2026 VA Disability Rates: What the 2.8% Increase Means for Your Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025. This annual increase ensures veterans’ benefits keep pace with inflation and maintain purchasing power as living costs rise.
Understanding the 2026 COLA Increase
The 2.8% adjustment represents a modest increase from last year’s 2.5% COLA. While not as substantial as the high-inflation adjustments of recent years (8.7% in 2023 and 5.9% in 2022), the 2026 rate is the average rate since 2016.
How is COLA Calculated?
The Social Security Administration calculates COLA annually using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which measures changes in the cost of consumer goods and services. By law, VA disability compensation rates must match Social Security’s COLA percentage.
What This Means for Your Monthly Compensation
The 2.8% increase affects all disability rating levels, with higher ratings seeing larger dollar increases due to the percentage-based calculation.
2026 Monthly Compensation Rates
Basic monthly rates for 30% to 60% disability rating
| Dependent status |
30% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
40% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
50% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
60% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | 552.47 | 795.84 | 1,132.90 | 1,435.02 |
| With spouse (no parents or children) | 617.47 | 882.84 | 1,241.90 | 1,566.02 |
| With spouse and 1 parent (no children) | 669.47 | 952.84 | 1,329.90 | 1,671.02 |
| With spouse and 2 parents (no children) | 721.47 | 1,022.84 | 1,417.90 | 1,776.02 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse or children) | 604.47 | 865.84 | 1,220.90 | 1,540.02 |
| With 2 parents (no spouse or children) | 656.47 | 935.84 | 1,308.90 | 1,645.02 |
Basic monthly rates for 70% to 100% disability rating
| Dependent status |
70% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
80% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
90% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
100% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | 1,808.45 | 2,102.15 | 2,362.30 | 3,938.58 |
| With spouse (no parents or children) | 1,961.45 | 2,277.15 | 2,559.30 | 4,158.17 |
| With spouse and 1 parent (no children) | 2,084.45 | 2,417.15 | 2,717.30 | 4,334.41 |
| With spouse and 2 parents (no children) | 2,207.45 | 2,557.15 | 2,875.30 | 4,510.65 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse or children) | 1,931.45 | 2,242.15 | 2,520.30 | 4,114.82 |
| With 2 parents (no spouse or children) | 2,054.45 | 2,382.15 | 2,678.30 | 4,291.06 |
Who Receives the Increase?
All veterans currently receiving VA disability compensation automatically received the 2.8% increase. No action is required; the VA adjusts payments automatically based on existing records.
The COLA applies to:
- Basic disability compensation
- Additional amounts for dependents (spouse, children, parents)
- Special Monthly Compensation for severe disabilities
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors
Calculate Your 2026 Benefits
Not sure what your new compensation amount should be? Our VA Disability Calculator uses the latest 2026 rates to show your estimated monthly and annual benefits based on your rating and dependent status.
What If You Think Your Rating Is Too Low?
The COLA increase applies to your current rating, but some veterans are rated lower than their disabilities warrant. If your service-connected conditions have worsened since your last rating decision, you may qualify for an increase.
How We Can Help
The Rep for Vets specializes in helping veterans maximize their VA disability compensation. Our VA-accredited claims agents evaluate your current rating, identify conditions you may be missing, and pursue increases when your disabilities warrant higher compensation.
Whether you’re filing your first claim, seeking a rating increase, or appealing a denial, we handle the complex process while you focus on your health and family. Contact us to get your free case evaluation.
If you have questions about your disability rating, believe you should be rated higher, or need help with a claim or appeal, our VA-accredited claims agents can help.