The 2020 VA disability rates were released on October 10, 2019, with the implementation of the Social Security Administration’s announcement of a 1.6% increase in the 2020 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
2020 VA disability rates are effective December 1, 2019, and disabled veterans will see the new 1.6% increase on their January 1, 2020 VA compensation payment.
This means Disabled Veterans with a current VA disability rating of 10% of higher will receive a 1.6% increase in their VA disability pay rate for 2020.
For example, if you were previously getting $1,000 per month tax-free, a 1.6% VA pay increase is $16, so a veterans VA disabiltiy compensation pay in 2020 would go up to $1,016 per month.
Table of Contents
- 2020 VA Disability Rates Table
- VA Compensation Rates 2020
- VA Disability Pay – Frequently Asked Questions
- Is VA Disability Pay Tax Free?
- What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?
- What is VA Special Monthly Compensation?
- How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation
- How to Apply for VA Special Monthly Compensation
- How to Find the VA Regional Office in Your State
- How to Find VA Locations Near Me
- About the Author
Did you know 80% of Veterans (8/10 of you reading this right now…) are being shortchanged nearly $1,000/month tax-free on your 2020 VA disability pay?
>> Click HERE to learn “HOW to Increase Your Service Connected VA Disability Rating!” <<
The complete 2020 VA disability pay rates table along with footnotes is shown below.
2020 VA Disability Rates Table
10% – 20% VA Rating (No Dependents) | ||||
VA Percentage | VA Pay Rate | |||
10% VA Pay Rate in 2020 | $142.29 | |||
20% VA Pay Rate in 2020 | $281.27 | |||
30% – 60% VA Rating (Without Children) | ||||
Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
Veteran Alone | $435.69 | $627.61 | $893.43 | $1,131.68 |
Veteran with Spouse Only | $487.51 | $696.70 | $979.79 | $1,235.31 |
Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $529.16 | $751.57 | $1,048.88 | $1,318.63 |
Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $570.82 | $806.43 | $1,117.97 | $1,401.94 |
Veteran with One Parent | $477.35 | $682.48 | $962.52 | $1,214.99 |
Veteran with Two Parents | $519.00 | $737.34 | $1,031.61 | $1,298.31 |
Additional for A/A spouse | $47.75 | $62.99 | $79.25 | $95.50 |
70% – 100% VA Rating (Without Children) | ||||
Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
Veteran Alone | $1,426.17 | $1,657.80 | $1,862.96 | $3,106.04 |
Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,547.07 | $1,795.97 | $2,018.41 | $3,279.22 |
Veteran with Spouseand One Parent | $1,643.59 | $1,906.72 | $2,143.37 | $3,418.20 |
Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $1,740.11 | $2,017.46 | $2,268.34 | $3,557.18 |
Veteran with One Parent | $1,522.69 | $1,768.54 | $1,987.93 | $3,245.02 |
Veteran with Two Parents | $1,619.21 | $1,879.29 | $2,112.89 | $3,384.00 |
Additional for A/A spouse | $110.74 | $127.00 | $143.26 | $158.82 |
30% – 60% VA Rating (With Children) | ||||
Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
Veteran with Spouseand Child | $525.10 | $747.50 | $1,042.78 | $1,311.51 |
Veteran with Child Only | $470.24 | $673.33 | $950.33 | $1,200.77 |
Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $566.76 | $802.37 | $1,111.87 | $1,394.83 |
Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $608.41 | $857.23 | $1,180.96 | $1,478.14 |
Veteran with One Parent and Child | $511.89 | $728.20 | $1,019.41 | $1,284.08 |
Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $553.55 | $783.06 | $1,088.50 | $1,367.39 |
Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $25.40 | $33.53 | $42.67 | $50.80 |
Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $83.31 | $110.74 | $138.18 | $166.62 |
Additional for A/A spouse | $47.75 | $62.99 | $79.25 | $95.50 |
70% – 100% VA Rating (With Children) | ||||
Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
Veteran with Spouseand Child | $1,635.47 | $1,897.57 | $2,132.20 | $3,406.05 |
Veteran with Child Only | $1,506.43 | $1,750.25 | $1,966.59 | $3,221.86 |
Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $1,731.99 | $2,008.32 | $2,257.17 | $3,545.03 |
Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $1,828.51 | $2,119.06 | $2,382.13 | $3,684.01 |
Veteran with One Parent and Child | $1,602.95 | $1,861.00 | $2,091.56 | $3,360.84 |
Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $1,699.47 | $1,971.74 | $2,216.53 | $3,499.82 |
Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $59.94 | $68.07 | $77.22 | $86.05 |
Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $194.06 | $221.49 | $249.94 | $277.96 |
Additional for A/A spouse | $110.74 | $127.00 | $143.26 | $158.82 |
- Rates for each school child are shown separately. They are not included with any other compensation rates. All other entries on this chart reflecting a rate for children show the rate payable for children under 18 or helpless. To find the amount payable to a 70% disabled veteran with a spouse and four children, one of whom is over 18 and attending school, take the 70% rate for a veteran with a spouse and 3 children and add the rate for one school child.
