment after you leave the service. However, sooner is better than later.

You may also be eligible to sign up for VA healthcare and a Veterans Health Identification Card.

VA compensation for service-connected medical issues is not necessarily tied to VA healthcare benefits. If you have a VA-rated disability, consider asking your VA case worker what options are available.

Service-Connected Disability Explained

VA disability compensation is a benefit paid to qualifying veterans with “disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service,” according to the VA.

VA rules also allow for compensation for “post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service.”

Veterans can apply for compensation even when medical issues arise after retirement or separation from the military.

The VA’s rating for your condition will determine your benefits. Some medical conditions, like tinnitus or other hearing-related issues, may only warrant a 10% rating. Other conditions may receive a higher rating.

By design, the VA ratings should offset lost compensation and work time due to injury exacerbations or illnesses. Veterans and service members with dependents may receive additional consideration for higher VA disability payments.

But, keep in mind: if you receive a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, changes to your family status may result in changes to your benefit payments. Notify the Department of Veterans Affairs in such cases. Changes to your claim or payments of the claim are never automatic; the VA will recoup overpayments.

What to Do When Applying for VA Compensation for Service-Connected Conditions

Apply for VA compensation before your final out-processing appointment, if possible.

In any case, service members and veterans must supply copies (not originals) of discharge paperwork, including a DD-214, medical records, supporting documentation for the medical claim, and a completed VA Form 21-526.

You may need supporting evidence that shows how your condition affects your ability to work, socialize or pursue hobbies – or how your condition has worsened over time, depending on your claim. Medical records and personal statements from family and coworkers who have witnessed your condition’s impact on your daily life can help your case.

VA Disability Ratings are Subject to Review and Are Not Always Permanent

The Department of Veterans Affairs may revisit your rating to see if your condition has improved or worsened.

You may receive a letter from the VA instructing you to participate in a re-examination, or you can ask the VA to review your claim again if your condition worsens.

Do not skip any re-examination appointments.

Getting Help With Filing and Tracking VA Disability Claims

You do not have to apply for VA medical benefits or compensation alone. Agencies called Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are authorized to act on your behalf to file with the government.

Getting the right help is especially important if you fear your medical claims may be denied or are trying to appeal a denied claim.

Such organizations include AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), DAV, and others. The VA website has a list of accredited Veteran Service Organizations you can use to find help with your claim.

Your state government may also be able to help you. Check with your state’s veteran department to see what services it offers.

How to File a VA Disability Claim

Gather any evidence (VA or private medical records, supporting statements, etc.) you plan to submit with your VA disability claim.
File your claim online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office near you.
Be sure your claim forms are completely filled out, and attach all supporting documents. This will help the VA process your claim quickly.

If you are not ready to file a VA Claim, submit your “Intent to File.” This can buy time to navigate the claims process and help you get back-pay compensation once your claim is approved.

Past VA Disability Rates

View the VA’s disability compensation rates for past years.

2024 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2023)
2023 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2022)
2022 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2021)
2021 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2020)
2020 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2019)
2019 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2018)
2018 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2017)

Historical VA Disability Rate Increases

VA Disability %	Effective Date	VA Disability %	Effective Date
3.20%	Dec. 1, 2023	2.10%	Dec. 1, 1997
8.70%	Dec. 1, 2022	2.90%	Dec. 1, 1996
5.90%	Dec. 1, 2021	2.60%	Dec. 1, 1995
1.30%	Dec. 1, 2020	2.80%	Dec. 1, 1994
1.60%	Dec. 1, 2019	2.60%	Dec. 1, 1993
2.80%	Dec. 1, 2018	3.00%	Dec. 1, 1992
2.00%	Dec. 1, 2017	3.70%	Dec. 1, 1991
0.30%	Dec. 1, 2016	5.40%	Dec. 1, 1990
0.00%	Dec. 1, 2015	4.70%	Dec. 1, 1989
1.70%	Dec. 1, 2014	4.00%	Dec. 1, 1988
1.50%	Dec. 1, 2013	4.20%	Dec. 1, 1987
1.70%	Dec. 1, 2012	1.30%	Dec. 1, 1986
3.60%	Dec. 1, 2011	3.10%	Dec. 1, 1985
0.00%	Dec. 1, 2010	3.50%	Dec. 1, 1984
0.00%	Dec. 1, 2009	3.50%	Dec. 1, 1983
5.80%	Dec. 1, 2008	7.40%	Oct. 1, 1982
2.30%	Dec. 1, 2007	11.20%	June 1, 1981
3.30%	Dec. 1, 2006	14.30%	June 1, 1981
4.10%	Dec. 1, 2005	9.90%	June 1, 1979
2.70%	Dec. 1, 2004	6.50%	Jan. 1, 1979
2.10%	Dec. 1, 2003	5.90%	Oct. 1, 1978
1.40%	Dec. 1, 2002	6.40%	Oct. 1, 1977
2.60%	Dec. 1, 2001	8.00%	Oct. 1, 1976
3.50%	Dec. 1, 2000	13.90%	Aug. 1, 1975
2.50%	Dec. 1, 1999	6.30%	May 1, 1974
1.30%	Dec. 1, 1998

Written by Jon Rehagen

Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians
Reviewed by Chad Burkitt

Chad Burkitt, an Army veteran, is the deputy director of Minnesota’s Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. He holds a political science degree and a law degree, living in Saint Paul with his family.

Table of Contents

The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, commonly referred to as the PACT Act, was signed into law in 2022. It grants permanent VA healthcare eligibility to more than 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans.

It declared 24 presumptive conditions tied to toxic exposure and established 31 new VA healthcare facilities while also granting VA health enrollment eligibility to any veteran who deployed to some regions of known exposure during service.

Overview of the PACT Act

The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It added several presumptive health conditions caused by exposure to these types of substances.

Expanding presumptive conditions is a critical part of the PACT Act. Normally, to receive benefits, a veteran must connect their disability and show it was related to military service. A presumptive condition removes that added level of proof and assumes that your service caused your condition. With this in place, a veteran only needs to meet the service requirements for the presumption.

For more information on the types of exposures and presumptive conditions, go here.

The PACT Act linked several medical conditions due to toxins common during specific eras or circumstances of military service.

Specifically, it expands and extends eligibility to VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras.

The PACT Act also requires the VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care. This information is used to spot and treat health issues as early as possible while helping VA staff improve research, education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.

Service members or Veterans who served in the above-listed wars, or were trained or stationed at installations linked to toxic chemical exposure or storage, will be eligible to the expanded VA healthcare beginning on March 5, 2024.

“With this expansion, VA can care for all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. We can also care for Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty here at home – by working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, and more. We want to bring all of these Veterans to VA for the care they’ve earned and deserve,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D.

PACT Act Compensation & Benefits for Veterans

Veterans who already have a partial disability rating may be able to get a higher rating because more conditions are now covered under the PACT Act.

The VA will not look at other disability-related claims, so no worry applying under the PACT Act could reduce benefits.

Veterans with a 100% rating should also file a PACT Act claim if they have a condition now covered under it. This may result in certain added benefits for veterans and family members in the future. For example, veterans may now qualify for aid and attendance benefits for everyday living that they didn’t qualify for before.

Surviving family members who already receive VA survivor’s pension benefits could get added Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits if their service member died of a newly presumptive condition. Survivors should file a new DIC claim if they think they qualify now, even if the VA denied their claim in the past.

