VA Disability Pay Chart 2025: What’s Changing and When
Veterans will see a 2.5% COLA applied to compensation effective December 1, 2025, with the updated amounts appearing in January 2026 deposits. This annual adjustment is intended to protect purchasing power as everyday costs—rent, food, transport, and medical needs—continue to rise.
At a glance
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Adjustment: 2.5% COLA
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First month reflected: January 2026
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Tax treatment: Compensation remains taxfree
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Basis: Your disability rating and eligible dependents
Understanding Ratings in the VA Disability Pay Chart 2025
The VA assigns a disability rating from 0% to 100% in 10% steps. Ratings reflect the severity of serviceconnected conditions and their impact on daily life and employability. Determinations rely on:
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Medical evidence and C&P examinations
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Service records and documentation
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Functional impact documented over time
Higher ratings correspond to higher monthly compensation, with additional amounts available for eligible dependents.
Key facts extracted from the provided article
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Change announced: A 2.5% costofliving adjustment (COLA) applied to VA disability compensation.
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Effective date: December 1, 2025 (new amounts show in January 2026 payments).
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Program nature: Taxfree monthly compensation for serviceconnected conditions.
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Ratings: Assigned by the VA from 0% to 100% in 10% increments; higher ratings pay more.
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Common conditions cited: PTSD, hearing loss/tinnitus, chronic back or joint pain, TBI, cardio/respiratory issues, mobility impairments/amputations.
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Why COLA matters: Helps offset inflation and rising living costs (housing, utilities, healthcare).
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Illustrative amounts (postCOLA):
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Application pathway: Gather records → file claim (VA.gov/regional office/mail) → VA review & rating → track status online → optional help via VSO.
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FAQs noted: Effective date, tax status (not taxable), dependents may increase pay, appeals permitted via VA process.
Who May Qualify & Common ServiceConnected Conditions
While each claim is individual, the article highlights frequently rated conditions:
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PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Hearing loss and tinnitus
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Chronic back or joint pain
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders
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Mobility impairments or amputations
These conditions are evaluated under VA schedules to ensure consistent, evidencebased decisions reflected in the VA Disability Pay Chart 2025.
Updated Amounts from the VA Disability Pay Chart 2025
10%20% Disability (No Dependents)
| Disability | Monthly Payment (USD) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 |
| 20% | $346.95 |
30%60% Disability (With Children)
| Dependents | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran + 1 child | 579.42 | 831.16 | 1,173.04 | 1,480.93 |
| Veteran + 1 child + spouse | 648.42 | 922.16 | 1,287.04 | 1,617.93 |
| Veteran + 1 child + spouse + 1 parent | 699.42 | 990.16 | 1,372.04 | 1,719.93 |
| Veteran + 1 child + spouse + 2 parents | 750.42 | 1,058.16 | 1,457.04 | 1,821.93 |
| Veteran + 1 child + 1 parent | 630.42 | 899.16 | 1,258.04 | 1,582.93 |
| Veteran + 1 child + 2 parents | 681.42 | 967.16 | 1,343.04 | 1,684.93 |
Example COLA math: A $1,000 monthly payment in 2024 becomes $1,025 after a 2.5% increase—reflected in January 2026.
Why a 2.5% COLA Matters for Veterans and Families
A seemingly modest annual increase can make a real difference when budgets are tight. According to the details provided, this adjustment helps veterans:
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Keep pace with inflation and rising everyday costs
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Cover medical care, therapy, rehabilitation, and equipment
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Support spouses, children, and dependent parents
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Maintain financial stability when work is limited by serviceconnected conditions
How to Apply or Update Your Case in 2025
To access or optimize benefits shown in the VA Disability Pay Chart 2025, the article outlines a straightforward path:
1) Gather documents
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Service records (e.g., DD214)
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Medical evidence linking conditions to service
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VA Form 21526EZ (claim form)
2) File your claim
3) VA review and rating
4) Track your claim
5) Get help when needed
Quick Answers About the VA Disability Pay Chart 2025
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When do new rates start? COLA is effective December 1, 2025, with new amounts in January 2026 payments.
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Are payments taxable? No—VA disability compensation is taxfree.
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Do dependents affect pay? Yes—eligible spouses, children, and dependent parents can increase the monthly amount.
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Can I appeal my rating? Yes—veterans may appeal if they believe the rating doesn’t reflect current severity.