Quick Answer: VA disability compensation rates for 2026 reflect a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective December 1, 2025. Rates range from $175.51/month at 10% to $3,737.85/month at 100% for veterans with no dependents.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates — No Dependents
| Rating | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 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% | $3,737.85 |
2026 Rates With Dependents (Selected Ratings)
| Rating | Veteran + Spouse | + 1 Child | + 2 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $586.31 | $621.31 | $656.31 |
| 50% | $1,196.16 | $1,246.16 | $1,296.16 |
| 70% | $1,884.28 | $1,951.28 | $2,018.28 |
| 100% | $4,067.85 | $4,170.85 | $4,273.85 |
TDIU Rate (100% Compensation Rate)
Veterans approved for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) receive compensation at the 100% rate — $3,737.85/month for a single veteran in 2026 — regardless of their combined schedular rating.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Rates
Veterans with certain severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities may receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at rates above 100%. SMC categories include SMC(k) for specific anatomical loss or loss of use, through SMC(l)-(s) for combinations of severe impairments. SMC rates can reach $9,000+/month for the most severe combinations.
How Rates Are Set
VA disability compensation rates are adjusted each year based on the Social Security Administration’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The 2026 rates reflect a 2.5% COLA effective December 1, 2025, applied to the 2025 base rates. Future COLA adjustments will continue to increase rates annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is not subject to federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. § 104. It is also exempt from state income tax in virtually all states. These payments do not need to be reported as income on federal or most state tax returns.
When are VA disability payments deposited?
VA disability compensation is paid on the first business day of each month for the prior month. Payments are made via direct deposit to the veteran’s bank account on file with the VA.