Eligibility Criteria for the PACT Act

To get a VA disability rating, your disability must connect to your military service. In some cases, you’ll need to prove that connection. However, the VA automatically presumes that your service caused your condition for some conditions. These are known as “presumptive conditions.”

Presumptive conditions are established by law or regulation. If you have a presumptive condition, you only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.

We consider a condition presumptive when it’s established by law or regulation.

The PACT Act added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions, expanding benefits for the Gulf War era and post-9/11 veterans.

These cancers are now presumptive:

Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type

These illnesses are now presumptive:

Asthma that was diagnosed after service
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Pleuritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis

If you don’t have any of these presumptive conditions, you can still qualify for VA benefits, but you’ll need added documentation to prove your case.

You can learn more about hazardous materials presumptive conditions on the VA website.

Filing a PACT Act Claim: How to Apply for Benefits

Veterans and survivors can file claims for all PACT Act presumptive conditions immediately. The lower burden of proof makes the process easier because the presumptive connection means a claimant only needs to show service in a certain location, at a certain time, and with a diagnosis of one of those presumptive disabilities.

You can apply several ways.

Apply online. Click into the VA disability compensation form, select “sign in to start your application,” and “create an account,” or log on with your My HealtheVet, DS Logon, ID.me, or LOGIN.GOV accounts.

Call the VA toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET.

Mail a completed, signed Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).

Bring a completed, signed VA Form 10-10EZ to your nearest medical center or clinicor get help through your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs Service Officer.

If you’re unsure about filing a claim, you can submit an intent to file. This may help you qualify for retroactive benefits and payments by logging a potential start date for your benefits.

Also, there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits.

If you previously filed a claim but the VA denied it and your condition is now covered under the PACT Act, you can submit a Supplemental Claim.

Toxic Exposure Screenings

As part of your filing process, you can receive toxic exposure screenings at VA health facilities nationwide. Every veteran enrolled in VA health care will receive an initial screening and a follow-up at least once every five years.

However, screening is not required to start the PACT Act-related benefits process.

A screening helps identify and document any potential toxins exposure during military service. That makes it easier to get an early diagnosis and ongoing care for any future health issues.

The screening will ask you if you think you were exposed to any of these hazards while serving:

Open burn pits and other airborne hazards
Gulf War-related exposures
Agent Orange
Radiation
Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure
Other exposures

You’ll also get information on benefits, registry exams, and clinical resources you may need.

Where to Get Help Filing a PACT Act Claim

If you need help or more information, call the VA at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Several lawyers offer services to help you apply for VA benefits, but some are little more than scams. To report fraudulent activity, contact the VA OIG at [email protected] or call 1-800-488-8244.

Applying for PACT Act benefits is simple and free, and you can do it by working directly with the VA or a Veteran Service Organization.

Written by Veteran.com Team

The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

Table of Contents

The VA disability calculator determines your VA compensation from your Combined VA Disability Rating. Please refer to your VA disability compensation award letter for your official rating.

2025 VA Combined Disability Calculator

How to Use the VA Disability Pay Calculator

To calculate your disability rating, take a look at your VA disability compensation award letter and select your official rating.

Next, select the number of dependents in each applicable category.

Then, select the appropriate box for your marital status, and whether or not your spouse needs Aid and Attendance benefits.

Once you’ve filled out everything, toggle the switch for monthly or annual compensation and hit calculate. (You can toggle this back and forth without resetting the calculator).

How the VA Calculates Compensation Rates

When you prepare to retire or separate from military service, starting your VA disability claims process is among the things many must do as you out-process. You can also apply after you’ve left military service.

When you apply for compensation, the VA reviews your claims and assigns disability percentage ratings in 10% increments. For example, if you have a knee injury, the VA will determine the severity of that injury (assuming it is service-connected).

The VA may rate your condition between 10% to 100% based on how it affects your life. Your rating percentage determines your compensation.

Some veterans may be entitled to more disability pay if certain conditions apply, such as:

The veteran is living with severe disabilities
The veteran has lost one or more limbs
The veteran has a spouse, children, or dependent parents
The veteran has a spouse who is experiencing a serious disability.

Many veterans have more than one medical issue, disability, or disease. Each issue is rated separately, and you may be awarded a combined VA disability.

Combined totals are not the sum of multiple percentages. In cases where the VA must rate a veteran for more than one medical issue, the VA uses a combined ratings table to determine the final percentage.

For example, having a 50% disability rating for one condition and a 60% rating for a different condition does not mean you are entitled to a 110% VA disability combined rating. In fact, by law, veterans cannot earn more than a 100% disability rating.

How to Calculate Your Combined VA Disability Rating

The VA uses the combined ratings table to determine a final disability rating for a veteran with multiple disabilities.

To use this table, you must first list each of your disability ratings in order of severity (with the highest percentage at the top of the list). Find the first one in the left column, and then find where it intersects with the top column number representing your second-highest disability rating. Round to the nearest 10 if those are your only two ratings. If not, put the number from the intersection point in the left column, then find where it intersects with the top row number representing your third-highest percentage.

Repeat this process until you have run the numbers for all disability ratings, then round to the nearest 10.

For example, a veteran rated for a 50% disability and a 30% disability, would receive a combined rating of 65%, which the VA rounds to the nearest 10, so 70%.

In a different example on the VA official site, a veteran rated with two disabilities at 40% and 20% has a combined value of 52%. The VA rounds that number down to 50%.

Combined Disability Ratings Table

	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90
19	27	35	43	51	60	68	76	84	92
20	28	36	44	52	60	68	76	84	92
21	29	37	45	53	61	68	76	84	92
22	30	38	45	53	61	69	77	84	92
23	31	38	46	54	62	69	77	85	92
24	32	39	47	54	62	70	77	85	92
25	33	40	48	55	63	70	78	85	93
26	33	41	48	56	63	70	78	85	93
27	34	42	49	56	64	71	78	85	93
28	35	42	50	57	64	71	78	86	93
29	36	43	50	57	65	72	79	86	93
30	37	44	51	58	65	72	79	86	93
31	38	45	52	59	66	72	79	86	93
32	39	46	52	59	66	73	80	86	93
33	40	46	53	60	67	73	80	87	93
34	41	47	54	60	67	74	80	87	93
35	42	48	55	61	68	74	81	87	94
36	42	49	55	62	68	74	81	87	94
37	43	50	56	62	69	75	81	87	94
38	44	50	57	63	69	75	81	88	94
39	45	51	57	63	70	76	82	88	94
40	46	52	58	64	70	76	82	88	94
41	47	53	59	65	71	76	82	88	94
42	48	54	59	65	71	77	83	88	94
43	49	54	60	66	72	77	83	89	94
44	50	55	61	66	72	78	83	89	94
45	51	56	62	67	73	78	84	89	95
46	51	57	62	68	73	78	84	89	95
47	52	58	63	68	74	79	84	89	95
48	53	58	64	69	74	79	84	90	95
49	54	59	64	69	75	80	85	90	95
50	55	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95
51	56	61	66	71	76	80	85	90	95
52	57	62	66	71	76	81	86	90	95
53	58	62	67	72	77	81	86	91	95
54	59	63	68	72	77	82	86	91	95
55	60	64	69	73	78	82	87	91	96
56	60	65	69	74	78	82	87	91	96
57	61	66	70	74	79	83	87	91	96
58	62	66	71	75	79	83	87	92	96
59	63	67	71	75	80	84	88	92	96
60	64	68	72	76	80	84	88	92	96
61	65	69	73	77	81	84	88	92	96
62	66	70	73	77	81	85	89	92	96
63	67	70	74	78	82	85	89	93	96
64	68	71	75	78	82	86	89	93	96
65	69	72	76	79	83	86	90	93	97
66	69	73	76	80	83	86	90	93	97
67	70	74	77	80	84	87	90	93	97
68	71	74	78	81	84	87	90	94	97
69	72	75	78	81	85	88	91	94	97
70	73	76	79	82	85	88	91	94	97
71	74	77	80	83	86	88	91	94	97
72	75	78	80	83	86	89	92	94	97
73	76	78	81	84	87	89	92	95	97
74	77	79	82	84	87	90	92	95	97
75	78	80	83	85	88	90	93	95	98
76	78	81	83	86	88	90	93	95	98
77	79	82	84	86	89	91	93	95	98
78	80	82	85	87	89	91	93	96	98
79	81	83	85	87	90	92	94	96	98
80	82	84	86	88	90	92	94	96	98
81	83	85	87	89	91	92	94	96	98
82	84	86	87	89	91	93	95	96	98
83	85	86	88	90	92	93	95	97	98
84	86	87	89	90	92	94	95	97	98
85	87	88	90	91	93	94	96	97	99
86	87	89	90	92	93	94	96	97	99
87	88	90	91	92	94	95	96	97	99
88	89	90	92	93	94	95	96	98	99
89	90	91	92	93	95	96	97	98	99
90	91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99
91	92	93	94	95	96	96	97	98	99
92	93	94	94	95	96	97	98	98	99
93	94	94	95	96	97	97	98	99	99
94	95	95	96	96	97	98	98	99	99

