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Every 2026 base rate from 10% to 100%, plus dependent additions, bilateral factor, SMC-K, and the VA math formula that determines your combined rating. All figures effective December 1, 2025.
The 2026 VA disability compensation rates reflect a 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025, authorized by Congress under 38 U.S.C. § 5312. These rates apply to all veterans receiving service-connected disability compensation under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110 and 1131.
VA disability compensation is tax-free under 26 U.S.C. § 104(a)(4). The tax-equivalent column below shows what you would need to earn in taxable income to match the after-tax value of your VA compensation, assuming a 25% combined federal and state tax rate.
| RATING | MONTHLY | ANNUAL | 30-YR VALUE | TAX EQUIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.03 | $2,100 | $63,009 | $2,625 |
| 20% | $345.78 | $4,149 | $124,481 | $5,186 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,630 | $198,889 | $8,287 |
| 40% | $795.38 | $9,545 | $286,337 | $11,931 |
| 50% | $1,131.68 | $13,580 | $407,405 | $16,975 |
| 60% | $1,432.71 | $17,193 | $515,776 | $21,491 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701 | $651,042 | $27,127 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,226 | $756,774 | $31,532 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,348 | $850,426 | $35,435 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,263 | $1,417,889 | $59,079 |
The VA does not add your ratings. Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.25, the VA uses a combined ratings table. Each rating is applied to the remaining healthy percentage, starting with the highest rating first. Per M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.A, RVSRs apply this formula in descending order.
The rounding rule matters: 83.8% rounds down to 80%, not up to 90%. The VA rounds to the nearest 10, meaning you need a combined value of 85% or higher to reach 90%. This single regulation is why veterans should calculate their combined rating before filing, not after.
Under 38 U.S.C. § 1115, veterans rated at 30% or higher receive additional compensation for dependents. The exact amount depends on your combined rating percentage and the number/type of dependents. A veteran rated at 100% with a spouse and two children receives significantly more than the base rate shown above.
Spouse (including common-law in some states), children under 18, children 18-23 in school, and dependent parents. Add or update dependents at VA.gov using VA Form 21-686c.
When you have disabilities affecting both sides of the body (left knee + right knee, both shoulders, etc.), the VA applies a bilateral factor of 10% to the combined rating of those bilateral conditions before combining them with your other ratings. This small but significant modifier can push your combined rating to the next rounding threshold.
Special Monthly Compensation at the K rate adds $131.44/month on top of your base rate. Common qualifications include loss of use of a creative organ (including erectile dysfunction with a 0% service-connected rating), loss of use of a hand or foot, or anatomical loss.
SMC-K is stackable with your base rating. If you are rated at 70% ($1,808.45) and qualify for SMC-K, your total monthly compensation is $1,939.89.
Under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310, secondary conditions are disabilities caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition. Common examples: radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spine, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, GERD secondary to medications. A single secondary condition can push your combined rating from 80% to 90% or higher - a difference of $260.15/month ($93,654 over 30 years).
Under 38 C.F.R. § 3.400, your effective date determines when compensation begins. If you filed an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966), your effective date locks in up to one year before your formal claim. For increases, § 3.400(o)(2) allows effective dates up to one year before the claim if evidence shows the increase was factually ascertainable within that period.
Retroactive pay can be substantial. A veteran upgraded from 70% to 100% with an effective date 12 months prior would receive approximately $25,561 in back pay (the difference of $2,130.13/month times 12).
A 0% service-connected rating provides: free VA healthcare (Priority Group 6), 10-point federal hiring preference, eligibility for secondary service connection under § 3.310, and eligibility for SMC-K if the condition is erectile dysfunction. Do not dismiss a 0% rating - it is the gateway to additional benefits.
Log in to VA.gov to view your current combined rating and payment amount. If the amount does not match the 2026 rates above, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit your regional office.