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At a Glance
VA disability pay for 2024 increased by 3.2%. New VA disability compensation rates take effect December 1, 2023. Below are the 2024 rates and a VA disability payment calculator to quickly determine your disability compensation.
Within this Article
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Compensation Amounts:
Monthly Compensation $
Annual Compensation $
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2024 VA Disability Pay Charts
Note: The following figures come from the 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) releases the final figures on December 1, 2023.
Calculating Added Amounts for Aid and Attendance and Additional Children
Veterans with a 30% or greater disability rating may receive additional compensation for dependent children or a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance benefits. To calculate additional compensation, use the respective "additional" rows at the end of each table.
For example, a Veteran with a 30% disability rating, a spouse and three children under 18 would receive $693.64 each month. $631.64 (Veteran with Spouse and Child) + $31 (additional child 1) + $31 (additional child 2).
2024 Pay Rates for 30% – 60% Disability Rating
| Dependent Status | 30% Disability Rating | 40% Disability Rating | 50% Disability Rating | 60% Disability Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran (No Dependents) | $524.31 | $755.28 | $1,075.16 | $1,361.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse (No Dependents) | $586.31 | $838.28 | $1,179.16 | $1,486.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child | $632.31 | $899.28 | $1,255.16 | $1,577.88 |
| Veteran with 1 Child | $565.31 | $810.28 | $1,144.16 | $1,444.88 |
| Veteran with 1 Parent | $574.31 | $821.28 | $1,158.16 | $1,461.88 |
| Veteran with 2 Parents | $624.31 | $887.28 | $1,241.16 | $1,561.88 |
| Veteran with 1 Parent and 1 Child | $615.31 | $876.28 | $1,227.16 | $1,544.88 |
| Veteran with 2 Parents and 1 Child | $665.31 | $942.28 | $1,310.16 | $1,644.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Parent | $636.31 | $904.28 | $1,262.16 | $1,586.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 2 Parents | $686.31 | $970.28 | $1,345.16 | $1,686.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse, 1 Parent and 1 Child | $682.31 | $965.28 | $1,338.16 | $1,677.88 |
| Veteran with Spouse, 2 Parents and 1 Child | $732.31 | $1,031.28 | $1,421.16 | $1,777.88 |
| Each Additional Child Under 18 | $31 | $41 | $51 | $62 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 in School | $100 | $133 | $167 | $200 |
| Additional for Spouse on Aid and Attendance | $57 | $76 | $95 | $114 |
2024 Pay Rates for 70% – 100% Disability Rating
| Dependent Status | 70% Disability Rating | 80% Disability Rating | 90% Disability Rating | 100% Disability Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran (No Dependents) | $1,716.28 | $1,995.01 | $2,241.91 | $3,737.85 |
| Veteran with Spouse (No Dependents) | $1,861.28 | $2,161.01 | $2,428.91 | $3,946.25 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child | $1,968.28 | $2,283.01 | $2,565.91 | $4,098.87 |
| Veteran with 1 Child | $1,813.28 | $2,106.01 | $2,366.91 | $3,877.22 |
| Veteran with 1 Parent | $1,833.28 | $2,128.01 | $2,391.91 | $3,905.11 |
| Veteran with 2 Parents | $1,950.28 | $2,261.01 | $2,541.91 | $4,072.37 |
| Veteran with 1 Parent and 1 Child | $1,930.28 | $2,239.01 | $2,516.91 | $4,044.48 |
| Veteran with 2 Parents and 1 Child | $2,047.28 | $2,372.01 | $2,666.91 | $4,211.74 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Parent | $1,978.28 | $2,294.01 | $2,578.91 | $4,113.51 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 2 Parents | $2,095.28 | $2,427.01 | $2,728.91 | $4,280.77 |
| Veteran with Spouse, 1 Parent and 1 Child | $2,085.28 | $2,416.01 | $2,715.91 | $4,266.13 |
| Veteran with Spouse, 2 Parents and 1 Child | $2,202.28 | $2,549.01 | $2,865.91 | $4,433.39 |
| Each Additional Child Under 18 | $72 | $82 | $93 | $103.55 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 in School | $234 | $267 | $301 | $334.49 |
| Additional for Spouse on Aid and Attendance | $134 | $153 | $172 | $191.14 |
Historic VA Disability Pay Increases
VA disability pay increased by 3.2% in 2024. See the table below to compare these changes from 1976 to today.
