VA Disability Pay Calculator
Estimate your monthly VA disability compensation from your combined rating and dependents, using the VA's rate table effective December 1, 2025.
How VA disability pay is structured
Below 30%, the VA pays a single flat rate per rating with no adjustment for dependents. At 30% and above, pay increases with a spouse, and increases further with each dependent child — the first dependent child is priced differently than each additional child, which is why this calculator asks for your full dependent picture rather than just a headcount.
Base rate (70%, veteran + spouse + 1 child): $2,074.45. One additional child under 18 beyond the first: + $76.00.
Estimated monthly compensation: $2,150.45 → about $25,805 per year.
2025-2026 VA disability compensation rates (monthly)
| Rating | Veteran alone | + Spouse | + Spouse + 1 child | + 1 child (no spouse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | No dependent adjustment | ||
| 20% | $356.66 | No dependent adjustment | ||
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $666.47 | $596.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $947.84 | $853.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,322.90 | $1,205.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $1,663.02 | $1,523.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $2,074.45 | $1,910.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $2,406.15 | $2,219.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $2,704.30 | $2,494.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 | $4,085.43 |
Each additional child under 18 beyond the first adds $32-$109.11/month depending on rating; each additional school-age child (18-23) beyond the first adds $105-$352.45/month depending on rating. These rates exclude Aid and Attendance for a disabled spouse and dependent parent additions, which this calculator does not model.
Common mistakes when estimating VA disability pay
- Expecting a dependent bump at 10% or 20%. The VA doesn't add anything for a spouse or children until the 30% rating tier.
- Treating every child the same. The first dependent child is priced differently from additional children, and school-age children (18-23) are priced differently from children under 18.
- Using last year's rates. VA compensation increases every December 1 with a Social Security-linked COLA — always confirm you're using the current effective rate table.
Frequently asked questions
How much does VA disability pay per month in 2025-2026?
From $180.42/month at 10% up to $3,938.58/month at 100% for a veteran with no dependents, per the December 1, 2025 rate update.
Do dependents increase pay at 10% or 20% ratings?
No — additional dependent compensation only begins at the 30% rating and above.
How much extra does a spouse add to VA disability pay?
Roughly $65 to $220 per month depending on your combined rating, with higher ratings receiving a larger spouse addition.
Do VA disability rates change every year?
Yes — rates increase each December 1 with a Social Security-linked cost-of-living adjustment. These figures reflect the December 1, 2025 update.
Related calculators
Note: Estimate based on the VA's published December 1, 2025 rate table; excludes Aid and Attendance, dependent parents, and other special monthly compensation add-ons. Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and not a benefits determination — confirm your exact award through VA.gov or your VSO. Rates effective: December 1, 2025 through the next COLA update. Last reviewed: September 2026.