What the VA disability payment chart shows
The VA disability payment chart lists the monthly dollar amounts the Department of Veterans Affairs pays based on your disability rating. Your rating is a percentage from 0 to 100 percent, assigned in 10-percent increments. The chart shows what each rating pays, and the amount changes every December when the VA adjusts for cost of living.
The payment you receive depends on three things: your disability rating, whether you have dependents (a spouse or children), and whether you receive additional allowances for specific conditions. A veteran rated at 30 percent with no dependents receives a different amount than a 30 percent veteran with a spouse and two children.
You cannot find a single "VA disability payment chart" on one page because the VA publishes separate tables for each rating level and dependent status. The rates change annually, so a chart from 2022 will not match 2024 payments.
Key Takeaways
- VA disability payments are based on your disability rating (10, 20, 30 percent, and so on) and whether you have a spouse or children listed as dependents.
- The VA adjusts all disability payment rates every December for cost of living, so the amount you received last year will not match this year's payment.
- You can find current payment rates on the VA website under "Disability Compensation Rates" or by calling the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
- Additional monthly payments apply if you have a spouse, children, or certain severe conditions like loss of limbs or blindness.
- Your rating and payment amount are set in your VA decision letter; if you disagree with your rating, you can file a higher-level review or appeal.
How disability ratings translate to payment amounts
The VA assigns ratings in 10-percent steps: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 percent. Each rating has a base monthly payment amount. A 10 percent rating pays less than a 20 percent rating, which pays less than a 30 percent rating, and so on. The jump between ratings is not the same at every level — the difference between 50 and 60 percent is larger than the difference between 10 and 20 percent.
The base payment is what you receive with no dependents. If you are married or have children, the VA adds money on top of the base amount. The dependent allowance varies by rating level, so a spouse adds a different amount at 30 percent than at 70 percent.
You can see the current rates by visiting VA.gov and searching for "disability compensation rates" or by calling the VA directly. The rates are published as tables showing the base payment and the additional amounts for a spouse, each child, and parents (if you are rated 100 percent and have no spouse or children).
When and why payment amounts change
The VA increases all disability payments every December 1st based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration. This adjustment is automatic — you do not have to do anything. If you were receiving $500 a month in November, your December payment will be higher by the COLA percentage, which varies year to year.
Your payment can also change if your disability rating changes. If the VA re-evaluates your condition and increases your rating from 30 to 50 percent, your payment jumps to the 50 percent amount. If your rating decreases, your payment decreases. You will receive notice of any rating change before it takes effect.
Adding or removing dependents also changes your payment. If you get married, you can notify the VA and your payment will increase to include the spouse allowance. If you divorce, your payment decreases back to the base amount for your rating.
Additional payments for dependents and special conditions
The VA adds money to your base payment for each person who depends on you. A spouse adds a set amount per month. Each child under age 18 (or under 23 if in school full-time) adds an additional amount. If you are rated 100 percent with no spouse or children, you may receive payments for parents who depend on you, though this is less common.
Certain severe conditions trigger extra monthly payments beyond the base rating amount. These include loss of use of both legs, loss of use of both arms, blindness in both eyes, or combinations of severe losses. These are called special monthly compensation (SMC) payments. If your condition qualifies, the VA will include this in your decision letter and add it automatically to your monthly payment.
You must report changes in your dependent status to the VA. If you marry, have a child, or a child ages out of the system, contact the VA to update your records. You can do this online through VA.gov, by phone, or by mail. Changes usually take effect the month after you report them.
How to find the current payment rates
The fastest way to see current rates is to visit VA.gov and search for "disability compensation rates." The VA publishes the full tables there, updated every December. You can also call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and ask for the current payment amount for your rating and dependent status.
Your own payment amount is shown in your VA decision letter, which you received when your rating was set. If you have lost that letter, you can view your current payment and rating by logging into VA.gov with your account or by calling the VA. The VA will tell you your exact monthly amount, the effective date, and any dependent allowances included.
If you are comparing what you receive to the published chart and the numbers do not match, the difference is usually dependent allowances or special monthly compensation. The published chart shows base amounts; your actual payment includes any additions for dependents or special conditions.
What to do if your payment seems wrong
Start by confirming your rating and dependent status. Log into VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 and ask the VA to read back your current rating, the number of dependents on file, and your monthly payment amount. If the payment matches the published rate for your rating and dependents, the amount is correct.
If the payment is lower than expected, the VA may not have your dependents on file. You can add a spouse or child by submitting VA Form 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) online through VA.gov or by mail. Processing usually takes 30 to 60 days.
If you believe your rating itself is wrong — for example, you think your condition warrants a higher rating — you can file a higher-level review or appeal. This is a separate process from checking your payment amount. Contact the VA or a veterans service officer to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VA disability payment change every year?
Yes. Every December 1st, the VA increases all disability payments by the cost-of-living adjustment percentage. The exact percentage changes each year based on inflation. Your payment will go up automatically; you do not need to do anything.
What is the difference between base pay and the amount I actually receive?
Base pay is the amount for your rating with no dependents. Your actual payment includes the base amount plus any allowances for a spouse, children, or special conditions like loss of limbs. The published charts show base amounts; your personal payment is higher if you have dependents.
How do I add my spouse or children to my VA disability payment?
Submit VA Form 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA office. The form asks for your spouse's or children's names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The VA will add them to your file and increase your payment the following month.
Can I see what I will receive if my rating increases?
Yes. You can look up the published payment rates on VA.gov for any rating level and dependent status. Find the rate for your current dependents at the higher rating you are seeking. Keep in mind that the actual amount may be slightly different if rates change between now and when your rating is decided.
What happens to my payment if I get divorced?
Your payment decreases to the base amount for your rating (no spouse allowance). You should notify the VA of the divorce as soon as possible. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or update your information through VA.gov to avoid overpayment, which you would have to repay.