The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is confirmed and in effect. Your first increased payment hit in January 2026. If your check didn’t go up, something is wrong — and you should know the correct numbers to catch it.
The 2026 base rates (no dependents)
Here is what a single veteran with no dependents receives monthly at each rating level in 2026:
- 10%: $175.51
- 20%: $346.95
- 30%: $524.31
- 40%: $755.28
- 50%: $1,075.16
- 60%: $1,361.88
- 70%: $1,716.28
- 80%: $1,995.01
- 90%: $2,241.91
- 100%: $3,831.30
These are the official VA rates effective December 1, 2025, reflected in January 2026 payments. The jump from 90% to 100% is significant — nearly $1,600 more per month. That gap is why fighting for a 100% rating or TDIU matters so much financially.
What the 2.8% COLA actually added
At 100% with no dependents, the 2.8% increase added $107.28/month over 2025 rates. At 70%, it added about $46.86/month. It’s not life-changing on its own — but it’s automatic, tax-free money that should just appear in your account every year without you doing anything. If it didn’t, check your VA.gov account or call 1-800-827-1000.
Dependents make a major difference at 30% and above
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional compensation for dependents — spouse, children, dependent parents. This is money most veterans leave on the table because they never filed a dependency claim. A veteran at 70% with a spouse and one child receives $2,074.45/month — about $358 more than the no-dependent rate. At 100% with a spouse, the rate climbs to approximately $4,046.25/month. If you have dependents and haven’t claimed them, that’s money you’ve been leaving behind. File VA Form 21-686c.
TDIU pays at the 100% rate even if your rating is lower
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at the 100% rate — $3,831.30/month — even if your combined rating is only 60% or 70%. If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify. TDIU is one of the most underutilized benefits in the VA system. If your disabilities are keeping you from working, stop reading and start building that case.
Your rating is not permanent unless you make it that way
VA can reduce your rating at any future exam if your condition appears improved. Protect yourself by knowing your rating’s status: some are protected after 10 or 20 years of continuous receipt. If you’ve had your rating less than 5 years, a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam can change it. Understand your position so you can defend it.