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VA disability pay calculator: your 2026 monthly amount by rating and dependents

Updated October 25, 2026 · How we check facts

YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENT

Combined rating Spouse Dependent parents Children under 18 Children 18 to 23 in school

Source: VA, Veterans disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025 (page last updated December 2, 2025; read October 25, 2026). The first child is priced inside the VA's "with 1 child" base row; every further child adds the VA's added amount. Children count when under 18, or 18 to 23 and in a qualifying school program. Not shown: Special Monthly Compensation, a dependent child who is helpless, or a Veteran's own Aid and Attendance, which raise the amount; the VA letter is the final word.

The short answer: VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment set by your combined rating. At 10% and 20% it is a flat amount with no dependent add-ons. From 30% up, the base amount rises with each dependent (spouse, parents, a first child), and each additional child and a spouse who receives Aid and Attendance add a fixed amount on top. Rates are adjusted every December 1 by the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment.

How the VA builds the number

10% and 20%: $180.42 and $356.66 a month, no dependent add-ons.
30% to 100%: a base row for your dependent mix (alone, spouse, parents, a first child), then added amounts: each additional child under 18, each child 18 to 23 in school, and a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance.
Tax: VA disability compensation is not taxable, federal or state.
Retirees: retired pay is reduced by the VA amount unless Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay restores it (20 or more years and a 50% or higher rating) or Combat-Related Special Compensation applies. The retirement guide covers both; the retired pay estimator runs the pension side.
Getting rated or re-rated is a claim, and the free, accredited help is the right door: a Veterans Service Organization or an accredited representative, never a company that charges a cut. The VA claims guide explains how to find one.

Quick answers

Does a 100% rating pay the same with and without dependents?

No. At 100%, a Veteran alone gets $3,938.58; with a spouse, $4,158.17; with a spouse and one child, $4,318.99; each further child under 18 adds $109.11.

When do the rates change?

Every December 1, by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. The 2026 figures on this page took effect December 1, 2025.

Is this the same as a VA pension?

No. Compensation is for service-connected disability and has no income test. The Veterans Pension and the Survivors Pension are needs-based; the survivor benefits guide covers the survivor side.

Related: the VA benefits orientation, the claims guide, and Money Resources for the official help lines.

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