Who Is Entitled to VA Compensation For Medical Issues?

Veterans who apply for VA disability compensation must have medical conditions that are “the result of an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training; or from injury, heart attack or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training,” according to the VA.

Such disabilities may apply to medical conditions such as Lou Gherig’s Disease, mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more, according to the VA’s guidelines.

What Other Factors Does the VA Take into Account for Disability?

When deciding on a disability claim, the VA looks at your eligibility first. Then, it considers your condition’s overall impact on your daily life, activities, and employability.

If you think your VA rating is too high or too low, you can file an appeal to try to get the VA to increase your rating. Be sure to include evidence of your condition’s impact on your life, like statements from doctors, employers, or others close to you.

How to Apply for VA Disability

Veterans should apply for VA disability compensation via their eBenefits account. If you do not have one, apply for an eBenefits account online. You will need the following documentation:

Discharge or separation papers such as DD214 or Guard/Reserve equivalent.
Medical evidence, including military medical records, civilian treatment records, etc.
Vital records such as marriage and dependent birth certificates.

You can also apply via regular mail by filling out VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation, and Related Compensation Benefits. Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to have the form sent to you.

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How Long Does it Take to Receive Your Disability Benefits?

The VA claims process can vary in length from a few months to a year. The October 2021 claims process average was about 145 days.

Once your claim is approved, and you receive at least a 10% disability rating, the VA said you should begin receiving benefits within 15 days. You may receive back pay of your disability compensation in your first few checks, depending on the effective date of disability in your VA letter.

Annual Cost of Living Adjustments

VA does a regular review of its benefit payments with an eye on making Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) to the rates when warranted. These adjustments are intended to help the payments keep up with inflation and other economic factors. These COLA changes operate at the same percentage as for Social Security benefits.

Other Types of VA Compensation

There are a few other types of VA compensation besides disability compensation.

But, veterans must already have a VA disability rating to receive other kinds of compensation, like:

VA Disability Rates for 2025

10% – 20% (No Dependents)

Percentage	Rate
10%	$175.51
20%	$346.95

30% – 60% Without Children

Dependent Status	30%	40%	50%	60%
Veteran alone	$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 for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$58.43	$77.90	$97.38	$116.85

70% – 100% Without Children

Dependent Status	70%	80%	90%	100%
Veteran alone	$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 for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$137.35	$156.83	$176.30	$195.92

30% – 60% With Children

Dependent Status	30%	40%	50%	60%
Veteran with one child only (no spouse or parents)	$579.44	$830.54	$1,172.76	$1,481.00
With one child and spouse (no parents)	$648.12	$921.76	$1,286.54	$1,617.33
With one child, spouse and one parent	$699.37	$989.41	$1,371.61	$1,719.83
With one child, spouse, and two parents	$750.62	$1,057.06	$1,456.69	$1,822.33
With one child and one parent (no spouse)	$630.69	$898.19	$1,257.84	$1,583.50
With one child and two parents (no spouse)	$681.94	$965.84	$1,342.91	$1,686.00
Each additional child under age 18	$31.78	$42.03	$52.28	$63.55
Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program	$102.50	$136.33	$171.18	$205.00
Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$58.43	$77.90	$97.38	$116.85

70% – 100% With Children

Dependent Status	70%	80%	90%	100%
Veteran with one child only (no spouse or parents)	$1,858.61	$2,158.66	$2,426.08	$3,974.15
With one child and spouse (no parents)	$2,017.49	$2,340.09	$2,630.06	$4,201.34
With one child, spouse and one parent	$2,137.41	$2,476.41	$2,783.81	$4,372.78
With one child, spouse, and two parents	$2,257.34	$2,612.74	$2,937.56	$4,544.22
With one child and one parent (no spouse)	$1,978.54	$2,294.99	$2,579.83	$4,145.59
With onoe child and two parents (no spouse)	$2,098.46	$2,431.31	$2,733.58	$4,317.03
Each additional child under age 18	$73.80	$84.05	$95.33	$106.14
Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program	$239.85	$273.68	$308.53	$342.85
Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance	$137.35	$156.83	$176.30	$195.92

Past VA Disability Rates

View VA disability compensation rates for past years.

2024 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2023)
2023 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2022)
2022 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2021)
2021 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2020)
2020 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2019)
2019 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2018)
2018 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2017)

Written by Jon Rehagen

Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians
Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

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World War II Veterans can now get no-cost VA health care and nursing home care, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The decision affects the fewer than 120,000 surviving WWII Veterans in the U.S.

The expansion of this care means you or any of your loved ones who are WWII Veterans will have no copays, no enrollment fees, and no monthly premiums.

Any eligible WWII Veteran who uses the expanded VA health care benefits can still keep their private provider, Medicare, or most other insurance for their care needs.

WWII Veteran Eligibility

The expansion of care affects World War II Veterans who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. The expanded care also ends any previous length of service or financial status requirements to receive VA health care.

Enrollment

The VA is reaching out to those Veterans who are not enrolled in VA care by either phone or mail. As mentioned above, any WWII Veteran can enroll in this expansion for no-cost VA health care and keep their private provider, Medicare, or another insurance option.

Suppose you or a loved one served during World War II and were previously denied due to income limits. In that case, you should apply again because even though the benefit removes the income limit barrier, the VA cannot automatically enroll you for the expanded care.

Applying for No-Cost VA Health Care

You can call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), apply online through the VA, or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic.

Written by Veteran.com Team

The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

Table of Contents

The VA typically deposits VA disability pay on the first business day of the month. If the first business day of the month is on holiday or non-business day, the VA pays on the last business day of the prior month. Since the VA begins VA disability payments a month early, the first payment with the 2025 VA disability rate will be paid out on Friday, December 31, 2024.

Below are the VA disability pay dates for 2025. Those unsure of their payment amount can see the 2025 VA disability rates here.

2025 VA Disability Pay Dates

On which dates will VA disability payments be sent/deposited in 2025?