| VA Disability % | Effective Date | VA Disability % | Effective Date |
| 3.20% | Dec. 1 2023 | 2.10% | Dec. 1, 1997 |
| 8.70% | Dec. 1, 2022 | 2.90% | Dec. 1, 1996 |
| 5.90% | Dec. 1, 2021 | 2.60% | Dec. 1, 1995 |
| 1.30% | Dec. 1, 2020 | 2.80% | Dec. 1, 1994 |
| 1.60% | Dec. 1, 2019 | 2.60% | Dec. 1, 1993 |
| 2.80% | Dec. 1, 2018 | 3.00% | Dec. 1, 1992 |
| 2.00% | Dec. 1, 2017 | 3.70% | Dec. 1, 1991 |
| 0.30% | Dec. 1, 2016 | 5.40% | Dec. 1, 1990 |
| 0.00% | Dec. 1, 2015 | 4.70% | Dec. 1, 1989 |
| 1.70% | Dec. 1, 2014 | 4.00% | Dec. 1, 1988 |
| 1.50% | Dec. 1, 2013 | 4.20% | Dec. 1, 1987 |
| 1.70% | Dec. 1, 2012 | 1.30% | Dec. 1, 1986 |
| 3.60% | Dec. 1, 2011 | 3.10% | Dec. 1, 1985 |
| 0.00% | Dec. 1, 2010 | 3.50% | Dec. 1, 1984 |
| 0.00% | Dec. 1, 2009 | 3.50% | Dec. 1, 1983 |
| 5.80% | Dec. 1, 2008 | 7.40% | Oct. 1, 1982 |
| 2.30% | Dec. 1, 2007 | 11.20% | June 1, 1981 |
| 3.30% | Dec. 1, 2006 | 14.30% | June 1, 1981 |
| 4.10% | Dec. 1, 2005 | 9.90% | June 1, 1979 |
| 2.70% | Dec. 1, 2004 | 6.50% | Jan. 1, 1979 |
| 2.10% | Dec. 1, 2003 | 5.90% | Oct. 1, 1978 |
| 1.40% | Dec. 1, 2002 | 6.40% | Oct. 1, 1977 |
| 2.60% | Dec. 1, 2001 | 8.00% | Oct. 1, 1976 |
| 3.50% | Dec. 1, 2000 |
How VA Disability Pay Works
VA disability pay can be complicated. Below is a general breakdown of how this benefit works.
How do I Determine my VA Disability Compensation?
To determine your disability compensation, you need to file a claim with VA. The VA rates your disability by severity after reviewing every piece of evidence in your claim.
You may only receive compensation for a single diagnostic code per condition, even if that condition satisfies more than one diagnostic code. However, those with more than one condition may receive additional compensation based on the combined rating system.
You may receive additional compensation if:
- You have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
- you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents
- you have a seriously disabled spouse
Note: If you have more than one child or your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits (signified by A&A in the table cell below), be sure to include the figures from the "Add" row.
Did you know: Veterans can use their disability income in conjunction with their VA loan benefits. Speak with a home loan specialist to see how much you can afford.
Am I Eligible for VA Disability Compensation?
Veterans with a service-connected physical or mental disability that makes everyday tasks difficult or impossible may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
Eligibility to file a VA disability claim is dependent on meeting one of the following conditions as set by the VA:
- A Veteran who became sick or injured while serving in the military, or
- A Veteran with an illness or injury before enlisting that was worsened by service, or
- A Veteran with a service-connected disability that didn't appear until after separating from the military
The VA will need evidence to support your disability claim when applying, which we discuss in the next section.
How do I Apply for VA Disability Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs recommends eligible Veterans apply for disability compensation benefits through the VA's eBenefits online portal. However, Veterans may also apply by mail with VA Form 21-526EZ, in person at your regional benefits office, or with help from a trained professional.
In any case, you will need access to your DD214 (or equivalent discharge or separation papers), the medical evidence of the disability, and dependency records (marriage license and children's birth certificates).
If you have yet to separate from service, you may still apply using the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. To be eligible for the BDD, you must:
- Be on full-time active duty (including members of the National Guard, Reserve, or Coast Guard), and
- Have a known separation date, and
- Your separation date is in the next 90 to 180 days
If you have less than 90 days until separation, you may still file a fully developed or standard claim.
Types of VA Disability Compensation Claims
Generally, there are three methods to apply for disability compensation, each with different timelines to receive benefits.
Decision Ready Claims Program
The fastest method of applying is through the VA's Decision Ready Claims (DRC) program. This program requires you to work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) but generally processes claims in 30 days or less.
