VA Disability Pay Rates 2026
How VA pay rates are set
Under 38 U.S.C. § 5312, VA disability compensation rates are increased each December 1 by the same percentage as the Social Security announced by the Social Security Administration in October. The new rates apply to all monthly payments issued in January and after.
Always verify the current published rates directly on before relying on any pay chart, including this one. Rates published on third-party sites can lag behind official updates.
Veteran-only monthly rates (10% – 100%)
Ratings of 10% and 20% pay a flat monthly amount that does not vary with dependents. Ratings of 30% and above add additional monthly amounts for each qualifying .
- 10% — flat rate, no additions.
- 20% — flat rate, no additions.
- 30% – 100% — base rate, plus added amounts for spouse, each child under 18, each child 18-23 in school, and parent(s).
- Aid-and-Attendance allowance for a spouse can be added when the spouse is so disabled as to require regular aid.
Dependents that increase compensation
- Spouse (current legal spouse, married before the or under 38 CFR rules).
- Child under age 18.
- Child 18 – 23 enrolled in an approved school ().
- A child of any age who became permanently incapable of self-support before turning 18.
- parent(s) whose income falls below VA thresholds (VA Form 21P-509).
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Beyond the basic schedule, pays higher rates for severe disabilities such as loss of use of an extremity, blindness, deafness, the need for regular , or being housebound. categories range from (a flat additional amount) up through (TBI requiring regular aid and attendance) and SMC-O / SMC-R for the most severe combinations.
Where to find the official 2026 rate tables
Official rate tables are published on under 'Current VA disability compensation rates'. They include base rates by rating, additional amounts for each type, and the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
Related guides
SMC Rates Explained (Letters K–T)
How Special Monthly Compensation rates are structured across SMC-K through SMC-T, what triggers each level, and where to find current dollar amounts.
CRSC vs. CRDP
Combat-Related Special Compensation vs. Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay — eligibility and which to choose.
Aid & Attendance and Housebound
Higher-rate compensation and pension benefits for veterans who need help with daily activities.
Aid & Attendance Pension Enhancement
Pension benefit (not compensation) for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities, are bedridden, blind, or in a nursing home.