In 2026, VA disability compensation rates increased by 2.8%, matching the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) . The new rates took effect on December 1, 2025, and the first payment reflecting the increase was sent on December 31, 2025 . For a single veteran with a 100% rating and no dependents, the monthly payment rose from $3,831.30 to $3,938.58 an increase of $107.28 per month .
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates for Veterans Without Dependents
The table below shows the monthly compensation rates for single veterans with no dependents at each disability rating level. Rates are effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 .
| Disability Rating | 2025 Monthly Payment | 2026 Monthly Payment | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $180.42 | $4.91 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $356.66 | $9.71 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $552.47 | $15.05 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $795.84 | $21.68 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,132.90 | $30.86 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,435.02 | $39.09 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,808.45 | $49.26 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,102.15 | $57.26 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,362.30 | $64.34 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $3,938.58 | $107.28 |
How the 2.8% COLA Increase Works
The VA is required by law to match the percentage of cost-of-living adjustments made to Social Security benefits . The 2026 COLA of 2.8% is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2024 through the third quarter of 2025 .
Key Dates for the 2026 COLA
- Effective date: December 1, 2025
- First payment with new rate: December 31, 2025
- Applies to: VA disability compensation, TDIU, SMC, DIC, and most VA benefits
Does the Increase Apply Automatically?
Yes. Veterans with a 10% or higher disability rating automatically qualify for the COLA increase . You do not need to apply or take any action to receive the updated rate .
2026 VA Disability Rates for Veterans with Dependents
If you have a dependent spouse, children, or parents, your monthly payment is higher than the base rates listed above. The VA provides additional compensation for dependents starting at the 30% disability rating level .
Note: Veterans with a 10% or 20% disability rating do not receive additional compensation for dependents .
Basic Monthly Rates (2026) for Veterans with Dependents
The following table shows basic monthly rates for veterans with a spouse and/or parents, but no children :
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No dependents | $552.47 | $795.84 | $1,132.90 | $1,435.02 | $1,808.45 | $2,102.15 | $2,362.30 | $3,938.58 |
| With spouse only | $617.47 | $882.84 | $1,241.90 | $1,566.02 | $1,961.45 | $2,277.15 | $2,559.30 | $4,158.17 |
| With spouse + 1 parent | $669.47 | $952.84 | $1,329.90 | $1,671.02 | $2,084.45 | $2,417.15 | $2,717.30 | $4,334.41 |
| With spouse + 2 parents | $721.47 | $1,022.84 | $1,417.90 | $1,776.02 | $2,207.45 | $2,557.15 | $2,875.30 | $4,510.65 |
| With 1 parent only | $604.47 | $865.84 | $1,220.90 | $1,540.02 | $1,931.45 | $2,242.15 | $2,520.30 | $4,114.82 |
| With 2 parents only | $656.47 | $935.84 | $1,308.90 | $1,645.02 | $2,054.45 | $2,382.15 | $2,678.30 | $4,291.06 |
Basic Monthly Rates (2026) for Veterans with a Spouse and Children
The following table shows basic monthly rates for veterans with a spouse and one child :
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With spouse + 1 child | $666.47 | $947.84 | $1,322.90 | $1,663.02 | $2,074.45 | $2,406.15 | $2,704.30 | $4,318.99 |
| + 1 parent | $718.47 | $1,017.84 | $1,410.90 | $1,768.02 | $2,197.45 | $2,546.15 | $2,862.30 | $4,495.23 |
| + 2 parents | $770.47 | $1,087.84 | $1,498.90 | $1,873.02 | $2,320.45 | $2,686.15 | $3,020.30 | $4,671.47 |
Additional Amounts for Children
The basic rates above already include payment for one child under age 18. If you have additional children, you can add the following amounts to your basic rate for each extra child :
- Each additional child under age 18: $32 (30% rating) up to $109 (100% rating)
- Each additional child over age 18 in a qualifying school program: $105 (30% rating) up to $352 (100% rating)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) 2026 Rates
Special Monthly Compensation provides higher payments for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities that exceed standard rating levels . SMC rates also received the 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 .
