What are the VA disability rates for 2023?
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2023 VA disability rates will see an 8.7% cost-of-living increase based on the Social Security Administration’s 2023 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Show
2023 VA disability rates go into effect on Dec. 1, 2022. You can still find 2022 rates on this page, but we’ve demoted them below the 2023 rate tables, as 2023 rates will take over soon.
Outside of the tables below, we also provide a VA disability compensation calculator here. 2023 VA Disability Rates ChartsBasic Rates – 10% – 100% Combined Degree Only10%-20% (No Dependents)
30%-60% Without Children
70%-100% Without Children
2023 VA Disability Rates With Dependents30%-60% With Children
70%-100% With Children
2022 VA Disability Rates Charts2022 VA disability rates are active until Dec. 1, 2022. At this point, the 2023 VA disability rates above take over. Basic Rates – 10% – 100% Combined Degree Only10%-20% (No Dependents)
30%-60% Without Children
70%-100% Without Children
2022 VA Disability Rates With Dependents30%-60% With Children
70-100% With Children
About VA Disability CompensationVA disability pay is a monthly tax-free monetary benefit for veterans who have service-connected disabilities that limit their participation in work or daily activities. Veterans who have post-service disabilities related to an injury that occurred during service may also be eligible for disability benefits. VA disability payments are monthly. Find the next VA disability payment date here. Annually, the VA makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to VA disability benefits to ensure inflation does not erode VA benefits’ purchasing power. Under federal law, the cost-of-living adjustments to VA’s compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as Social Security benefits. Learn more about the 2022 and 2023 VA disability rate increases on the 2022-2023 COLA Watch page. How VA Disability Ratings and VA Disability Compensation WorkMilitary members and veterans who became injured or ill in the line of duty or experience other service-connected physical or mental health conditions may be eligible for VA veterans’ benefits. But, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not award compensation automatically. The VA will review your health, medical records, medical history and other factors during the claims process. You can schedule your first claims appointment when you out-process from the military, or you can schedule an appointment after you leave the service. However, sooner is better than later. You may also be eligible to sign up for VA healthcare and a Veterans Health Identification Card. VA compensation for service-connected medical issues is not necessarily tied to VA healthcare benefits. If you have a VA-rated disability, consider asking your VA case worker what options are available to you. Service-Connected Disability ExplainedVA Disability Compensation is a benefit paid to qualifying veterans with “disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service,” according to the VA. VA rules also allow for compensation 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.” Veterans can apply for compensation even when medical issues arise after retirement or separation from the military. The VA’s rating for your condition will determine your benefits. Some medical conditions, like tinnitus or other hearing-related issues, may only warrant a 10% rating. Other conditions may receive a higher rating. By design, the VA ratings should offset lost compensation and work time due to injury exacerbations or illnesses. Veterans and service members with dependents may receive additional consideration for higher VA disability payments. But, keep in mind: if you receive a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, changes to your family status may result in changes to your benefit payments. Notify the Department of Veterans Affairs in such cases. Changes to your claim or payments of the claim are never automatic; the VA will recoup overpayments. What to Do When Applying for VA Compensation for Service-Connected ConditionsApply for VA compensation before your final out-processing appointment, if possible. In any case, service members and veterans must supply copies (not originals) of discharge paperwork, including a DD-214, medical records, supporting documentation for the medical claim and a completed VA Form 21-526. You may need supporting evidence that shows how your condition affects your ability to work, socialize or pursue hobbies – or how your condition has worsened over time, depending on your claim. Medical records and personal statements from family and coworkers who have witnessed your condition’s impact on your daily life can help your case. VA Disability Ratings are Subject to Review and Are Not Always PermanentThe Department of Veterans Affairs may revisit your rating to see if your condition has improved or worsened over time. You may receive a letter from the VA instructing you to participate in a re-examination, or you can ask the VA to review your claim again if your condition worsens. Do not skip any re-examination appointments. Getting Help With Filing and Tracking VA Disability ClaimsYou do not have to apply for VA medical benefits or compensation alone. Agencies called Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are authorized to act on your behalf to file with the government. Getting the right help is especially important if you fear your medical claims may be denied or are trying to appeal a denied claim. Such organizations include AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), DAV and others. The VA website has a list of accredited Veteran Service Organizations you can use to find help with your claim. Your state government may also be able to help you. Check with your state’s veteran department to see what services it offers. How to File a VA Disability Claim
If you are not ready to file a VA Claim, submit your “Intent to File.” This can buy some time to navigate the claims process and help you get back-pay compensation once your claim is approved. Past VA Disability RatesView the VA’s disability compensation rates for past years.
Historical VA Disability Rate Increases
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