Month	Payment Date
January	Jan. 31
February	Feb. 28
March	April 1
April	May 1
May	May 30
June	July 1
July	Aug. 1
August	Aug. 29
September	Oct. 1
October	Oct. 31
November	Dec. 1
December	Dec. 31

Direct deposits may arrive sooner for customers of early-pay banks such as USAA or Navy Federal Credit Union. These military-focused banks typically deposit VA disability pay one to two business days early by releasing funds as soon as the VA sends payment details.

Here is a list of other early-pay banks and direct deposit calendars.

VA Disability Pay Date FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions about VA disability pay dates.

What time of day are VA disability checks deposited?

VA disability pay typically comes on the first business day of the month, but there’s no set time on that day it will hit your account. When you receive funds typically depends on when your bank processes transactions.

Note: If you receive more than one VA benefits via direct deposit, then you must make sure they’re all being deposited into one account. If you have multiple benefits going to separate accounts, you must consolidate the accounts into a single one.

What should I do if I don’t receive my VA disability payment?

If you don’t receive your payment, call the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Help Line at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711).

What other VA benefits impact my VA disability payment?

Monthly VA benefit payments include VA disability, education, compensation, pension and survivor’s benefits.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are tax-free, income-based benefits for surviving spouses, children or parents of service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training. Survivors of veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities may also receive DIC or PDIC.

Veterans and Survivors Pension Compensation

The VA offers two pension benefits to help veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental income.

Veterans Pension: Tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime veterans.
Survivors Pension: Tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and unmarried child(ren) of a deceased veteran with wartime service.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits are tax-free and augment basic veteran and survivor pensions.

Aid and Attendance: Helps qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses pay for in-home care, assisted living, memory or nursing care. It also helps cover the cost of medical supplies and medicines.
Housebound Benefits: Additional assistance for a person who can not leave their immediate premises without supervision.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Special Monthly Compensation is a “higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances,” according to the VA. This tax-free benefit helps veterans and other qualified applicants who require personal assistance due to specific disabilities.

Written by Jon Rehagen

Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians
Reviewed by Chad Burkitt

Chad Burkitt, an Army veteran, is the deputy director of Minnesota’s Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. He holds a political science degree and a law degree, living in Saint Paul with his family.

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Transitioning out of the military can be an overwhelming, stressful experience for veterans. Not only are you likely moving to a new location and providing for your family, but you also may be recovering from a combat situation and re-learning what life is like in the civilian world. You may need some support as you apply for jobs and college, and adjust to not wearing the uniform every day.

In addition to these stressors, navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process can be overwhelming. No one – not even the VA – would describe this process as easy.

Should you enlist the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)?

What is a VSO?

Veterans Service Organizations were established to advocate on behalf of veterans and provide veteran-specific resources. Many are federally-chartered (officially recognized by Congress), and are mostly private, nonprofit organizations run by volunteers. The federally chartered designation is especially important when considering using a VSO to help file your claim, as the chartered organizations are also officially recognized by the VA secretary to represent you.

Popular federally chartered VSOs include American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). View the complete Directory of Veterans Service Organizations here.

Why use a VSO to help you file a claim?

The majority of VSOs were started by veterans for veterans. Using a VSO representative means that you will have someone who understands where you’ve been and what you’re up against as you transition out of the military. VSOs also advocate on Capitol Hill for veterans’ benefits, are up to date with current legislation affecting veterans, and have posts conveniently located throughout the country.

How does a VSO help in the VA claims process?

A VSO representative (also known as a Veterans Service Officer) helps you with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. Once your claim is filed, they track the claim through the VA system, act as liaisons between you and the VA, and are your official representative by acting as your power of attorney (POA). According to the VA, giving a veterans service officer the power of attorney allows an appointed VSO representative to “initiate your claim to preserve an effective start date, gather required records and evidence on your behalf, and review your application prior to submission … a VSO serving as your POA is also given 48 hours to review your VA decision to ensure it is correct before it is sent to you.”

To be an accredited VA representative, individuals must pass an exam, submit to a background check, and take continuing education courses. These recognized organizations and individuals can legally represent you before the VA. Non-recognized individuals are able to provide information, but cannot be your official representative.

What are the costs of using a VSO representative?

Using a VSO to help file your claim is free of charge (barring any unusual expenses). Though they would certainly appreciate it, you do not have to be a member of the organization to use their services, and becoming a member is not an expectation.

Do I have to use a VSO to help file a claim?

No. If you decide not to use a VSO representative, you could use a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney. The downside is that, unlike Veterans Service Organizations, claims agents and attorneys charge for their services. Additionally, you always have the option of filing the claim yourself. If you choose to file yourself, you run the risk of not having your paperwork in order, which may cause your claim to be delayed or denied. Here are some tips on filing a disability claim yourself.

If you are interested in getting help filing your claim and need to find an accredited representative in your area, click here to get started.

Written by Veteran.com Team

The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.
Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

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Hearing loss and hearing damage affect nearly 30 million people in America, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs official site. Hearing problems such as tinnitus are described by the VA as among “the most prevalent service-connected disability among American Veterans.” More than half of people older than 75 years old will experience some form of hearing loss or hearing-connected issues.

What is the maximum VA rating for hearing loss? This question and others are important for veterans filing VA medical claims for service-connected hearing damage. Since hearing loss or damage is one of the most common VA medical claims, it is helpful to understand how the VA approaches such claims.

VA Ratings For Hearing Loss: The Basics

Hearing loss issues that may be service-connected and those that are aggravated by military service can be found in the VA Schedule of Ratings Disabilities, also known by the official title, 38 CFR Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

There are many reasons why a veteran may need to file a hearing-related VA medical claim, aside from tinnitus or loss of hearing or degradation of hearing. These include the following, described by the VA as ear disabilities:

Cancer in the ear
Inner-ear problems causing dizziness, referred to as peripheral vestibular disorders
Loss of one or both ears
Perforated eardrums
Meniere’s syndrome or endolymphatic hydrops
Peripheral vestibular disorder
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Chronic otitis externa
Chronic suppurative otitis media
Chronic nonsuppurative otitis media (serous otitis media)

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it is a good example of the types of issues veterans may face. Ear-related issues can also include certain infections. Consult with a doctor to learn which conditions may or may not apply to you.

The VA recognizes hearing loss that may be reversible through medical procedures and problems that may be irreversible or managed only through hearing aids. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states only one in five Americans who need hearing aids use them.

VA documents on compensation for service-connected hearing loss or damage recognize two kinds of issues vital to veterans who need to make VA medical claims:

Conductive hearing loss caused by damage to the eardrum and related parts of the ear. This kind of hearing loss may be reversible through medical care, depending on the circumstances.
Sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear and auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is permanent but can be mitigated in varying degrees through the use of hearing aids.

VA Ratings for Hearing Loss, Ear Loss and Diseases of the Ear

The following are descriptions of ear-related medical conditions and their VA-rating percentages, found in the VA Schedule of Ratings Disabilities. These ratings are subject to change depending on legislation, VA policy, presidential directives or other factors.

Always consult a VA representative about your condition, the amount of compensation and any special requirements to apply for or receive compensation or VA benefits related to these conditions. You may need updates on current policy or pending legislation.

Condition: Hearing impairment

VA disability rating: Dependent on the level of hearing impairment, as determined by an examination by a state-licensed audiologist and the results of a controlled speech discrimination test and a puretone audiometry test, and can range from 0-100%.

