VA Math Guide · 2026
2026 VA disability rate update — 2.8% COLA, full tables
Effective December 1, 2025 · Source: VA.gov compensation rates · SMC rates
VA disability compensation rates increased by 2.8% effective December 1, 2025 — the annual COLA matching the Social Security Administration's 2026 adjustment. The new rates apply to every veteran receiving service-connected compensation. Rates are verified against VA.gov official tables as of June 2026.
How COLA is calculated
Under 38 U.S.C. §5312, VA disability compensation is automatically adjusted each year by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA. The SSA announces the COLA in mid-October based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W). VA does not need to pass separate legislation — the adjustment is automatic by statute.
Historical COLA comparison (2020–2026)
| Year | COLA % | 100% rate (single) | Year-over-year $ gain at 100% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.6% | $3,106.04 | — |
| 2021 | 1.3% | $3,146.42 | +$40.38 |
| 2022 | 5.9% | $3,332.06 | +$185.64 |
| 2023 | 8.7% | $3,621.95 | +$289.89 |
| 2024 | 3.2% | $3,737.85 | +$115.90 |
| 2025 | 2.5% | $3,831.30 | +$93.45 |
| 2026 | 2.8% | $3,938.58 | +$107.28 |
100% single-veteran rate (no dependents), effective each December 1. 2026 verified against VA.gov June 2026.
2026 veteran rates — no dependents
| Rating | Monthly (2026) | Annual (tax-free) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $47,262.96 |
2026 rates with spouse (no children)
| Rating | With spouse | Dependent addition vs. no-dependent rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | $617.47 | +$65.00 |
| 40% | $882.84 | +$87.00 |
| 50% | $1,241.90 | +$109.00 |
| 60% | $1,566.02 | +$131.00 |
| 70% | $1,961.45 | +$153.00 |
| 80% | $2,277.15 | +$175.00 |
| 90% | $2,559.30 | +$197.00 |
| 100% | $4,158.17 | +$219.59 |
Source: VA.gov compensation rates. Dependent additions require 30%+ rating.
2026 SMC rates
| Tier | Monthly rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| SMC-K | $139.87 per qualifying condition (stacks) |
| SMC-S (Housebound) | $4,408.53 |
| SMC-L (Aid & Attendance) | $4,900.83 |
| SMC-R1 | $9,826.88 |
| SMC-R2 / T | $11,271.67 |
Source: VA.gov SMC rates.
The 90%→100% gap remains the most consequential
The single largest dollar jump in the VA rating schedule remains the step from 90% to 100%: +$1,575.59/month (+$18,907.08/year). This gap exists because 100% also serves as the pay rate for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability), so it is calibrated to represent full functional loss. Veterans at 90% pre-rounding who are approaching 95% are within one condition of triggering this jump.
What to do if your payment did not increase
VA processes COLA increases automatically. If your January 2026 payment (covering December 2025) did not reflect the 2.8% increase:
- Confirm your current rating and dependent status in your VA.gov profile.
- Compare your expected rate using the tables above to your actual payment.
- Call the VA benefits line at 1-800-827-1000 or use VA.gov messaging.
- If the issue is not resolved, contact a VSO for escalation assistance.
Calculate your exact 2026 monthly amount — with dependents, bilateral, and SMC
Run the calculator →FAQ
When did the 2026 rates take effect?
December 1, 2025. The 2.8% COLA was announced by the Social Security Administration in October 2025. VA disability compensation increases by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA under 38 U.S.C. §5312.
Are dependent rates included in the COLA?
Yes. The same 2.8% multiplier is applied to all base rates and dependent additions (spouse, children under 18, school children 18–23, and dependent parents).
Do SMC rates also rise with the COLA?
Yes. SMC-K, S, L, R1, R2/T all increased by the same 2.8% percentage as the base rates.
What if my December 2025 payment did not reflect the new rate?
VA disability payments are made on the first business day of the following month for compensation earned the prior month. The first payment at 2026 rates should appear in your January 2026 payment (covering December 2025). If your payment did not increase, call 1-800-827-1000 or contact a VSO to verify your award is updated.
When will 2027 rates be announced?
The SSA typically announces the following year's COLA in mid-October. The 2027 COLA announcement is expected in October 2026, with new rates taking effect December 1, 2026 and appearing in January 2027 payments.
Is VA disability comp automatically adjusted for COLA?
Yes. Under federal law, VA disability compensation adjusts automatically by the same percentage as the SSA COLA each year. You do not need to file anything to receive the rate increase. However, if your award has not been updated, contact VA.
Related guides: Back pay calculation · TDIU 2026 · SMC eligibility