- Where the veteran has a spouse who is determined to require Aid and Attendance (A/A), add the figure shown as “additional for A/A spouse” to the amount shown for the proper dependency code. For example, veteran has A/A spouse and 2 minor children and is 70% disabled. Add $110.74, additional for A/A spouse, to the rate for a 70% veteran to calculate the total amount.
VA Compensation Rates 2020

VA Disability Pay – Frequently Asked Questions
Is VA Disability Pay Tax Free?
VA Disability Pay is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury that was caused or made worse during active duty military service.
Compensation benefits require that your disability be service connected.
You must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.
Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.
At VA Claims Insider, we refer to this as “severity of symptoms,” meaning Veterans must explain HOW their disabilities are negatively impacting their work, life, and/or social functioning.
Deserve a HIGHER VA Rating? Click HERE for instant free access to learn 3 VA Disability SECRETS to getting a higher VA disability rating in less time.
What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities.
DIC for parents is an income-based benefit.
Click HERE to learn more about this hidden benefit.
What is VA Special Monthly Compensation?
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents.
For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of one arm or leg.
For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person.
Click HERE to read about Special Monthly Compensation from A to Z.
How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation
The easiest way to apply for VA disability compensation is by obtaining an eBenefits or VA.gov account and applyingonline.
When applying for VA disability benefits in 2020, you must have access to the following information:
- Discharge or separation papers (DD 214 or equivalent)
- Medical evidence (service treatment records, VA medical records, and/or private medical records)
- Dependency records (marriage and children’s birth certificates)
Alternatively, you may print and mail-inVA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefitsor call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to have the form mailed to you.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefitsand mail it to your nearest VA regional office in your state.
How to Apply for VA Special Monthly Compensation
The VA will automatically award Special Monthly Compensation if your disability qualifies.
To apply for SMC if you are housebound or required the aid and attendance of someone to perform daily living functions completeVA Form 21-2680and mail it to your nearest VA Regional Office in your state.
How to Find the VA Regional Office in Your State
If you’ve ever tried to search for a “VA Regional Office Near Me” you’re in the right place Veterans!
Each state has a VA Regional Office in a specific city.
Click HERE to search for and find the VA Regional Office in your state.
How to Find VA Locations Near Me
Veterans can now search for VA locations near you with the VA’s new facility locator tool.
You can search for your nearest VA medical center as well as other health facilities, benefit offices, cemeteries, community care providers and Vet Centers.
You can also filter your results by service type to find locations that offer the specific service you’re looking for.
Click HERE to find VA locations and VA resources now.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Founder & CEO
Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims Insider–“The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”
His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to create“VA Claims Insider,”which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim.
Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.
His eBook, the“9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim”has been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans.