Condition: Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis or cholesteatoma in any combination

VA disability rating: 10%

Condition: Chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion (serous otitis media)

VA disability rating: Dependent on the amount of hearing loss associated with the condition

Condition: Otosclerosis

VA disability rating: Dependent on the amount of hearing loss associated with the condition

Condition: Peripheral vestibular disorders

VA disability rating: Based on severity. When this condition causes occasional dizziness, the rating is 10%. When the condition causes dizziness and staggering, it is 30%. According to the VA Schedule of Ratings Disabilities, “Objective findings supporting the diagnosis of vestibular disequilibrium are required,” and the VA cannot assign a disability rating for this condition until that is done. “Hearing impairment or suppuration shall be separately rated and combined,” according to the VA Schedule of Ratings Disabilities.

Condition: Meniere’s syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)

VA disability rating: Based on severity. According to the VA Schedule of Ratings Disabilities, Hearing impairment issues with this syndrome featuring “attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait” that happen more than once per week (with or without tinnitus) receive a 100% rating. The rating for hearing impairment “with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait” happening “one to four times per month, with or without tinnitus,” is 60%. Hearing impairment issues that include “vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus,” receive a 30% rating.

Condition: Loss of auricle (ear)

VA disability rating: Depends on severity. Loss of both ears receives a rating of 50%, while loss of one ear receives a 30% rating. Those with a “deformity” and/or partial loss may receive compensation at 10%, depending on circumstances.

Condition: Malignant neoplasm (described as “other than skin only”)

VA disability rating: 100%. Ratings of 100% “continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, radiation treatment, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure,” according to the VA Schedule of Ratings Disabilities. Six months after the end of treatment, the VA may require an examination to review the disability rating.

Condition: Benign neoplasms of the ear (other than skin only)

VA disability rating: Depends on loss of function

Condition: Chronic otitis externa

VA disability rating: Depends on the condition. For “swelling, dry and scaly or serous discharge” and related symptoms that require frequent, prolonged treatment, the VA disability rating is 10%.

Condition: Tympanic membrane perforation (perforated ear)

VA disability rating: 0%

Condition: Recurrent tinnitus

VA disability rating: 10%. This rating applies whether the ringing or other sound is present in both ears or only one ear.

VA Help for Service-Connected Hearing Issues

If you experience any hearing loss, damage, ear-related disease or other conditions related to hearing, get evaluated as soon as possible. It’s important to let the VA decide whether you are eligible for benefits related to these types of conditions. VA benefits for service-connected (or service-aggravated) hearing issues can include monetary compensation, hearing aids, service animals and more, depending on circumstances.

Service members will be required to meet with a VA audiologist to qualify for certain kinds of hearing-related medical benefits, payments and equipment.

Written by Veteran.com Team

The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.
Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

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The VA pays eligible veterans and caregivers for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved healthcare appointments. Here is what you need to know about eligibility, amounts, how to file a claim, and more.

Before Filing Your First Claim

Take these steps before you file your first claim:

Set up direct deposit. The VA can then deposit your reimbursement into your bank account.

Keep your receipts for all transportation and approved meals or lodging. It’s also important to track your mileage to and from appointments. Go here to see what expenses the VA covers.

File your claim on time. You must file within 30 days of your appointment or when you become eligible for reimbursement. You must file a new claim for each appointment.

Eligibility Requirements

If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.

In addition, at least one of these must also be true:

You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher
You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%
You receive a VA pension
You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate
You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by VA guidelines
You’re traveling for one of these reasons: a scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care

If you’re a caregiver, you may be compensated for transportation, lodging, and meals if you meet these requirements:

The person is your family caregiver under the National Caregiver Program traveling to receive caregiver training or to support your care
The person is your medically required attendant traveling with you to support your care
The person is your transplant care donor or support person
Caregivers who are a part of the National Caregiver Support Program

The VA may pay for the following:

Mileage to and from your appointment
Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
Parking
Taxi and plane fares
Ticket costs for public transportation, including train, subway, bus, ferry, or light rail
Transportation by a specially equipped vehicle, like an ambulance or wheelchair van, when needed and approved
Meals and lodging when needed in some cases – you may be reimbursed for the actual cost, up to 50% of the local government employee rate

The VA may also pay for care for an allied beneficiary when the appropriate foreign government agency has authorized their care or for the beneficiary of another federal agency when that agency has approved their care.

If your VA healthcare provider decides you need to travel to another VA facility for care, you’ll be reimbursed the cost of travel to that facility. For a non-VA health facility, you’ll only be reimbursed for travel if approved in advance, except in specific emergencies.

Mileage Reimbursement Rate

As of 2024, the VA pays 41.5 cents per mile for approved, health-related travel. The VA uses Bing Maps to calculate mileage based on the fastest and shortest route from your home to the closest VA or authorized non-VA health facility that can provide the care you need.

This distance is often called “door to door.” They pay round-trip mileage for your scheduled appointments but may only pay return mileage for unscheduled visits.

Monthly Deductible

Before you are reimbursed for expenses, you must pay a small deductible.

The current deductible is $3 one-way or $6 round-trip for each appointment, up to $18 monthly. After you pay $18 within one month, the VA will pay the total cost of your approved travel for the rest of that month.

The deductible helps to pay for travel or medical care for other veterans. The VA is required by law to charge the deductible.

The agency must withhold specific amounts from travel reimbursement payments. However, in some cases, the VA may waive this deductible.

How to File a Claim

General healthcare travel reimbursement covers regular transportation expenses (such as by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail) and approved meals and lodging expenses for eligible veterans and caregivers.

You can file a claim online through the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS). You’ll access this system through the AccessVA travel portal to file a claim.

There are several different accounts you can use to log in, including:

If you don’t have an account, use Login.gov or ID.me to create one and sign in.

You can view YouTube VA videos on how to use BTSSS here.

You should receive your payment within 3 to 5 business days. If you need time to gather receipts or other information, you can save your claim and come back later to edit it.

But you’ll still need to submit it within 30 days of your appointment.

The VA will deposit your reimbursement through electronic funds transfer (EFT) unless other payment arrangements have been made with you.

VA Reimbursement FAQs

Can I file a claim by mail, email, or in person?

You can also file your claim by mail, fax, email, or in person at the VA facility where you received care. To do this, you must fill out a Veteran/Beneficiary Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses VA Form 10-3542.

When you submit a claim, read the statements and certifications carefully before signing, dating, and submitting your form. If you mail your claim, the VA considers the postmark date the submission date.

Can I get reimbursed for traveling to get treatment at a special disability rehabilitation center?

You may be eligible for reimbursement if you need in-patient care or get temporary lodging approved by VA. Special disability rehabilitation centers include clinics that provide care for spinal cord injuries, vision loss or blindness, or prosthetics rehabilitation.

Am I still eligible for reimbursement if I travel with another veteran or use a free transportation service?

Traveling with another veteran makes you eligible for reimbursement if you meet at least one of these requirements:

You’re the owner of the vehicle used for travel
You share a vehicle, like a taxi, with other veterans and pay your own fare
You pay another veteran to take you to an appointment

You’ll need to provide a receipt for your expenses, and if you’re eligible, the VA will pay the mileage rate or actual expense, whichever is less.

If you use a free transportation service, you’re only eligible for reimbursement for any travel you may have had to get to and from your home to where you were picked up or dropped off by the service. Free transportation services may include the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) system, VA Veterans Transportation Service (VTS), or other no-cost city or state transportation.

What if I need transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or another special type of vehicle?

