The 2026 Veteran Pay Chart outlines the monthly disability compensation rates provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for service-connected conditions. These rates are determined primarily by a veteran’s assigned disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. Additional factors like the presence of eligible dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) significantly increase the base compensation.
Why This Update
VA rates change every year with the COLA, and so we want to update our content to reflect current rates!
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
The VA disability pay chart details monthly compensation for service-connected disabilities, helping veterans determine their monthly payout based on their assigned rating.
For 2026, the base rates for veterans with no dependents are: 10% Rating: $180.42, 30% Rating: $552.47, 50% Rating: $1,132.90, 70% Rating: $1,808.45, 100% Rating: $3,938.58.
Veterans rated at 10% and 20% do not receive additional compensation for dependents.
10-20% Rating
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
30-60% Rating
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $552.47 | $795.84 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 |
| With spouse | $617.47 | $882.84 | $1,241.90 | $1,566.02 |
| Spouse & 1 parent | $669.47 | $952.84 | $1,329.90 | $1,671.02 |
| Spouse & 2 parents | $721.47 | $1,022.84 | $1,417.90 | $1,776.02 |
| 1 parent (no spouse) | $604.47 | $865.84 | $1,220.90 | $1,540.02 |
| 2 parents | $656.47 | $935.84 | $1,308.90 | $1,645.02 |
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with 1 child only | $596.47 | $853.84 | $1,205.90 | $1,523.02 |
| With spouse & 1 child | $666.47 | $947.84 | $1,322.90 | $1,663.02 |
| With spouse & 1 child & 1 parent | $718.47 | $1,017.84 | $1,410.90 | $1,768.02 |
| Extra Dependent Type | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each child under 18 | $32 | $43 | $54 | $65 |
| Each child (18+ in school) | $105 | $140 | $176 | $211 |
| Spouse receiving A&A | $61 | $81 | $101 | $121 |
70-100% Rating
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| With spouse | $1,961.45 | $2,277.15 | $2,559.30 | $4,158.17 |
| Spouse & 1 parent | $2,084.45 | $2,417.15 | $2,717.30 | $4,334.41 |
| Spouse & 2 parents | $2,207.45 | $2,557.15 | $2,875.30 | $4,510.65 |
| 1 parent (no spouse) | $1,931.45 | $2,242.15 | $2,520.30 | $4,114.82 |
| 2 parents | $2,054.45 | $2,382.15 | $2,678.30 | $4,291.06 |
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with child only | $1,910.45 | $2,219.15 | $2,494.30 | $4,085.43 |
| With spouse & 1 child | $2,074.45 | $2,406.15 | $2,704.30 | $4,318.99 |
| With spouse, 1 child, 1 parent | $2,197.45 | $2,546.15 | $2,862.30 | $4,495.23 |
| Extra Dependent Type | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each child under 18 | $76 | $87 | $98 | $109.11 |
| Each child (18+ in school) | $246 | $281 | $317 | $352.45 |
| Spouse receiving A&A | $141 | $161 | $181 | $201.41 |
Key Factors Influencing Your VA Disability Compensation
Your disability rating is the primary factor determining your base pay amount. The VA assigns ratings in 10% increments based on the severity of your service-connected conditions. Additional compensation may be available for a spouse, children under 18 (or 23 if in college), and dependent parents.
If you have multiple disabilities, the VA uses a combined rating system to determine your overall disability rating. This combined disability rating is not simply the sum of your individual ratings; instead, it is calculated using a special formula. Each condition is assigned a diagnostic code, and only a single diagnostic code is used per condition to determine compensation. The VA determines your combined disability rating by sequentially combining your individual ratings and rounding the result to the nearest 10%.
You can use a VA disability calculator to estimate their combined rating and monthly compensation, making it easier to navigate the complex rating tables and understand their benefits.
Aid and Attendance (A&A) may provide increased compensation for veterans requiring daily assistance due to severe disabilities. Housebound status may offer additional pay for veterans substantially confined to their homes due to a service-connected disability.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) may provide extra benefits for specific severe disabilities like loss of limbs, blindness, or certain combinations.
Other Types of Financial Benefits
VA Pension is a needs-based benefit that may be available to wartime veterans with limited income who experience permanent and total disability, or those 65 and older. GI Bill Benefits provide financial assistance for education and training, including housing allowances and tuition payments. These programs may work alongside disability compensation to provide additional support.
VA benefits include a range of financial support programs for eligible veterans and their families. Veterans who served on active duty for at least 90 days, including during wartime, may qualify for VA Pension and other additional benefits. Eligible veterans should verify their eligibility before applying, as there are various programs designed to address different needs.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) may allow eligible military retirees to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Survivor Benefits mean that dependents of deceased veterans may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or a Survivors Pension.
Accessing and Verifying VA Payments
Regularly check your bank statements for direct deposit from the Department of Treasury. Use the VA.gov portal or eBenefits to view your current payment history and disability rating details. Contact the VA directly through their helpline or a local VA office if you have discrepancies or questions about your payments.
Your benefit payments are typically sent on the first business day of the month after the month for which they are due. Setting up direct deposit helps ensure you receive your payments reliably and on time. Keeping your contact information current with the VA may help prevent payment delays.
Example Scenario
If you are a veteran with a 70% service-connected disability rating and have a spouse and one child, you would consult the 2026 VA disability pay chart under the “70% rating” column and the row corresponding to “Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child” to find your approximate monthly compensation.
In 2026, your monthly compensation would be $2,074.45.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum VA disability rating to receive monthly compensation in 2026?
To receive monthly monetary compensation, you must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%. A 0% rating acknowledges a service-connected condition but does not provide monthly payments.
How often are VA disability compensation rates updated?
VA disability compensation rates are typically updated annually, usually taking effect on December 1st of the preceding year and influencing payments for the following year (e.g., December 1, 2025, for 2026 payments). These updates reflect the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and are announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Do dependents automatically increase my VA disability pay?
Yes, if you have a disability rating of 30% or higher, eligible dependents such as a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents will increase your monthly VA disability compensation. You’ll need to officially report these dependents to the VA.
What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and who qualifies for it?
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit paid to veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents with certain severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities. Qualification depends on specific medical conditions, such as loss of use of an extremity, blindness, or needing aid and attendance benefits.
Can I receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation in 2026?
Some veterans can receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously through “Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay” (CRDP). Generally, this applies to veterans with a 50% or greater VA disability rating and 20 or more years of service.
How can I view my specific 2026 VA payment details?
You can view your specific 2026 VA payment details, including your disability rating and payment history, by logging into your account on VA.gov or the eBenefits portal. You can also contact the VA directly via phone or by visiting a local VA office.
Are surviving family members eligible for VA benefits if a veteran passes away?
Yes, surviving family members may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and other VA compensation rates if the veteran’s death was service-related.
How should I apply for VA disability compensation benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs recommends that eligible veterans apply for disability compensation benefits online through the VA’s portal for the fastest and most efficient processing.
How long does it take to process a VA disability claim, and is there a way to speed it up?
Processing a VA disability claim can take several months. However, if you choose the Fully Developed Claim option, you could get a decision in as little as 30 days.
What if my VA disability claim is denied?
Veterans who have applied for disability and had their claim denied have a right to file an appeal with the VA.
Getting Your Pay
You deserve the benefits that you have worked so hard for! If you feel like you are not getting the compensation you need or have any questions about the benefits you do have, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AllVeteran.com!
AllVeteran.com Advisors
With expertise spanning local, state, and federal benefit programs, our team is dedicated to guiding individuals towards the perfect program tailored to their unique circumstances.
