Pay & Entitlements
VA Disability Guide
2026 RatesTax-free compensation rates, combined-rating calculator, claims process, and PACT Act coverage.
Ready to calculate
The VA doesn't add ratings. Try the combined-rating calculator below.
Each successive disability is applied to the remaining "healthy" percentage — not simply added.
VA combined rating calculator
The VA doesn't simply add ratings. Each successive disability is applied to the remaining "healthy" percentage.
2026 compensation rates
Effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA). All payments tax-free.
Dependent compensation begins at 30% rating. Chart shows alone · with-spouse. Additional for children and dependent parents — see VA.gov.
Full rate tables at VA.govVA healthcare (Priority Group 5), commissary/exchange access, service connection established
Monthly tax-free payment, VA home loan funding fee exemption
Additional dependent compensation begins, clothing allowance eligibility
CRDP eligibility (retirees), Priority Group 1 healthcare (no copays)
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) priority, CHAMPVA for dependents
Maximum comp ($3,938.58/mo), full dental, CHAMPVA, Chapter 35 DEA for deps, state property tax exemptions
All above + permanent status, no future re-examinations, additional state-specific benefits
Ready to file?
File your claim online at VA.gov. Start with an Intent to File to preserve your effective date.
File a claim at VA.govGeneral information about VA disability compensation. Not legal advice. Every claim is unique — consult with a VA-accredited representative (VSO, attorney, or claims agent) for your specific situation.
About this entitlement
What you need to know — straight from the regulation
What VA disability compensation is
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities. It is authorized under Chapter 11 of Title 38 of the United States Code (38 U.S.C. Ch. 11) and administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Disability ratings are assigned in 10-percent increments from 0% to 100% based on the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) in 38 CFR Part 4.
Compensation rates are set by statute and adjusted annually by the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), effective December 1 each year.
38 U.S.C. Chapter 11 · 38 CFR Part 4 (VASRD)
How multiple ratings combine
When a veteran has more than one service-connected condition, the combined rating is computed using the formula in 38 CFR § 4.25, not by simple addition. Each successive rating reduces the remaining "efficiency," and the final combined value is rounded to the nearest 10%.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 provides higher compensation for specific severe disabilities (such as loss of a limb or need for aid and attendance) and is not computed from the combined rating.
38 CFR § 4.25 (combined ratings) · 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (SMC)
PACT Act presumptive conditions
The Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-168) expanded the list of conditions presumed to be service-connected for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service. Presumptive service connection under the PACT Act means the VA presumes the connection for eligible veterans without requiring them to prove it, which significantly streamlines the claims process.
Public Law 117-168 · 38 U.S.C. §§ 1116, 1117, 1120 (presumptives)
Source & references
- Primary source
- VA.gov · 38 U.S.C. Chapter 11 · 38 CFR Part 4 · Public Law 117-168 (PACT Act) — view official publication
- Regulatory reference
- 38 U.S.C. Ch. 11 · 38 CFR Part 4, § 4.25 · 38 U.S.C. § 1114 · Public Law 117-168
- Effective date
- December 1, 2025 (CY2026 rates)
- VA.gov — 2026 disability compensation rates
- https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
Military Toolkit is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, DFAS, DTMO, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any government agency. Rates and rules on this page are pulled directly from the publications cited above. Always verify with your finance office, TMO, or the official rate page before making financial or planning decisions.
FAQ
VA disability — frequently asked questions
- What is VA disability compensation for 50% with dependents in 2026?
- A veteran rated 50% with a spouse and one child receives approximately $1,224.39/month in 2026 (base 50% rate plus dependent additions). Exact amount depends on dependent count and any aid-and-attendance / housebound add-ons under SMC. Use the VA disability calculator for your specific configuration.
- How does the VA combine multiple disability ratings?
- Not by simple addition. The VA uses the residual-efficiency formula in 38 CFR § 4.25 ("VA math"): for each rating, calculate the remaining non-disabled percentage; multiply across all conditions; subtract from 100 to get the combined value; round to the nearest 10%. Example: 50% + 30% combines to 65%, rounds to 70% — not 80%.
- What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?
- SMC is additional compensation above the standard schedular rate for veterans with severe disabilities — loss of use of a limb, blindness, deafness, aid and attendance need, housebound status, or combinations. SMC levels run from SMC-K through SMC-S and beyond, with rates from approximately $128.62/month (SMC-K) up to $11,265.04/month (SMC-R/2) in 2026.
- What is the difference between CRDP and CRSC?
- CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay) restores retired pay that would otherwise be offset by VA compensation, for retirees with 20+ years of service rated 50%+. CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation) is a separate non-taxable payment for combat-related disabilities, available to retirees regardless of years of service. You cannot receive both for the same disability — DFAS pays whichever is higher.
- How long does a VA disability claim take?
- The VA reports an average of 130–180 days for a standard fully-developed claim in 2026. Pre-discharge BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) claims average 60–120 days. PACT Act claims may take longer due to volume; expedited handling is available for terminally ill, financially distressed, and homeless veterans.
Keep going
Related veteran tools
REF: VA Disability Compensation Rates, effective 01 DEC 2025, effective 2026 rates (2.8% COLA)
VA.gov · 38 U.S.C. Ch. 11 · 38 CFR Part 4 · Public Law 117-168 (PACT Act)
Results are estimates. Always verify with your finance office.