These types of transport are covered under special mode transportation reimbursement. You may be eligible for reimbursement if you’re a veteran traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a facility in your community.

In addition, all of these must also be true:

You’re eligible for general healthcare travel reimbursement
A VA healthcare provider determines your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van for travel
The VA approved your travel in advance unless the travel is for an emergency situation where a delay would threaten your life or health. If you need emergency transportation, notify the VA within 72 hours after transport.

What if my current mailing address is a PO box, or I change my home address while receiving care?

You must establish an official place of residence so the VA can determine your reimbursement amount. You may be asked to provide documentation to confirm your address.

You’ll be reimbursed for your return trip home if you change your address while receiving care. The VA will base your reimbursement on the distance between your new home and the VA health facility closest to your new home that could have provided the needed care.

How Can I Get Help With My Claim?

Call your VA health facility’s Beneficiary Travel contact.

Visit the AskVA website to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask questions online.

You can also call the BTSSS toll-free call center at 855-574-7292 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

The VA has a comprehensive guide if you need further instructions.

Written by Jeff Ousley

Jeff Ousley is an Air Force veteran and mortgage credit specialist passionate about guiding people toward homeownership.

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After the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates you for a disability claim, you’ll receive a disability rating between zero and 100%. Your rating percentage will determine your disability compensation.

Veterans with multiple service-connected health issues will receive individual disability ratings for each issue, and a combined disability rating – up to 100%.

According to the VA website, they use the “whole person theory” to determine your combined disability rating, which ensures that a combined disability rating and its corresponding disability compensation do not exceed 100%.

Combined disability ratings of 100% aren’t the same thing as a 100% “permanent and total” VA disability rating. Veterans with a permanent disability rating don’t need to be reevaluated to continue to receive benefits.

How the VA Rating System Works

The VA maintains a list of disabilities and accompanying disability percentages that can be awarded for such issues. Ratings depend on the nature of the injury, illness or condition and the VA regulations that govern how they evaluate such conditions in the claims process.

VA Disability Ratings for Multiple Conditions

You can have more than one type of service-connected medical issue, and the VA will assign each an individual disability rating. The VA then calculates a combined rating by taking all the individual conditions into account.

Here’s an example of a combined rating:

Hearing damage/hearing loss: 10%
Knee injuries affecting the range of motion: 50%
Loss of foot: 40%

If you simply add the disability percentages in the list above, the total would be 100%. But that’s not how the VA calculates a combined disability rating.

Instead, the VA uses a combined ratings table, found on the VA website. This ensures that you can never have a disability rating that is higher than 100%. In the example above, the combined rating would be 70%.

VA Presumptive Conditions Decisions

The VA maintains a list of medical conditions it presumes are related to certain types of military service, including exposure to burn pits and agent orange.

For example, if you served in Vietnam and develop symptoms associated with exposure, the VA will presumes your condition is connected with Agent Orange. The VA also has a set of medical issues it presumes will be permanent.

The Claim Process

The veteran submits a claim to the VA, including all relevant medical records and supporting evidence. The VA receives the claim, reviews it, determines the veteran’s service-connected disability percentage and updates the record.

Once the VA has officially made the disability compensation award and the record has been updated, the veteran can print out the documentation explaining the nature and amount of VA compensation.

Veterans can then use this documentation to claim other VA benefits, like the VA loan funding fee exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Veterans can also use their documentation to claim state and local benefits. Veterans with VA disability ratings may be eligible to apply for first-time home buyer programs, state government assistance or grants, tax exemptions and discounted state-issued licenses.

Some of these programs are available to any veteran with a VA disability rating, while others may only be available to those with a 100% permanent and total disability rating.

VA Claims Processes and the 100% Permanent and Total Disability Rating

The VA claims review process for assigning disability ratings is based on the nature of the medical issue, when and how it developed and whether or not the problem is service-connected or permanent.

If you can’t hold down a steady job to support yourself, you may also qualify for individual unemployability. You’ll need to file the following additional forms with your disability claim:

VA Form 21-8940, Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability
VA Form 21-4192, Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits

Individual Unemployability

The VA Individual Unemployability benefit does not require a 100% permanent and total disability rating. Under the right circumstances, veterans can receive this benefit and continue to work, even with a 100%-disabled VA rating.

However, they may lose the VA unemployability benefit if they start working. Discuss your circumstances with a VA representative to see what is permitted in your specific case.

100% Permanent and Total Disability Versus 100% Service-Connected Disability

There is a difference between a 100% service-connected disability rating and a 100% permanent and total disability. The VA considers a condition to be a permanent and total disability when they don’t expect it to improve. If they believe a condition or disability may improve, they may still assign a 100% disability rating, but that rating is subject to re-evaluation.

How to Tell if Your VA Rating is 100% Permanent and Total

Review the VA rating decision letter and the rating explanation. Check if the rating says “permanent and total” or that the VA will not require further exams. Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 if you have trouble understanding the VA award letter.

A Surviving Spouse May Be Entitled to Certain VA Benefits if the Veteran Dies

A surviving spouse who was married to a veteran with a 100% permanent and total disability rating can apply for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation after the veteran’s death.

Important Note: Service members or Veterans who served in combat regions, trained or were stationed at installations linked to toxic chemical exposure or storage, will be eligible to the expanded VA healthcare beginning on March 5, 2024.

Written by Joe Wallace

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News.
Reviewed by Chad Burkitt

Chad Burkitt, an Army veteran, is the deputy director of Minnesota’s Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. He holds a political science degree and a law degree, living in Saint Paul with his family.

Table of Contents

Editor’s Note: In a June 6, 2022 email to veterans, the VA said it would begin contacting National Guard and reserve service members to schedule their part 2 Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry exam. The VA said active-duty and activated National Guard and reserve service members must reach out to their military treatment facility to schedule their exams. Statutory regulations prevent the VA from performing these exams on active-duty military members.

If you deployed in the past 20 years, your exposure to smoke from burning trash, dust and other fine particulates might qualify you for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. In 2021, the VA established presumptive service connection for certain respiratory illnesses, giving more service members access to VA benefits without having to prove their health conditions resulted from military service.

The presumption of service connection applies to certain illnesses affecting military members who served:

In and near Iraq after 1990
In and around Afghanistan after 2001
In and around Djibouti after 2001.

Read on to see what conditions qualify under these new rules and how to sign up for the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry.

The PACT Act

On Aug. 2, 2022, the Senate passed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. The PACT Act bolsters benefits provided to service members experiencing health conditions as a result of their service, including those related to burn pit exposure.

According to a statement by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), who chairs the Senate Armed Forces Committee, the PACT Act provides:

Expanded medical care for 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans exposed to toxic substances
23 new presumptive service-connected conditions for burn pit exposures in addition to asthma, sinusitis and rhinitis
Expanded list of presumptive service-connected locations for Agent Orange exposures, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll
Additional resources to the VA for claims processing and health facilities

As part of the PACT Act, in 2024 the VA announced it will expand access to VA healthcare to service members or Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the global War on Terror and any combat zones following 9/11. In addition to combat zone exposure, the expanded healthcare access extended to anyone who trained or were stationed at installations linked to toxic chemical exposure or storage. The expanded eligibility will begin March 5, 2024.

The VA has updated its website to include information about the new PACT Act.

Conditions Covered Under the PACT Act

Under the PACT Act, the VA now presumes more conditions to be service-related if they occurred after a qualifying period of service.

