The VA disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities is scheduled to increase in 2026, primarily due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
The projected increase for VA disability pay rates is around 2.5% to 2.7%, which means veterans will receive higher monthly, tax-free payments starting with their January 1, 2026 check. The rate officially becomes effective December 1, 2025, aligning with standard VA schedule update timings.
New Amounts Expected with the 2026 Increase
With the COLA rise, monthly compensation will tick up across the board based on disability rating and dependent status. For example, veterans rated 100% disability with no dependents may see their monthly payment increase from about $3,831.30 in 2025 to approximately $3,927.08 in 2026, reflecting the estimated 2.5% to 2.7% adjustment.
Similarly, those with lower ratings (10%, 20%, 30%, etc.) will see proportional increases. Additional payments for dependents such as a spouse, children, or parents will also be adjusted upward under the new rates.
Eligibility Rules Remain but Dependents Add Value
To be eligible for VA disability compensation, a veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%. Those rated between 10% and 20% often do not receive added amounts for dependents under some circumstances, particularly if the disability rating is low and dependency status applies.
For disability ratings 30% or above, veterans typically qualify for additional compensation for dependents— spouse, child(ren), or parent(s). The rules around dependents, and whether extra payments apply, continue as before, but with the new rates, dependent benefits become more beneficial in dollar terms.
When Payments Reflect the New Rates
Though the new rates are set effective December 1, 2025, veterans will see the higher compensation in their payment dated January 1, 2026. There is no action required by most veterans; the adjustment is automatic for those with a current approved disability rating of 10% or higher.
Those with rating changes, including appeals or upgraded assessments, will also receive payments according to the new 2026 rate once their award or change is officially recorded.
Key Figures & 2026 VA Disability Rate Projections
| Disability Rating Level | Projected % Increase | Example Monthly Payment (No Dependents) | Payment Date Reflecting Increase | Dependent-Pay Value Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | ~2.5-2.7% | ~$180-$180.x for 2025 → approx $180-$185 | January 1, 2026 | Little or no dependents value |
| 100% | ~2.5-2.7% | ~$3,831.30 → approx $3,927.08 | January 1, 2026 | Significant extra per dependent |
| 30-60% with dependents | ~2.5-2.7% | Varies by rating and number of dependents | January 1, 2026 | Dependent compensation increases noticeably |
| Eligibility threshold | 10% rating | — | Effective December 1, 2025 rates | Eligibility remains but payout increases significantly |
What Veterans Should Know & Do
Disabled veterans should note that this increase is intended to help offset inflation and rising living costs. Since COLA is tied to inflation data via CPI-W, the official announcement for the confirmed rate is typically released in mid-October 2025, once the third quarter inflation numbers (July through September) are final.
If the projection holds, those with 10% or higher service-connected disability will see benefits increase automatically. Veterans with dependents should check how much extra they will receive; those expecting rating upgrades or whose dependents status changes (for example, adding a dependent child) should ensure their records with the VA reflect the correct dependent status to get the full benefit under the new rates.
The VA disability pay rates for 2026 are set to rise, driven by a projected 2.5%–2.7% COLA adjustment that becomes effective December 1, 2025, and appears in payments from January 1, 2026.
Veterans with approved disabilities of 10% or higher will benefit across all rating levels, and those with dependents will see enhanced payouts. While eligibility rules remain largely unchanged, keeping dependent information up to date is essential for maximizing benefits. With inflation pressures, this increase marks an important safeguard to maintain purchasing power and support for disabled veterans in the coming year.
FAQs
Will all veterans with a disability receive the new 2026 rate increase?
Yes—if your disability rating is 10% or higher, you will automatically receive the new rates starting with your January 1, 2026 payment.
How much more money will I get as a result of the COLA increase?
It depends on your disability rating and whether you have dependents. A veteran with 100% rating and no dependents might see an increase of approximately $95–$100/month, while those with dependents get additional amounts on top.
Do I need to apply or re-file to get the increased payment?
No, for most veterans this is automatic. The VA automatically applies the new rate to approved disability compensations. However, if your rating changes or your dependent status updates (e.g. new child or parent added), you should ensure your VA profile reflects that to receive the correct increased amounts.