The VA disability pay chart 2026 provides a clear view of the revised payout rates for all rating levels. In 2026 veterans will experience the boost of 2.8% COLA, which is given as per the service-based disability payouts to make sure that they can maintain monthly expenses amid inflation.
The pay adjustment, which started in December 2025, represents the new rates of 2026, and the first payment adjustment arrived on December 31, 2025. The VA Disability Pay Chart 2026 makes sure that veterans can quickly view the new monthly amount, which is given as per the disability percentage.
VA Disability Pay Chart 2026
After smaller adjustments in several years, the 2026 COLA mark shows a noticeable boost, with rates from 2023 to 2025 representing a steady drop. The VA disability pay chart 2026 is a practical framework for better understanding their monthly compensation structure and plan.
The increase in COLA directly affects the monthly VA disability payout, which is reflected in veteran’s accounts. The VA disability pay chart 2026 served as a handy tool to track the payouts and better anticipate the financial planning for the year.
New VA Disability Pay Chart 2026 Overview
| Organization | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Program Name | VA Disability Pay Chart 2026 |
| Country | USA |
| COLA 2026 | 2.8% Increase |
| Payment Starts | December 31, 2025 |
| Type of Benefits | Monthly disability compensation |
| Disability Rating | Ranges from 10-100% |
| Who Gets It? | Veterans with service-connected disabilities |
| Category | News |
| Official Website | https://www.va.gov/ |
Eligibility Criteria for VA Disability Benefits
The VA disability payouts are available for eligible veterans who satisfy the basic service requirements along with medical circumstances:
- Veterans who are on active/full-time services, authorized training duty or even participated in qualifying non-active military services.
- Their conditions are linked with the military service, which qualifies them for an in-service disability claim.
- A veteran can file a pre-service claim if their pre-existing condition worsens during military service.
- Disability that emerges after separation but is associated with service is refer as post-service filed claim.
- Certain conditions, such as pre-assumed disability, which include chronic illness after a year of discharge, illness from the time as a POW, or even toxic exposure, are covered.
VA Disability Payment Comparison
Here is the VA disability pay chart / rate table, which showcases the payout given to veterans depending upon their disability level for the years 2025 and 2026:
| VA Rating Level | Monthly Pay (2025) | Monthly Pay (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $175.51 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $346.95 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $537.42 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,395.93 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,044.89 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,297.96 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $3,831.30 |
VA Disability Payment Schedule
Veterans will experience the VA disability pay in 2026 at the end of the month of December:
- The updated VA disability rates for the year 2026 become effective in December every year.
- VA benefits are issued at the end of the month so that the first rate of 2026 appears on the last day of December.
- These adjustments are significantly applicable to service-based disability ratings.
- The timings, that is, December end of the month, make sure that veterans get the updated payment promptly.
- The veterans can refer to the VA disability pay chart of the year 2026 to get the clear reference for the updated payouts.
VA Disability Pay by Rating and Family Status
This table outlines the disability payouts for veterans at 30, 50, & 60 percent, which is based on eligible parents as well as marital status:
| Dependent Category | 30% | 50% | 60% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran only | $552.47 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran + spouse | $617.80 | $1,242.48 | $1,566.72 | $4,158.17 |
| Veteran + spouse + 1 parent | $670.48 | $1,329.93 | $1,672.09 | $4,334.41 |
| Veteran + spouse + 2 parents | $723.17 | $1,417.40 | $1,777.46 | $4,510.65 |
| Veteran + 1 parent | $605.15 | $1,220.35 | $1,540.39 | $4,114.82 |
| Veteran + 2 parents | $657.84 | $1,307.81 | $1,645.76 | $4,291.06 |
| Additional amount for A & A | $60.07 | $100.11 | $120.12 | $201.41 |
Additional Benefits for Veterans With Dependents
Veterans with dependent children will receive additional payment support across different qualifying rating levels:
- Payout amounts differ, depending upon the disability rating, which starts from 30% and goes until 100%.
- Additional monthly compensation is applicable for each qualifying child who does not cross the age of 18.
- Higher add-on rates are also applicable specifically for the school-age dependents who have been enrolled in approved programs over age 18.
- Spouses are also qualified for A&A, which can provide them additional monthly support.
Latest Update on VA Disability Pay
The SSA has confirmed the 2.8% boost in the VA disability payout given in 2026. This adjustment is a significant part of the COLA, which means that the veterans will experience slightly higher payouts starting from December 31, 2025.
The 2026 disability pay chart provides the updated figures, which allow service members to clearly track their payout as per the disability rating.
FAQs
When does the disability rate start in 2026?
The payout for VA commences from December 31, 2025.
How much is the COLA adjustment assigned for VA disability in 2026?
The COLA 2026 rate assigned is 2.8%.
Is disability pay considered taxable income?
No, VA disability payouts are tax exempt despite COLA increments.
