2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates: The Complete Pay Chart
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment for veterans with service-connected conditions. For 2026 the rates rose 2.8% (matching the Social Security COLA), ranging from $180.42/month at 10% to $3,938.58/month at 100% for a veteran with no dependents.
2026 VA disability rates (veteran alone, no dependents)
| Rating | Monthly payment |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
These payments are completely tax-free — federal and state. A 100% rating is worth about $47,000/year tax-free, equivalent to a much larger taxable salary.
How dependents change it
At 30% and above, you receive extra for a spouse, children, and dependent parents. At 10% and 20% the rate is flat regardless of dependents. A 100%-rated veteran with a spouse and two children receives noticeably more than the single-veteran figure above.
The "VA math" nobody expects
VA ratings don't add — they combine using "whole-person" math. Two 50% conditions don't make 100%; they combine to 75% (rounded to the nearest 10 → 80%). This is why veterans with several mid-size ratings often land lower than they expect. Use a combined-ratings calculator before assuming a total.
How it relates to military retirement
VA disability is separate from military retired pay. Historically the two were offset, but Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) now lets many 20-year retirees with a 50%+ rating receive both in full — a major boost to retirement income.
Planning your transition? Estimate your active-duty pay now and VA later.
Calculate my pay →Frequently asked questions
How much is 100% VA disability in 2026?
$3,938.58 per month for a veteran with no dependents — about $47,000 per year, completely tax-free. More with a spouse or children.
Is VA disability pay taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is exempt from both federal and state income tax.
Do VA ratings add together?
No. Multiple ratings combine using whole-person math, not simple addition — two 50% conditions combine to roughly 80%, not 100%.