50% VA Disability Pay 2026

· effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA)

A 50% VA disability rating pays

$1,132.90/mo

$13,594.80/year · veteran with no dependents · tax-free (26 U.S.C. §104(a)(4)) · with a spouse: $1,241.90/mo

50% VA disability pay chart (2026)

Dependent statusMonthly
Veteran alone$1,132.90
With spouse$1,241.90
With spouse + 1 child$1,322.90
With spouse + 2 children$1,376.90
With 1 child (no spouse)$1,205.90
With spouse + 1 parent$1,329.90
With 1 parent (no spouse)$1,220.90
Each additional child under 18+$54.00
Each child 18–23 in school+$176.00
Spouse Aid & Attendance (extra)+$101.00

Is 50% VA disability permanent / how to reach it?

Most veterans reach 50% by combining several conditions — not from one. VA math (38 CFR §4.25) combines ratings using the whole-person method, so the combined total is lower than the sum. Use the VA math combined rating calculator to see which condition mix reaches 50%.

100% private · runs in your browser · no email · no sign-up
Tap each service-connected rating

Add one button per condition. Set left/right limb on each to trigger the bilateral factor.

Common condition presets tap to add
Your conditions
    Dependents add at 30%+
    SMC qualifying conditions +$140/mo each

    — %

    Add your ratings to see your combined VA rating and 2026 monthly pay — instantly.

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