The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assigns a rating of a veteran’s disability in connection with the service or severity of the condition. Ratings are expressed as percentages, which then go on to determine the monthly disability compensation and eligibility for further benefits.
Where one condition joins another to form more than one disability, VA will compute a combined rating according to a prescribed formula rather than just adding the individual ratings together.
For 2022, VA disability compensation has increased as a result of the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA), providing slight raise in monthly payments. Read on to find everything you need to know about the new VA disability rates, eligibility, and when payments may change.
Rates
On December 1st, 2024, a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.5% came into effect for VA disability benefits. The amount disbursed in a given month for each veteran depends on the percentage of their disability rating and their family situation. Below are the rates for VA disability compensations for the year 2025 applicable to veterans without children:
| Disability Rating | Alone | With Spouse | With Spouse & Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $4,044.91 | $4,387.79 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,489.63 | $2,797.13 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,908.19 | $2,148.19 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,208.04 | $1,378.04 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $601.42 | $703.42 |
For veterans with children, payments are slightly higher:
| Disability Rating | With One Child | With Spouse, Child & Two Parents |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,974.15 | $4,544.23 |
| 90% | $2,425.96 | $2,938.96 |
| 70% | $1,858.19 | $2,258.19 |
In addition, veterans are eligible for additional compensation for dependent children under the age of 18 who are students. For instance, a school-age child receives $342.85 per month at a 100% disability rating.
Eligibility
VA disability benefits are not incurred automatically. An applicant must prove that the conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service with the needed documentation. The VA determines whether the evidence submitted establishes a valid claim by evaluating each unique case on merit based on standards of medical evidence, service records, and personal physician evaluations.
If a veteran believes that his condition has worsened, he may wish to apply for an increase in his rating. However, if the VA finds, after a medical examination, that the veteran’s health has shown improvement, then the rating (and, consequently, the benefits) may be reduced.
Payments
VA disability payments are generally disbursed on the first business day of each month, with the benefits of the previous month being compensated. The payment is transferred directly to the veteran’s bank account, or otherwise it is sent as a check if the direct deposit is not established.
Veterans should keep a close watch on their payments and ensure receiving the appropriate amount so that any missing or incorrect payment may be reported to the VA.
FAQS:
What increment is awarded over the current 2025 VA disability rate?
In fact, VA disability rates have received an increase of 2.5% through COLA adjustments.
How much does a completely disabled war veteran receive?
$3,831.30 alone, or greater if dependent allowances are added.
Do VA disability payments change over time?
Yes, payments might change in case of COAL, dependents addition, or rating reviews.
When does the VA disability pay?
Payment is made on the first working day of every month.
I can have my VA rating reduced, right?
Sure, the rating may be reduced if the condition improves.