For post 9-11 and Gulf War veterans, the VA now presumes service connection for the following conditions:

Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphatic cancer of any type
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
Asthma that was diagnosed after service
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Pleuritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis

You may be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation if you served during a qualifying period and contracted one of these illnesses. Consider reapplying for benefits if the VA previously denied your claim for one of these conditions.

What Is a Military Burn Pit?

The VA defines a burn pit as “an area of land used for the open-air combustion of trash and other solid waste products.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), these were common in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas of operation in Southwest Asia. Smoke and fumes generated from trash-burning create airborne hazards that can affect troops living and working nearby.

Because of these airborne hazards, the Department of Defense (DOD) is closing all of its open-air burn pits.

When Are Burn Pits Used?

The military used burn pits to incinerate trash, especially the kind they didn’t want to fall into enemy hands. During combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, military members burned documents, equipment and even discarded uniforms, often dousing the items with gasoline or diesel fuel to make them more flammable.

According to the VA, the military also used Iraq burn pits and Afghanistan burn pits for:

Chemicals, including paint
Medical and human waste
Aluminum and other metal cans
Munitions and unexploded ordnance
Petroleum and lubricant products
Plastics, rubber, wood and food waste

Why Are Burn Pits Dangerous?

According to the VA, service members who lived or worked in or near toxic burn pits can have an increased risk of long-term health problems.

While the VA is still studying how some health problems correlate with burn pit exposure, it presumes asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis to be service-related when veterans who were exposed to burn pits develop the illnesses within ten years of separating from the military.

What Are Symptoms of Burn Pit Exposure?

According to the VA, burn pit exposure symptoms can include:

Burning of eyes and throat
Coughing
Breathing difficulties
Skin issues and rashes

How to Document Exposure to Burn Pits

The VA makes determinations about whether certain health conditions are connected to exposure to airborne hazards like burn pits on a case-by-case basis. This is done through the VA claims process and considers the number of deployments, the length and proximity of exposure, and the presence of other air pollution and other environmental hazards.

To document exposure to burn pits, veterans must file claims for direct service connection for diseases and illnesses related to burn pit exposure.

A claim should include:

medical evidence of a current disability
evidence of burn pit exposure
evidence of a nexus between the burn pit exposure and the current disability.

While there is documentation of where burn pits were used, it can be difficult to document an individual veteran’s exposure to a burn pit, especially during combat operations and in war zones. That can be a big barrier for veterans trying to prove burn pit exposure to establish a service connection.

If a veteran can prove exposure to burn pits, they still must obtain a medical opinion linking their disease or illness to the exposure. That presents a separate challenge if a medical professional is not well-versed in the chemicals and toxins emitted from burn pits.

One way to start the documentation and evidence process is to take an optional health evaluation after you complete the burn pit registry questionnaire. You can get a free environmental health evaluation at your local VA medical facility.

The evaluation is performed by a primary care provider or an environmental health clinician at special environmental hazard clinics or remotely via a telehealth appointment.

You can submit your registry questionnaire and notes from the evaluation to support your claim, evaluate your symptoms, and begin a course of treatment.

What Is the VA Burn Pit Registry?

The VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry in 2014 to collect data on service members who might have been exposed to airborne hazards while living or working around burn pits in the Middle East.

The VA encourages all eligible veterans to participate in the burn bit registry, even those who have not experienced symptoms of exposure. According to the VA, maximum participation in the registry helps the VA provide better care to veterans, presumably by providing additional data to help them analyze the issues.

Who Is Eligible for the VA Burn Pit Registry?

Currently, the VA limits eligibility for the burn pit registry to those who have deployed to the following areas:

Southwest Asia theater of operations after Aug. 2, 1990
Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria or Uzbekistan after Sept. 19, 2001

According to the VA, the Southwest Asia theater of operations includes:

Iraq
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia
The neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Qatar
The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)
Oman
Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Oman
Waters of the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea
The airspace above these locations

If you believe you have suffered or are concerned about illness related to burn pits, you should sign up for the burn pit registry.

After filling out the information, you can request access to a VA Health Coordinator to help answer questions. You can also participate in an optional VA burn pit registry exam.

Is the Registry Only for Burn Pits?

Even if you were never near a burn pit but deployed to one of the above locations, you should consider adding yourself to the registry. According to the VA, toxic exposures in these areas also include “sand, dust, pollution, and other airborne hazards.”

These tiny particulates can be in the form of acid, chemicals, metals, soils and dust. They can cause or exacerbate the same respiratory symptoms as burn pits, including asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis. If you deployed to the qualified areas listed above, the VA will presume these conditions to be service-related.

How to Add Yourself to the Burn Pit Registry

You can register the periods of service during which you were exposed to burn pits or other airborne hazards in the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry. The website can be challenging to access and requires patience to use, especially when updating your deployment history, but it’s worth entering your information.

You need a DS Level II (Premium) account to log into the registry. If you don’t have a DS Level II account, follow these instructions to get one.

Eligible Deployment History

After you update your contact information, fill out your deployment history. The form comes pre-populated with dates based on the VA Defense Information Repository (VADIR) and other sources.

Look at these pre-populated dates carefully. If they don’t correspond to the actual dates of your deployments, click “No” where it asks if this information is correct and enter the correct dates.

For each segment of each deployment, you will have to enter the following information:

Branch
Begin date
End date
Conflict
Base
Country

The registry will ask you questions about your environmental exposures for each service period, including exposures to airborne toxins and open sewage. It can be tedious to fill out, but it’s worth taking your time to ensure you properly document these exposures.

You will also answer general occupational hazards questions for the duration of your deployment service, including questions about being exposed to IEDs, carrying out unit pesticide duties construction and other occupational exposure questions.

Next, you’ll answer questions on your exposure to dust storms and days with poor air quality. You don’t have to remember specific dates, just monthly averages of days you experienced significantly adverse airborne hazards.

The registry will prompt you to answer these questions for each qualifying deployment. You don’t have to answer these questions for deployments or stops of less than ten days.

Symptoms and Medical History

In the next section, you’ll answer questions about current health issues related to your occupational exposure. These include cardiovascular, breathing, and other health issues.

You may want to look at your health records before filling out this section to familiarize yourself with symptoms occurring after these deployments that you may have forgotten.

Places You’ve Lived

Next, you’ll fill out the information on the places you’ve lived in your lifetime. You don’t have to fill out your entire residential history, but the form does ask you for information on where you’ve lived the longest.

These questions help the VA distinguish between exposures during military service and exposures you may have experienced while living in other places. Living in significantly polluted or dusty environments may have exacerbated issues caused by your deployment exposures.

Work History

Next, you’ll answer questions about your work history outside the military. These questions help the VA isolate symptoms that could have occurred after occupational exposures outside your military service.

Hobbies

In the final section, you will answer questions about your hobbies. Again, these questions aim to help the VA determine if exposures outside of the military might have caused your symptoms.

For example, woodworking and other hobbies can expose you to fine particulate matter.

Can You Get VA Disability for Burn Pits?

You can receive VA disability benefits if your sinusitis, asthma or rhinitis is severe enough. These benefits are not only for burn pit compensation but also for exposure to dust and other airborne hazards during deployments to qualified areas, including Southwest Asia and Afghanistan.

The VA rates illnesses and injuries using its Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The Schedule covers disabilities of the respiratory system in Appendices 4.96 and 4.97, which show the criteria the VA uses to determine the percent of disability ratings you could receive for different respiratory diseases.

The rating criteria for respiratory disabilities include factors like the type and frequency of your symptoms.

