How VA Payment Rates Work and What Affects Your Monthly Amount
What determines your VA payment amount
Your VA payment is calculated using a disability rating — a percentage from 0% to 100% that the VA assigns based on how your service-connected condition affects your ability to work and live. The higher your rating, the higher your monthly payment. The VA also adjusts all payment rates once per year, usually in December, based on cost-of-living increases. This means the exact dollar amount you receive changes annually, even if your disability rating stays the same.
The VA uses a specific payment table for each rating level. A 10% rating pays a different amount than a 30% rating, which pays differently than a 70% rating. If you have multiple service-connected conditions, the VA combines them using a formula — it does not simply add the percentages together. The combined rating determines which payment table applies to you.
Your payment also depends on your dependents. If you have a spouse, children, or parents who depend on you financially, the VA adds money to your base payment for each dependent. A veteran with a 50% rating and a spouse receives more than a veteran with the same 50% rating and no dependents.
Key Takeaways
- Your disability rating percentage directly determines your base payment amount, and the VA publishes exact dollar figures for each rating level.
- The VA increases all payment rates once per year, usually in December, so your monthly amount changes even if your rating does not.
- If you have a spouse, children, or dependents, the VA adds a set amount per dependent to your base payment.
- Multiple service-connected conditions are combined using a VA formula, not simple addition, to produce your final rating percentage.
- You can find your exact payment amount by checking your VA.gov account, calling the VA, or reviewing your award letter.
Where to find the current payment tables
The VA publishes payment rates on VA.gov under the disability compensation section. You can view the full rate tables by disability rating and dependent status. These tables show the exact monthly amount for each rating level, including how much is added for a spouse, each child, and each dependent parent.
Your personal VA.gov account shows your current payment amount and rating. Log in, go to your disability benefits section, and you will see your monthly payment listed. If you do not have a VA.gov account, you can create one using your Social Security number, email, and a photo ID. You can also call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask about your specific payment amount.
Your most recent award letter — the official document the VA sent when they approved or changed your rating — also lists your payment amount. If you cannot find it, you can request a copy by logging into VA.gov or calling the VA.
How dependents change your payment
The VA adds money to your monthly payment for each dependent you claim. A dependent is a spouse, unmarried child under age 18 (or up to age 23 if enrolled full-time in school), or a parent who depends on you for financial support. The amount added per dependent varies by your disability rating — a higher rating means a larger dependent allowance.
You must report dependents to the VA for them to be added to your payment. If you marry, have a child, or gain a dependent parent after your award, contact the VA to update your information. You can do this through VA.gov, by mail, or by phone. The VA will adjust your payment going forward, though the exact timing depends on when they process the change.
If a dependent no longer qualifies — for example, your child turns 18 and is not in school, or your spouse passes away — you must notify the VA. Your payment will decrease when the change takes effect. Failing to report a change can result in overpayment, which the VA may ask you to repay.
Annual payment increases and cost-of-living adjustments
Every year, usually in early December, the VA increases all disability compensation rates by a percentage tied to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This percentage is set by the federal government and applies to Social Security, federal pensions, and VA payments. The increase is automatic — you do not need to do anything to receive it.
The COLA percentage varies from year to year. Some years it is small (around 1%), and other years it is larger (3% or more). The VA announces the new rates in November, and they take effect in December. Your VA.gov account and your December payment will reflect the new amount.
If you receive other federal benefits like Social Security or a federal pension, those also receive the same COLA increase. The VA does not adjust your payment mid-year, so your December payment is the only time it changes unless your disability rating or dependent status changes.
What happens if your rating changes
If the VA increases your disability rating, your payment increases to match the new rating level. If the VA decreases your rating, your payment decreases. The effective date of the change determines when your payment adjusts — this is usually the date the VA made the decision, not the date you received the letter.
You can request a rating increase if your condition has worsened. You submit evidence (medical records, statements from doctors, your own account of how your condition affects you) to the VA, and they review it. If they approve the increase, your payment goes up retroactively to the date you submitted the request or the date your condition worsened, whichever the VA determines is appropriate.
If the VA decreases your rating, you have the right to appeal. You can file a Notice of Disagreement within one year of the decision letter. During the appeal, you can submit new evidence. If you win the appeal, your payment is restored, and you may receive back pay for the months the lower rating was in effect.
Payment rates for different rating levels
The VA assigns ratings in 10% increments: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. Each rating has its own base payment amount, and the difference between levels is substantial. A 100% rating pays significantly more than a 90% rating, which pays more than an 80% rating, and so on.
The exact dollar amounts change every December with the COLA increase, so the numbers published this year will be different next year. Rather than listing specific amounts here (which would be outdated within months), you should check VA.gov or your award letter for the current rates. The VA website has a rate table you can view by rating level and dependent status.
Some veterans also receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) in addition to their standard disability payment. SMC applies to veterans with severe conditions — for example, loss of limbs, blindness, or conditions requiring aid and attendance. If you receive SMC, your payment is higher than the standard rate for your disability rating. Your award letter will specify if you receive SMC and how much.
How to update your information and verify your payment
Log into your VA.gov account to see your current disability rating, payment amount, and dependent information. If anything is incorrect — for example, you have a dependent listed who no longer qualifies, or a dependent is missing — update it immediately. You can make changes online through your account or by contacting the VA by phone or mail.
If you believe your payment is wrong, compare it to the current VA rate table for your rating level and dependent count. If it does not match, contact the VA to ask why. Sometimes the discrepancy is because a dependent was added or removed, or because a recent COLA increase has not yet been processed. The VA can explain the exact calculation.
Keep your award letter and any letters from the VA about rating changes or payment adjustments. These documents show what the VA decided and when. If you ever need to dispute a payment or prove your rating to another agency (for example, for state benefits), these letters are your proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the VA increase payments each year?
The VA increases all disability compensation rates in December, based on the annual cost-of-living adjustment announced by the federal government. The exact date varies slightly, but it is always in early December. Your December payment will reflect the new higher amount.
Can I receive a higher payment if I have more dependents?
Yes. The VA adds a set amount per dependent (spouse, child, or dependent parent) to your base payment. The amount added depends on your disability rating. You must report dependents to the VA for them to be included in your payment.
What if I disagree with my disability rating?
You can file a Notice of Disagreement within one year of receiving your rating decision letter. Submit new medical evidence or statements explaining why you believe your rating should be higher. If you win on appeal, your payment is adjusted retroactively to the original decision date.
Does my payment change if I move to a different state?
No. VA disability compensation is the same regardless of where you live. Your payment does not change based on state of residence, cost of living in your area, or any other location factor.
How do I know if my payment is correct?
Check the current VA rate table on VA.gov for your disability rating and number of dependents. Compare the amount shown in the table to your actual monthly payment. If they do not match, contact the VA to ask for an explanation of how your payment was calculated.