He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
FAQs
How much is 100 percent VA disability 2023? ›
Combined VA Rating | 2023 VA Compensation Rates (8.7% increase) | 2021 VA Compensation Rates |
---|---|---|
70% | $1,663.06 | $1,444.71 |
80% | $1,933.15 | $1,679.35 |
90% | $2,172.39 | $1,887.18 |
100% | $3,621.95 | $3,146.42 |
The adjustment for 2023 means a disabled veteran with a 10% VA rating can expect to see about $13.28 more each month, and a 100% disabled veteran with no dependents will receive $300 more per payment. Learn more online.
How do I go from 90% to 100% VA disability rating? ›- #1 Add an additional service-connected condition.
- #2 Increase the rating of an existing service-connected condition.
- #3 Apply for TDIU.
Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.
Will VA disability rates increase in 2024? ›2024 VA disability rates, which are effective December 1, 2023 (payable January 1, 2024), are estimated to increase by 3.1% based on the latest Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA) data.
What is 90 percent VA disability for 2023? ›Dependent status | 70% disability rating (in U.S. $) | 90% disability rating (in U.S. $) |
---|---|---|
Dependent status | With 1 child, spouse and 2 parents | 2,133.06 |
Dependent status | With 1 child and 1 parent | 1,870.06 |
Dependent status | With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | 1,983.06 |
No, VA disability does not stop at age 65; nor does it stop at age 67. VA disability benefits are for the life of the disabled veteran! And in some instances, the veteran's VA benefits can pass to the surviving spouse. At age 65, a disabled veteran may also become eligible for VA pension benefits.
How many veterans are 100 percent disabled? ›nearly three million to nearly 4.8 million veterans, or a 61 percent increase. For the same period, the number of 100 percent disabled veterans increased from about 260,000 to more than 680,000, or a 161 percent increase. healthcare and educational expenses for dependents, as well as dental care for veterans.
What is the 55 year old rule for VA disability? ›The 55-Year Rule states that veterans receiving VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions are exempt from periodic future examinations once they turn 55.
How many veterans are 90 disabled? ›According to VBA data reported to congress, 7.3% of disabled veterans or 348,325 out of 4,743,108 currently have a 90 percent VA disability rating.
How hard is it to go from 80% to 100% VA disability? ›
Because of the way in which VA adds disabilities together, it is difficult to go from a schedular 80 percent to a schedular 100 percent rating. You would need to have another condition rated at 80 percent in order to receive a 100 percent combined schedular rating.
How hard is it to get a 100 VA disability rating? ›Total Disability Individual Unemployability
To qualify for a 100 percent TDIU rating, the Veteran must have one disability rated at 60 percent or higher or two or more disabilities that have a combined rating of at least 70 percent, with one rated at 40 percent or higher.
- Prepare for Your C&P exam ahead of time.
- Be upfront with your concerns and day-to-day issues.
- Explain about “bad days” and how often they occur. ...
- Get a copy of the C&P results.
- Bring someone close to you to the appointment.
- Remember that you might have multiple visits.
- Tip #1. Always Attend Your Exam. ...
- Tip #2. Know What the Purpose of the Exam is Before You Attend. ...
- Tip #3. Be Honest. ...
- Tip #4. Don't Downplay the Severity of Your Symptoms. ...
- Tip #5. Don't Exaggerate. ...
- Tip #6. Bring a Companion. ...
- Tip #7. Request a Copy of Your Exam. ...
- Tip #8.
You could get a favorable decision under these conditions: The C&P exam went well, meaning you completed all questions, and the exam report was declared veteran-friendly. The attending physician reviewed all medical records and stated as such in their exam report.
Will VA retirement increase in 2023? ›2023 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there will be an 8.7 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for most retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities effective Dec.
SSDI and VA disability compensations are not affected by each other, so you may be eligible to receive both.
Will the veterans cola increase in 2024? ›What is the Effective Date of VA Disability Rates 2024? 2024 VA disability rates will be effective December 1, 2023. Disabled veterans could see a 3.1% COLA increase on their January 1, 2024 VA disability payment. Brian Reese from VA Claims Insider estimates a reasonable 2024 COLA range between 2.5% and 3.5%.