SMC-K Rate (2026)
The SMC-K rate is an additional payment for loss of or loss of use of a creative organ, extremity, or other specified conditions. For 2026, the SMC-K rate is $139.87 per month .
SMC Rates (2026) for Veterans Without Children
| SMC Level | No Dependents | With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| SMC-L | $4,900.83 | $5,120.42 |
| SMC-L 1/2 | $5,154.00 | $5,373.59 |
| SMC-M | $5,408.55 | $5,628.14 |
| SMC-M 1/2 | $5,780.00 | $5,999.59 |
| SMC-N | $6,152.64 | $6,372.23 |
| SMC-N 1/2 | $6,514.00 | $6,733.59 |
| SMC-O/P | $6,877.12 | $7,096.71 |
| SMC-R.1 | $9,826.88 | $10,046.47 |
| SMC-R.2/T | $11,271.67 | $11,491.26 |
| SMC-S | $4,408.53 | $4,628.12 |
What SMC-S Means: SMC-S may apply if you have a 100% rating plus an additional 60% combined rating, or if you are permanently housebound due to your service-connected disabilities .
How to Calculate Your Total Monthly Payment
To find your exact payment amount:
- Find your basic rate based on your disability rating and dependent status in the tables above .
- Add any additional amounts for extra children (beyond 1 child under 18) or if your spouse receives Aid and Attendance .
Example: A veteran with a 70% rating, a spouse, and 3 children under 18 would receive:
- Basic rate (with spouse + 1 child): $2,074.45
- Additional child (2 extra children × $76 each): + $152.00
- Total: $2,226.45
2026 VA Payment Schedule
VA disability payments are typically issued on the first business day of each month. If that day falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are sent on the last business day of the previous month .
| Payment Month | Pay Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | December 31, 2025 |
| February 2026 | February 2, 2026 |
| March 2026 | March 2, 2026 |
| April 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
| May 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| July 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| August 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
| September 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| October 2026 | October 1, 2026 |
| November 2026 | November 2, 2026 |
| December 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
Realistic Veteran Scenario
Robert's Story: Robert is a 55-year-old Army veteran with a 70% VA disability rating. He is married and has two children under 18. His 2025 monthly payment was $2,074.45 (70% with spouse and 1 child) plus $76 for his second child, totaling $2,150.45 per month.
With the 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025, Robert's 2026 basic rate for 70% with spouse and 1 child increased to $2,074.45. His additional child amount also increased to $76. His new total is $2,226.45 per month an increase of about $76 per month or over $900 per year.
Robert receives his first payment at the new rate on December 31, 2025, and continues receiving the increased amount throughout 2026. He did not need to apply or take any action to receive the COLA increase it was applied automatically .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 VA disability COLA increase?
The 2026 COLA increase for VA disability compensation is 2.8%, matching the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment . The increase is effective December 1, 2025.
When will I see the new 2026 VA disability rates in my payment?
The first payment reflecting the new 2.8% COLA rate was issued on December 31, 2025 . All subsequent payments in 2026 will be at the new rate.
Do I need to apply for the VA COLA increase?
No. The COLA increase is applied automatically to all veterans receiving disability compensation with a rating of 10% or higher . You do not need to take any action.
How much is the 2026 VA disability payment for 100%?
For a single veteran with no dependents and a 100% rating, the 2026 monthly payment is $3,938.58 . Veterans with dependents receive higher amounts.
What is the 2026 SMC-K rate?
The 2026 SMC-K rate is $139.87 per month . This is an additional payment for specific severe disabilities and can be added to your basic SMC or disability rate.
Are VA disability payments taxed?
No. VA disability compensation payments are tax-free .
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a substitute for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, rules, and rates change frequently. Please verify all details on the official VA.gov website and consult an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney for advice specific to your situation before filing any claim or making any decisions about your health or benefits.
Calculate Your Exact Combined Rating
Use our free VA combined rating calculator to apply the 38 CFR § 4.25 method to your ratings, including the bilateral factor, and see your combined value, official rounded rating, and estimated 2026 monthly pay.
Use the Free CalculatorMedical and legal disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies, forms, and compensation rates change frequently.
Always verify current information on VA.gov before filing a claim. For personalized guidance, contact a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), claims agent, or attorney.
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