As a veteran, understanding your disability compensation rates is important for managing your finances and ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides monthly payments to veterans with service-connected disabilities, and these rates are adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation.
This post explains the updated 2025 VA disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2024, and how to determine your monthly payment.
How Disability Compensation Rates Are Determined
Your VA disability compensation rate is calculated based on two primary factors:
- Disability rating: This percentage assigned by the VA reflects the severity of your service-connected condition(s). Ratings range from 10% to 100% in increments of 10%.
- Dependents: Your rate may increase if you have a dependent spouse, child, or parent.
2025 VA Disability Compensation Rates
For Veterans with a 10% to 20% Disability Rating:
If your disability rating is between 10% and 20%, your monthly payment amount remains the same regardless of dependents.
Disability Rating | Monthly Payment (USD) |
10% | $175.51 |
20% | $346.95 |
For Veterans with a 30% to 100% Disability Rating:
Veterans with disability ratings of 30% or higher receive a base rate that increases with their disability rating. This base rate further increases based on the number and type of dependents.
To find your estimated monthly payment, refer to the comprehensive rate tables provided by the VA. These tables outline the different payment amounts based on your disability rating and dependent status.
Key Factors to Consider
- Dependent status: The tables categorize veterans based on whether they have a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
- Added amounts: Additional sums are added to your base rate for each child, and if your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits.
- Spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: If your spouse requires assistance with daily activities due to a disability, they may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, which increase your overall compensation rate.
Where to Find the Rate Tables
You can access the detailed rate tables for 30% to 100% disability ratings on the official VA website. These tables provide a clear breakdown of the different payment amounts based on your specific circumstances.
How to Use the Rate Tables
- Identify your base rate: Locate the table corresponding to your disability rating (30-60% or 70-100%). Find the row that matches your dependent status (e.g., veteran with a spouse and one child). The intersection of your disability rating and dependent status reveals your base monthly rate.
- Calculate added amounts: If you have more than one child or your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits, refer to the “Added amounts” table to determine the additional payments.
- Total your monthly payment: Add your base rate to any applicable added amounts to calculate your total estimated monthly payment.
Important Notes
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): The VA adjusts disability compensation rates annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring your benefits maintain their purchasing power.
- Past rates: You can also access historical VA disability compensation rates on the VA website to compare changes over time.
If you’re still unsure about your exact compensation rate after reviewing this information, our online calculators can provide a personalized estimate based on your specific circumstances.