At what age does VA disability become permanent? ›There is no set age of when your VA disability becomes permanent. The VA rater will determine “permanence” of a VA disability if it is reasonably certain, based upon medical evidence, that the level of impairment will continue for the rest of your life. Translation: Whether you're 35 or 75 years old it does not matter.
What does 80% VA disability entitle you to? ›In addition to VA disability compensation, veterans rated at 80 percent may be eligible for additional benefits, including, but not limited to: Special Monthly Compensation. Veterans Benefits Banking Program. Travel allowances for VA Medical Center appointments.
How much is special monthly compensation for erectile dysfunction? ›
SMC has a category termed “loss of use of a creative organ.” Under this category, SMC (k), you can receive monthly compensation for erectile dysfunction, which in 2022 is nearly $120 a month.
How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.
Can 100 percent disabled veteran get Social Security? ›A Veterans Affairs compensation rating of 100% P&T doesn't guarantee that you'll receive Social Security disability benefits. To receive disability benefits from Social Security, a person must have a severe impairment expected to last at least one year or to result in death.
Does VA disability last a lifetime? ›Because VA disability benefits depend on your condition, they do not necessarily last forever. Yet the VA can designate you as totally and permanently disabled if your condition is especially severe. In that case, VA benefits continue for life unless evidence of VA claim fraud arises.
Can disabled veterans fly free? ›These benefits, which can include healthcare coverage and free travel, are available to make daily life easier and improve your quality of life with your service-related injury or illness. This post reviews some of the benefits available to veterans with a 100% disability rating.
Can veterans fly for free? ›Service members and their families can use Space-A flights – formally known as Military Airlift Command or MAC flights – to travel around the country and world at a reduced cost or for free.
What is the new VA proposal for 2024? ›The 2024 mandatory funding request is $182.3 billion, an increase of $13.6 billion or 8.1% above 2023. 2024 mandatory funding includes $160.0 billion in traditional benefits to Veterans, plus $1.9 billion for construction and $20.3 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF).
Does the VA consider PTSD permanent? ›The veteran's total disability due to PTSD is permanent with no likelihood of improvement. The 100 percent rating for PTSD is total, permanent, and static in nature.
What is the 8 year rule for VA disability? ›The 8-year provision actually goes both ways. The veteran needs to have been totally disabled for at least 8 years before death and then the benefit will be granted to surviving spouses for the same 8 years.
Do you lose VA disability when you retire? ›The law requires that a military retiree waive a portion of their gross DoD retired pay, dollar for dollar, by the amount of their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation pay; this is known as the VA waiver (or VA offset).
Can a 90 percent disabled veteran receive Social Security? ›
Disabled veterans with a combined rating of 10% or greater are entitled to compensation in the form of a cash benefit. A single- or combined-impairment rating of 100% constitutes total-disability status. As the accompanying tabulation shows, higher disability ratings entitle recipients to greater benefit amounts.
How much does a spouse get from VA disability after death? ›If you're the surviving spouse of a Veteran, your monthly rate would start at $1,562.74. Then for each additional benefit you qualify for, you would add the amounts from the Added amounts table.
Why are there so many disabled veterans? ›Less restrictive and more liberal laws have led to the explosion of disability claims by veterans. During the Revolutionary War, disability payments came only when a service man lost a limb, but now, problems stemming from diabetes and sleep apnea, just to list two examples, are basis for disabled veterans claims.
What percentage is PTSD for VA disability? ›A VA disability rating for PTSD is based on statutes that outline what symptoms meet which level of disability. PTSD is only rated at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% or 100%. It's important to be as honest as you can with the VA examiners about the severity of your symptoms.
How do I maximize my VA disability? ›Seek treatment and obtain medical evidence to support the claim. One of the most important factors in obtaining an increased VA disability rating is providing medical evidence that supports the veteran's claim. This medical evidence can include records from military service, private doctors, and VA medical centers.