How to Apply for VA Disability for Burn Pit Exposure

Adding yourself to the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry and undergoing the VA optional exam doesn’t automatically entitle you to VA benefits.

To file a VA claim for compensation for any medical condition – including those presumed to be service-connected under the new ruling – burn pit victims or those exposed to airborne hazards during qualified deployments can check out our guide on how to file a VA disability claim.

Applying for VA Health Benefits

Similarly, adding yourself to the registry and filing a VA claim does not automatically enroll you in VA health benefits. Check out our guide on applying for VA medical care and benefits.

The VA considers your medical symptoms and how they impair your ability to work and provide for your family when assigning a rating. Claims are based on the severity of your disability and range from 0% to 100%.

The higher the rating, the more compensation you’ll receive. Most of the illnesses on the burn pits presumptive list are rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%.

These ratings are determined by a VA doctor after you complete a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. If you don’t have a condition on the presumptive list, you may still be eligible for disability benefits, but you may have to provide more evidence of a direct service connection.

The presumptive list includes:

Cancers

Cancers are rated at 100% while active and for six months after treatments end. After six months, the veteran may take another C&P to be rated for any residual conditions.

Asthma

Asthma is rated based on clinical findings from the C&P exam or a documented history of asthma attacks, including ER visits and asthma medications. FEV-1 and FCV clinical tests measure lung capacity and are used to rate asthma severity.

These results indicate how much air a veteran can breathe. The less the amount, the higher the rating you will receive.

Two or more weekly episodes that result in respiratory failure requiring ER visits will produce a 100% rating. Visiting an ER at least once a month will produce a 60% rating. Depending on the frequency and use of certain medications, ratings can range from 10% to 100.

Bronchitis and Bronchiolitis

Bronchitis and Bronchiolitis are rated based on the frequency, duration, and severity of incapacitating episodes. Veterans may be given a 100% rating when episodes last at least a combined 6 weeks during a year.

Percentages drop to 60%, 30% or 10% based on lesser frequencies and duration.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphyusemsa

COPD and emphysema are also rated using FEV-1 and FCV clinical tests to measure your lung capacity.

Granulomatous Rhinitis

A diagnosed granulomatous infection is rated at 20% while the more lethal Wegener’s granulomatosis is rated at 100%.

Interstitial Lung Diseases

Interstitial Lung Diseases are all rated using an exercise test, the DLCO (SB) and FVC breath tests, and a heart test. Veterans required to use an oxygen machine at home are automatically rated at 100%.

Pleuritis

Pleuritis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pleural Effusion, and Pleurisy with Empyema all describe types of excess build up between the lung and the chest wall. These conditions are rated at 100% while active.

When inactive, the VA rater will use the general rating schedule for breath tests.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is rated at 10% or 30%, based on whether or not polyps are present. A 10% rating is assigned when no polyps are present but with greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

A 30% rating is assigned when polyps are present.

Rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis is also referred to as sinusitis and must be chronic to receive a rating. The highest rating for rhinosinusitis is 50%, and is typically granted after surgical intervention.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can be rated using the general rating schedule from breath tests or under the following schedule, whichever gives the veteran the highest rating.

0% – Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment.
30% – Pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent corticosteroids.
60%-Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control.
100% – Right-sided heart failure (Cor pulmonale), OR; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, OR; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment.

Appealing a VA Decision on Burn Pit Claims

There are several ways to appeal a rating decision. You can file a Supplemental Claim if you have new and relevant evidence the VA didn’t have when they first reviewed your case.

Ask for a higher-level reviewer to review your case. You can’t submit new evidence with a Higher-Level Review.

You can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and have a Veterans Law Judge review your case. When your review is complete, the VA will mail you a decision packet that includes details about the decision on your case.

Otherwise, you don’t need to do anything unless VA sends you a letter asking for more information.

Also, if VA schedules any exams for you, do not miss them.If you requested a decision review and haven’t heard back from the VA, you can call the VA at 800-827-1000 to get a status update.

Written by Teresa Tennyson

Teresa Tennyson is a journalist for Veteran.com. She is a retired army officer who served in several countries in the Middle East.
Reviewed by Chad Burkitt

Chad Burkitt, an Army veteran, is the deputy director of Minnesota’s Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. He holds a political science degree and a law degree, living in Saint Paul with his family.

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2025 VA Disability Pay Rates

2025 VA Disability Pay Charts

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 10%-20% Disability Rating

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 30%-60% Disability Rating (Without Children)

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 70%-100% Disability Rating (Without Children)

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 30%-60% Disability Rating (With Children)

VA Disability Pay for Veterans with a 70%-100% Disability Rating (With Children)

About VA Disability Compensation

How VA Disability Ratings and VA Disability Compensation Work

Service-Connected Disability Explained

What to Do When Applying for VA Compensation for Service-Connected Conditions

VA Disability Ratings are Subject to Review and Are Not Always Permanent

Getting Help With Filing and Tracking VA Disability Claims

How to File a VA Disability Claim

Past VA Disability Rates

Historical VA Disability Rate Increases

Understanding the PACT Act: Benefits and Eligibility for Veterans

Overview of the PACT Act

PACT Act Compensation & Benefits for Veterans

Eligibility Criteria for the PACT Act

Filing a PACT Act Claim: How to Apply for Benefits

Toxic Exposure Screenings

Where to Get Help Filing a PACT Act Claim

2025 VA Disability Calculator

2025 VA Combined Disability Calculator

How to Use the VA Disability Pay Calculator

How the VA Calculates Compensation Rates

How to Calculate Your Combined VA Disability Rating

Combined Disability Ratings Table

Who Is Entitled to VA Compensation For Medical Issues?

What Other Factors Does the VA Take into Account for Disability?

How to Apply for VA Disability

Military & Veteran Discounts

How Long Does it Take to Receive Your Disability Benefits?

Annual Cost of Living Adjustments

Other Types of VA Compensation

VA Disability Rates for 2025

10% – 20% (No Dependents)

30% – 60% Without Children

70% – 100% Without Children

30% – 60% With Children

70% – 100% With Children

Past VA Disability Rates

World War II Veterans Gain No-Cost VA Health Care

WWII Veteran Eligibility

Enrollment

Applying for No-Cost VA Health Care

2025 VA Disability Pay Dates

2025 VA Disability Pay Dates

VA Disability Pay Date FAQs

What time of day are VA disability checks deposited?

What should I do if I don’t receive my VA disability payment?

What other VA benefits impact my VA disability payment?

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Veterans and Survivors Pension Compensation

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Should You Use a Veterans Service Organization to File a VA Claim?

What is a VSO?

Why use a VSO to help you file a claim?

How does a VSO help in the VA claims process?

What are the costs of using a VSO representative?

Do I have to use a VSO to help file a claim?

VA Hearing Loss Claim Rating

VA Ratings For Hearing Loss: The Basics

VA Ratings for Hearing Loss, Ear Loss and Diseases of the Ear

VA Help for Service-Connected Hearing Issues

Navigating VA Travel Reimbursement: A Comprehensive Guide

Before Filing Your First Claim

Eligibility Requirements

Mileage Reimbursement Rate

Monthly Deductible

How to File a Claim

VA Reimbursement FAQs

Can I file a claim by mail, email, or in person?

Can I get reimbursed for traveling to get treatment at a special disability rehabilitation center?

Am I still eligible for reimbursement if I travel with another veteran or use a free transportation service?

What if I need transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or another special type of vehicle?

What if my current mailing address is a PO box, or I change my home address while receiving care?

How Can I Get Help With My Claim?

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