2022 VA Disability Rates will see a 5.9% cost-of-living increase based on the Social Security Administration’s 2022 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Congress passed legislation in early October to increase veterans’ disability compensation and other benefits in tandem with the Social Security COLA.
Annually, the VA makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to VA disability benefits to ensure inflation does not erode VA benefits’ purchasing power.
For a 50% disabled veteran with a spouse and one child who currently receives $1099.83 per month, this amounts to about $64.89 more per month. Use the charts or the historical VA combined disability calculator below to find your monthly or annual disability payments.
VA Disability payments are monthly. Find the next VA disability payment date.
Learn more about the 2022 VA disability rate increase on the 2022-2023 COLA Watch page.
2022 VA Disability Rates Charts – Effective 12/1/2021
Basic Rates – 10% – 100% Combined Degree Only
| 10% – 20% (No Dependents) | |||||||
| Percentage | Rate | ||||||
| 10% | $152.64 | ||||||
| 20% | $301.74 | ||||||
| 30% – 60% Without Children | |||||||
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | |||
| Veteran alone | $467.39 | $673.28 | $958.44 | $1,214.03 | |||
| Veteran with spouse only | $522.46 | $747.41 | $1050.57 | $1,325.22 | |||
| Veteran with spouse & one parent | $563.76 | $801.42 | $1,124.70 | $1,414.18 | |||
| Veteran with spouse and two parents | $611.45 | $866.02 | $1,198.83 | $1,503.13 | |||
| Veteran with one parent | $511.87 | $732.58 | $1032.57 | $1,302.98 | |||
| Veteran with two parents | $556.35 | $791.89 | $1,106.70 | $1,391.94 | |||
| Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance | $51.00 | $68.00 | $86.00 | $102.00 | |||
| 70% – 100% Without Children | |||||||
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% | |||
| Veteran alone | $1,529.95 | $1,778.43 | $1,998.52 | $3,332.06 | |||
| Veteran with spouse only | $1,659.15 | $1,926.69 | $2,164.70 | $3,517.84 | |||
| Veteran with spouse and one parent | $1,762.92 | $2,045.30 | $2,298.22 | $3,666.94 | |||
| Veteran with spouse and two parents | $1,866.71 | $2,164.01 | $2,431.65 | $3,816.03 | |||
| Veteran with one parent | $1,633.73 | $1,897.04 | $2,131.96 | $3,436.48 | |||
| Veteran with two parents | $1737.51 | $2,015.65 | $2,265.39 | $3,630.25 | |||
| Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance | $120.00 | $137.00 | $154.00 | $170.00 | |||
2022 VA Disability Rates with Dependents
| 30% – 60% With Children | |||||||
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | |||
| Veteran with one child only (no spouse or parents) | $504.45 | $721.99 | $1019.86 | $1,288.16 | |||
| With one child and spouse (no parents) | $563.76 | $801.42 | $1118.35 | $1,406.77 | |||
| With one child, spouse and one parent | $608.24 | $860.72 | $1192.48 | $1,495.72 | |||
| With one child, spouse, and two parents | $652.71 | $920.03 | $1,266.61 | $1,584.68 | |||
| With 1 child and 1 parent (no spouse) | $548.93 | $781.30 | $1,093.99 | $1,377.11 | |||
| With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | $593.41 | $840.60 | $1,168.12 | $1,466.07 | |||
| Each additional child under age 18 | $28.00 | $36.00 | $46.00 | $55.00 | |||
| Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program | $89.00 | $119.00 | $148.00 | $178.00 | |||
| Spouse receiving Aid and Attendance | $51.00 | $68.00 | $86.00 | $102.00 | |||
| 70% – 100% With Children | |||||||
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% | |||
| Veteran with one child only (no spouse or parents) | $1,616.79 | $1,876.92 | $2,109.72 | $3,456.30 | |||
| With one child and spouse (no parents) | $1,754.46 | $2,035.77 | $2,287.63 | $3,653.89 | |||
| With 1 child, spouse and 1 parent | $1,858.24 | $2,154.38 | $2,421.06 | $3,802.99 | |||
| With 1 child, spouse, and 2 parents | $1,962.02 | $2,272.98 | $2,554.50 | $3,952.08 | |||
| With 1 child and 1 parent(no spouse) | $1,720.57 | $1,995.53 | $2,243.15 | $3,605.40 | |||
| With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | $1,824.35 | $2114.13 | $2,376.59 | $3,754.49 | |||
| Each additional child under age 18 | $65.00 | $73.00 | $83.00 | $92.00 | |||
| Add. child over 18 in a qualifying school program | $209.00 | $238.00 | $269.00 | $298.00 | |||
| Spouse receiving Aid and Attendance | $120.00 | $137.00 | $154.00 | $170.00 | |||
Past VA Disability Rates
View Veterans disability compensation rates for past years.
- 2021 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2020)
- 2020 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2019)
- 2019 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2018)
- 2018 rates (effective Dec. 1, 2017)
2022 VA Combined Disability Calculator
This calculator is intended to look up compensation if Combined Disability Rating is already known. Please refer to your VA disability compensation award letter for your official rating.
Combined Disability Pay
$0.00
$0.00
Dependent Children Under 18
$0.00
$0.00
Dependent Children Between 18-24
$0.00
$0.00
Total Compensation
$0.00
$0.00
About VA Disability Compensation
VA disability pay is a monthly tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans due to their service-connected disability to compensate them for decreased quality of life or negative impacts on their civilian employability.
Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are related to an injury that occurred during service. Disabilities that arise after you leave the service may also be compensated, if the VA finds they are related to circumstances of your military service.
By design, the VA ratings should offset lost compensation and work time due to exacerbations or illnesses.
Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLA) determine VA disability rate increases. VA disability rate increase calculations compare the average of the July, August and September 2021 COLA with the 2020 third-quarter average. See our COLA increase watch for more information on how 2021 VA disability rates will be determined.
How VA Disability Ratings and VA Disability Compensation Work
Military members who became injured or ill in the line of duty, or struggle with other service-connected physical or mental health conditions, may be eligible for VA veterans’ benefits.
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 are responsible for scheduling your first claims appointment. You can do this when you out-process from the military, or you can schedule an appointment after you leave the service – but sooner is better than later.
Those applying for VA compensation benefits may also be eligible to sign up for VA healthcare benefits and a Veterans Health Identification Card.
VA compensation for service-connected medical issues is not necessarily tied with VA healthcare benefits. If you have a VA-rated disability, consider the options open to you under the VA health system.
Service-Connected Disability Explained
The Department of Veterans Affairs official site describes VA Disability Compensation as a benefit paid to qualifying veterans who have “disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.”
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 can only warrant a 10% rating (such as tinnitus or other hearing-related issues), while others may be rated as much as 50% or higher depending on the condition. Service members with dependents may receive additional consideration for higher VA disability payments.
What to Do When Applying for VA Compensation For Service-Connected Conditions
It is best to apply for VA compensation before your final out-processing appointment, but this is not always possible.
In any case, service members will need to supply copies (not originals) of discharge paperwork such as the DD Form 214 for active-duty military members, medical records, supporting documentation for the medical claim, and a completed VA Form 21-526.
Depending on the type of claim you are making, you may need supporting evidence that shows how your condition affects your ability to work, socialize or pursue hobbies.
You may need to gather medical records and personal statements from yourself, family and co-workers. You might also need to show how your condition has worsened over time. Submit all medical records pertinent to your condition as evidence.
Keep in mind that your family status may play a role in how the VA approaches your compensation claim. If you receive a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, changes in your family status may result in changes to your payments.
Notify the Department of Veterans Affairs in such cases. Changes to your claim or payments of the claim are never automatic.
VA Disability Ratings are Subject to Review and Not Always Permanent
The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to change VA disability rating schedules, screening requirements and revisit VA awards to see if the condition has improved or worsened over time.
You may receive a letter from the VA instructing you to participate in a re-examination. You may also notify the VA when you wish to have your claim reviewed again. Do this if you feel your condition is not improving or getting worse.
Do not skip the re-examination process. Doing so may subject you to a more arbitrary decision from the VA.
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 (or 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 more. The VA website has a list of accredited Veteran Service Organizations you can use to find help with your claim.
Help may also be available from your state government. Check with your state department of veterans affairs (not the same as the federal-level Department of Veterans Affairs) to see what services they offer.
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 your 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.” An “Intent to File” can buy some time to navigate the claims process and help you get back pay compensation once your claim is approved.
Historical VA Disability Rate Increases
| VA Disability % | Effective Date | VA Disability % | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.9% | Dec. 1, 2021 | 2.90% | Dec. 1, 1996 |
| 1.30% | Dec. 1, 2020 | 2.60% | Dec. 1, 1995 |
| 1.60% | 1Dec. 1, 2019 | 2.80% | Dec. 1, 1994 |
| 2.80% | Dec. 1, 2018 | 2.60% | Dec. 1, 1993 |
| 2.00% | Dec. 1, 2017 | 3.00% | Dec. 1, 1992 |
| 0.30% | Dec. 1, 2016 | 3.70% | Dec. 1, 1991 |
| 0.00% | Dec. 1, 2015 | 5.40% | Dec. 1, 1990 |
| 1.70% | Dec. 1, 2014 | 4.70% | Dec. 1, 1989 |
| 1.50% | Dec. 1, 2013 | 4.00% | Dec. 1, 1988 |
| 1.70% | Dec. 1, 2012 | 4.20% | Dec. 1, 1987 |
| 3.60% | Dec. 1, 2011 | 1.30% | Dec. 1, 1986 |
| 0.00% | Dec. 1, 2010 | 3.10% | Dec. 1, 1985 |
| 0.00% | Dec. 1, 2009 | 3.50% | Dec. 1, 1984 |
| 5.80% | Dec. 1, 2008 | 3.50% | Dec. 1, 1983 |
| 2.30% | Dec. 1, 2007 | 7.40% | Oct. 1, 1982 |
| 3.30% | 1Dec. 1, 2006 | 11.20% | June 1, 1981 |
| 4.10% | Dec. 1, 2005 | 14.30% | June 1, 1981 |
| 2.70% | Dec. 1, 2004 | 9.90% | June 1, 1979 |
| 2.10% | Dec. 1, 2003 | 6.50% | Jan. 1, 1979 |
| 1.40% | Dec. 1, 2002 | 5.90% | Oct. 1, 1978 |
| 2.60% | Dec. 1, 2001 | 6.40% | Oct. 1, 1977 |
| 3.50% | Dec. 1, 2000 | 8.00% | Oct. 1, 1976 |
| 2.50% | Dec. 1, 1999 | 13.90% | Aug. 1, 1975 |
| 1.30% | Dec. 1, 1998 | 6.30% | May 1, 1974 |
| 2.10% | Dec. 1, 1997 |