As of now, the only types of claims the DRC program processes are:
- Conditions that began during, or caused by, service (Direct Service Connection Claim)
- Conditions that are believed to be caused by military service with no direct evidence (Presumptive Service Connection Claim)
- Conditions caused or made worse by a service-connected disability (Secondary Service Connection Claim)
- A current disability claim that is medically proven to have gotten worse (Increased Disability Claim)
- Claims for eligible surviving spouses (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Claim)
- Claims for service members with less than 90 days before separating from the military (Pre-Discharge Claim)
There are additional restrictions for filing under the DRC program. Those applying can consult their VSO to determine if the DRC program is right for them.
Fully Developed Disability Claims
The next fasted option is the Fully Developed Disability Claims (FDDC) program.
The primary difference between the FDDC program and filing a standard claim is the Veteran must provide all evidence upfront and certify there's no additional evidence needed to make a claim decision.
At a minimum, the Veteran should provide:
- All military personnel records on the condition, and
- All service treatment records on the condition, and
- All private (non-VA) medical records on the condition, and
- All VA health records or supplementary information about related VA health records that the VA can request on your behalf
If the VA requires additional information, the claim typically gets removed from the FDDC program and is processed as a standard claim.
Standard VA Disability Claims
With standard VA disability claims, the VA gathers evidence and compiles all supporting documents.
If the VA is unable to obtain a needed document, they may require your help. When help is required, it typically applies to documents not held by a federal agency, such as private medical records, employer information, and documents from state or local governments.
As with all claims programs, be prepared to provide your DD214 (or other separation documents), service treatment records, VA medical records, and private medical records about your claim. Those needing help applying for their VA disability claim may also work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Combined Rating System for Veterans with Multiple Disabilities
Veterans with multiple disabilities use the combined rating system.
To use the combined rating system, arrange the disabilities in order by severity and locate the intersect of the two numbers on the table below.
The VA rounds the final figure to the nearest to 10 percent.
If the Veteran has more than two disabilities, find the combined value for the first two, without rounding, and repeat with the third disability. Once you have a final number, round to the nearest 10%.
For example, if disability 1's rating is 40% and disability 2's is 20%, the combined rating is 52%. That figure gets rounded to the nearest 10%, making the disability rating 50%.
For a three-disability example, if disability 1's rating is 60%, disability 2's rating is 30%, and disability 3's rating is 20%, we first find the rating of 1 and 2. The rating of 1 and 2 comes out to be 72. We then take the first combined rating and find the intersect with disability 3. The final number comes out at an even 80% rating.
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 27 | 35 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 92 |
| 20 | 28 | 36 | 44 | 52 | 60 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 92 |
| 21 | 29 | 37 | 45 | 53 | 61 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 92 |
| 22 | 30 | 38 | 45 | 53 | 61 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 92 |
| 23 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 54 | 62 | 69 | 77 | 85 | 92 |
| 24 | 32 | 39 | 47 | 54 | 62 | 70 | 77 | 85 | 92 |
| 25 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 70 | 78 | 85 | 93 |
| 26 | 33 | 41 | 48 | 56 | 63 | 70 | 78 | 85 | 93 |
| 27 | 34 | 42 | 49 | 56 | 64 | 71 | 78 | 85 | 93 |
| 28 | 35 | 42 | 50 | 57 | 64 | 71 | 78 | 86 | 93 |
| 29 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 57 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 93 |
| 30 | 37 | 44 | 51 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 93 |
| 31 | 38 | 45 | 52 | 59 | 66 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 93 |
| 32 | 39 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 66 | 73 | 80 | 86 | 93 |
| 33 | 40 | 46 | 53 | 60 | 67 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 93 |
| 34 | 41 | 47 | 54 | 60 | 67 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 93 |
| 35 | 42 | 48 | 55 | 61 | 68 | 74 | 81 | 87 | 94 |