What does 70% VA disability look like? ›As of December 1, 2021, veterans with a 70 percent VA disability rating receive $1,663.06 per month in VA compensation. This monetary benefit is tax free at both the federal and state levels. The exact amount of compensation may increase or decrease each year depending on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
What is the hardest VA claim to get? ›Pro Tip: If you've been out of the military for more than 12 months, Hearing Loss is one of the most difficult claims to get service connected and rated above 0%. Get a Medical Nexus Letter to improve your odds of service connected Hearing Loss.
What is the easiest VA disability to claim? ›Tinnitus. Tinnitus, otherwise known as “Ringing-in-the-Ear-Syndrome” is by far the #1 easiest VA disability to claim. Tinnitus is when you experience ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other noises in one or both of your ears.
What is the VA rating for anxiety? ›For example, a veteran with a mental health disorder such as anxiety may receive a 30% VA disability rating if the veteran can generally function satisfactorily in terms of behavior, self-care, and communication, but may occasionally suffer a decrease in work efficiency and periods of inability to perform occupations ...
What triggers a C&P exam? ›#1 Q: What is a VA claim exam, also known as a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam? If you've filed a claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability compensation or pension benefits, VA may ask you to go to an examination as part of the claim process.
What do I say to get 100% PTSD compensation? ›
100% – “Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including ...
What do I say to get 70% PTSD compensation? ›They include depression that interferes with daily functions, suicidal ideation, obsessive rituals interfering with daily activities, impulse control problems, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance or hygiene, and difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships.
What is the range of motion exam for VA C&P? ›A range of motion VA C&P exam is foundational to the claims review process and allows a VA physician (or nurse practitioner) to examine your affected joint. It also includes questions about your time in service so that service connection can be established, along with the severity of your condition.
How do I know if my C&P went well? ›The exam's completeness and accuracy, the examiner's positive attitude, and a favorable nexus letter are signs that your exam was performed correctly. Reviewing a copy of your C&P exam results is a foolproof way to tell if your exam went well.
How long does it take the VA to make a decision after a C&P exam? ›After your C&P exam, the VA will review the examiner's report and decide if the VA's duty to assist has been fulfilled and if the VA has enough evidence to determine your claim. If it is ready to decide your claim, the VA could theoretically make its decision within days of receiving the examination report.
How many C&P exams do I need? ›The C&P Exam is the second step of the VA Disability Process, and Step 3 of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. In some cases, more than one C&P Exam will be required. The first exam is usually conducted by a general physician. In most cases, this will be the only exam needed.
What does 100% VA disability entitle you to? ›Veterans with a 100 percent disability rating receive the maximum monthly, tax-free compensation available. Depending on the circumstances, a Veteran with a 100 percent disability rating receives monthly compensation of $3,106.04.
How many veterans have a 100% disability rating? ›A single 100% rating means that the condition you're experiencing is severe and totally disabling. A combined rating of 100% is not a total disability because a person may be able to maintain substantially gainful employment with a combined 100%. More than a million veterans receive benefits at the 100% rate.
Does the wife of a 100 disabled veteran get benefits? ›As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
Can you collect Social Security if you are 100 percent disabled veteran? ›A Veterans Affairs compensation rating of 100% P&T doesn't guarantee that you'll receive Social Security disability benefits. To receive disability benefits from Social Security, a person must have a severe impairment expected to last at least one year or to result in death.
How many veterans have a 90% disability rating? ›
According to VBA data reported to congress, 7.3% of disabled veterans or 348,325 out of 4,743,108 currently have a 90 percent VA disability rating.
Is it hard to go from 80% VA disability to 100%? ›Because of the way in which VA adds disabilities together, it is difficult to go from a schedular 80 percent to a schedular 100 percent rating. You would need to have another condition rated at 80 percent in order to receive a 100 percent combined schedular rating.
Is 100 VA disability employable? ›Individual Unemployability (IU) is a unique part of VA's disability compensation program. It allows VA to pay certain Veterans compensation at the 100 percent rate, even though VA has not rated their service-connected disabilities at that level. Who Is Eligible for Individual Unemployability? You must be a Veteran.