VA Disability Compensation
How ratings work, what the monthly payment is at each level, and how to build the strongest possible claim.
What is VA disability compensation?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans whose service caused or worsened a medical or mental health condition. It is not income — it is compensation for the impact service had on your body and mind.
To receive compensation, VA must find a service connection: evidence that your condition is linked to your military service. You do not need a combat deployment. Training injuries, occupational exposures, and conditions that worsened during service all qualify.
How ratings are assigned
VA rates each service-connected condition from 0% to 100% in increments of 10. The rating reflects how much the condition limits your ability to work and function, not how much it hurts.
- 0% — service connected but not disabling enough to pay; still matters for eligibility
- 10–90% — paid in monthly increments based on VA's rate table
- 100% — fully disabled; highest monthly payment tier
- 100% P&T (Permanent & Total) — no future exams required; unlocks additional benefits
Combined ratings — how the math works
VA does not add your individual ratings together. It uses a "whole person" formula:
- Sort conditions from highest to lowest rating
- Apply the highest rating to the "whole person" (100%)
- The remaining efficiency is your available pool for the next rating
- Repeat until all conditions are applied
- Round the final number to the nearest 10
Example: 50% + 30% does not equal 80%. It equals 65% (50 + 30% of the remaining 50), which rounds to 70%.
Use the VA Compensation Calculator to model your combined rating and estimated monthly payment.
Monthly payment amounts (2025 rates)
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | — |
| 20% | $346.95 | — |
| 30% | $537.42 | $601.58 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $856.93 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $1,203.43 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $1,516.00 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $1,897.87 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $2,201.18 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $2,472.26 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $4,044.91 |
Rates are approximate. Actual payments depend on dependents and annual COLA adjustments. Verify current rates at VA.gov.
How to file
- File online at VA.gov — Form 21-526EZ
- List every condition you believe is service-connected
- Include buddy statements, private medical records, and anything linking the condition to service
- Attend all Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams — skipping one can result in denial
- Track your claim status at VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000
If still serving — file BDD
If you are within 180 days of your Final Active Duty Date, file through the BDD program to get your rating before you separate.