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 |
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Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians
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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.