| 36 | 42 | 49 | 55 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 81 | 87 | 94 |
| 37 | 43 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 69 | 75 | 81 | 87 | 94 |
| 38 | 44 | 50 | 57 | 63 | 69 | 75 | 81 | 88 | 94 |
| 39 | 45 | 51 | 57 | 63 | 70 | 76 | 82 | 88 | 94 |
| 40 | 46 | 52 | 58 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 82 | 88 | 94 |
| 41 | 47 | 53 | 59 | 65 | 71 | 76 | 82 | 88 | 94 |
| 42 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 71 | 77 | 83 | 88 | 94 |
| 43 | 49 | 54 | 60 | 66 | 72 | 77 | 83 | 89 | 94 |
| 44 | 50 | 55 | 61 | 66 | 72 | 78 | 83 | 89 | 94 |
| 45 | 51 | 56 | 62 | 67 | 73 | 78 | 84 | 89 | 95 |
| 46 | 51 | 57 | 62 | 68 | 73 | 78 | 84 | 89 | 95 |
| 47 | 52 | 58 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 79 | 84 | 89 | 95 |
| 48 | 53 | 58 | 64 | 69 | 74 | 79 | 84 | 90 | 95 |
| 49 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 69 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
| 50 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
| 51 | 56 | 61 | 66 | 71 | 76 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 |
| 52 | 57 | 62 | 66 | 71 | 76 | 81 | 86 | 90 | 95 |
| 53 | 58 | 62 | 67 | 72 | 77 | 81 | 86 | 91 | 95 |
| 54 | 59 | 63 | 68 | 72 | 77 | 82 | 86 | 91 | 95 |
| 55 | 60 | 64 | 69 | 73 | 78 | 82 | 87 | 91 | 96 |
| 56 | 60 | 65 | 69 | 74 | 78 | 82 | 87 | 91 | 96 |
| 57 | 61 | 66 | 70 | 74 | 79 | 83 | 87 | 91 | 96 |
| 58 | 62 | 66 | 71 | 75 | 79 | 83 | 87 | 92 | 96 |
| 59 | 63 | 67 | 71 | 75 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 |
| 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 |
| 61 | 65 | 69 | 73 | 77 | 81 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 |
| 62 | 66 | 70 | 73 | 77 | 81 | 85 | 89 | 92 | 96 |
| 63 | 67 | 70 | 74 | 78 | 82 | 85 | 89 | 93 | 96 |
| 64 | 68 | 71 | 75 | 78 | 82 | 86 | 89 | 93 | 96 |
| 65 | 69 | 72 | 76 | 79 | 83 | 86 | 90 | 93 | 97 |
| 66 | 69 | 73 | 76 | 80 | 83 | 86 | 90 | 93 | 97 |
| 67 | 70 | 74 | 77 | 80 | 84 | 87 | 90 | 93 | 97 |
| 68 | 71 | 74 | 78 | 81 | 84 | 87 | 90 | 94 | 97 |
| 69 | 72 | 75 | 78 | 81 | 85 | 88 | 91 | 94 | 97 |
| 70 | 73 | 76 | 79 | 82 | 85 | 88 | 91 | 94 | 97 |
| 71 | 74 | 77 | 80 | 83 | 86 | 88 | 91 | 94 | 97 |
| 72 | 75 | 78 | 80 | 83 | 86 | 89 | 92 | 94 | 97 |
| 73 | 76 | 78 | 81 | 84 | 87 | 89 | 92 | 95 | 97 |
| 74 | 77 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 87 | 90 | 92 | 95 | 97 |
| 75 | 78 | 80 | 83 | 85 | 88 | 90 | 93 | 95 | 98 |
| 76 | 78 | 81 | 83 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 93 | 95 | 98 |
| 77 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 89 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 98 |
| 78 | 80 | 82 | 85 | 87 | 89 | 91 | 93 | 96 | 98 |
| 79 | 81 | 83 | 85 | 87 | 90 | 92 | 94 | 96 | 98 |
| 80 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 92 | 94 | 96 | 98 |
| 81 | 83 | 85 | 87 | 89 | 91 | 92 | 94 | 96 | 98 |
| 82 | 84 | 86 | 87 | 89 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 96 | 98 |
| 83 | 85 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 95 | 97 | 98 |
| 84 | 86 | 87 | 89 | 90 | 92 | 94 | 95 | 97 | 98 |
| 85 | 87 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 93 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 99 |
| 86 | 87 | 89 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 99 |
| 87 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 99 |
| 88 | 89 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 98 | 99 |
| 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 |
| 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 |
| 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 |
| 92 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 98 | 99 |
| 93 | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 99 |
| 94 | 95 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 98 | 99 | 99 |
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ByPam Swan, VP of Military Relations and Business Development
Pam Swan is the National Military Relations Director for Veterans United. She has been actively working to serve members of the military and Veterans for over 3 decades. Pam is able to raise awareness of the VA Loan through financial education briefings presented to service members across the country. She is also married to a U.S. Army retired soldier of more than 20 years.
About Our Editorial Process
Veterans United is recognized as the leading VA lender in the nation, unmatched in our specialization and expertise in VA loans. Our strict adherence to accuracy and the highest editorial standards guarantees our information is based on thoroughly vetted, unbiased research. Committed to excellence, we offer guidance to our nation's Veterans, ensuring their homebuying experience is informed, seamless and secured with integrity.
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