VA DISABILITY
COMPENSATION
If you have a physical or mental condition connected to your military service, you may be entitled to tax-free monthly payments for life. File early — benefits start from the date of your claim.
2026 Disability Compensation Rates
Monthly, tax-free. Effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA)
38 CFR Part 3| Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran + Spouse | Annual (Alone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.22/mo | — | $2,102.64/yr |
| 20% | $346.39/mo | — | $4,156.68/yr |
| 30% | $552.47/mo | $617.47/mo | $6,629.64/yr |
| 40% | $795.84/mo | $882.84/mo | $9,550.08/yr |
| 50% | $1,132.90/mo | $1,241.90/mo | $13,594.80/yr |
| 60% | $1,435.02/mo | $1,566.02/mo | $17,220.24/yr |
| 70% | $1,808.45/mo | $1,961.45/mo | $21,701.40/yr |
| 80% | $2,102.15/mo | $2,277.15/mo | $25,225.80/yr |
| 90% | $2,362.30/mo | $2,559.30/mo | $28,347.60/yr |
| 100% | $3,938.58/mo | $4,158.17/mo | $47,262.96/yr |
VA Math — How Combined Ratings Work
VA ratings are not added normally. This is called the Combined Ratings Table (38 CFR 4.25).
How it works
Each rating is applied to your remaining "healthy" percentage, not your total. The VA calculates how disabled you are after each condition.
Example: 50% + 50% ≠ 100%
First condition: 50% disabled → 50% healthy remaining. Second condition: 50% applied to that 50% = 25% more disabled. Combined = 75%, rounded to 80%.
Rounding rule
Final combined rating is rounded to the nearest 10%. Anything from 45-54% rounds to 50%. Anything 85-94% rounds to 90%. 95%+ rounds to 100%.
Order matters — list highest first
The VA applies ratings in descending order (highest first). Always list your most significant conditions first when filing.
TDIU — Total Disability Individual Unemployability
If your service-connected conditions prevent you from holding substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU — which pays at the 100% rate ($3,938.58/month) even if your combined rating is lower.
How to File a Claim
Document everything now
See a doctor for every condition. Get it in your service treatment record. The VA rates what is documented.
File at va.gov
Apply online at va.gov/disability/apply. Submit as early as possible -- benefits are backdated to your claim date.
Work with a VSO
Veterans Service Organizations (DAV, VFW, AMVETS) help you file for free. They know how to maximize ratings.
Attend your C&P exam
Compensation and Pension exam is scheduled by the VA. Miss it and your claim is denied. Be thorough.
TotalMilPay does not give legal or medical advice. For disability claims, work with an accredited VSO or VA-accredited claims agent. Source: va.gov
Rates per 38 CFR Part 3, effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA). Verify with VA.gov or an accredited VSO.