2026 VA Disability Compensation Calculator
Based on official 2026 VA rates (2.8% COLA). Results are estimates for informational purposes only.
Your Disability Ratings
Dependents
Your Estimated Monthly Compensation
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Combined Rating
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VA Rounded Rating
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Annual Compensation
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Results are estimates based on 2026 VA compensation rates effective December 1, 2025. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a specific benefit amount. For official rates, visit VA.gov.
How This Calculator Works
The VA does not add disability ratings together the way most people expect. A veteran with a 50% rating and a 30% rating does not have an 80% combined rating — they have a 65% combined rating, which the VA rounds down to 60%. This is called the VA combined ratings formula, and it is one of the most misunderstood parts of the disability system.
Here is how the math works. The VA starts by assuming you are 100% able-bodied. Your highest rating is applied first, reducing your remaining “whole person” capacity. Each subsequent rating is then applied to whatever capacity remains — not to the original 100%.
Using a 50% and 30% example:
- Start at 100% whole person capacity
- Apply 50%: 50% disabled, 50% remaining
- Apply 30% to the remaining 50%: 30% × 50 = 15 additional points
- Combined: 50 + 15 = 65% — rounded to 60% under VA rounding rules
The VA rounds combined ratings to the nearest 10%. A result of 55% or higher rounds up to 60%; a result of 54% or lower rounds down to 50%. This rounding can have a significant impact on your monthly compensation, which is why understanding where you land matters.
This calculator applies that same formula to up to six service-connected conditions, then looks up your monthly compensation from the official 2026 VA rate tables based on your rounded combined rating and dependent status.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates at a Glance
The tables below show the official 2026 VA disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025, following a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment. Rates are tax-free at the federal level.
10% and 20% Ratings — Flat Rate (No Dependent Adjustment)
| Rating | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $4,279.92 |
30% to 60% Ratings — Veteran Only (No Dependents)
| Rating | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 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% to 100% Ratings — Veteran Only (No Dependents)
| Rating | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional monthly compensation for qualifying dependents including a spouse, children under 18, children over 18 enrolled in school, and dependent parents. Use the calculator above to see your full estimate with dependents included.
What Your VA Disability Rating Actually Means
Your combined disability rating determines more than just your monthly payment — it determines which VA programs and benefits you can access. Several thresholds unlock meaningful additional benefits.
30% — Dependent Compensation Begins
At 30%, you become eligible for additional monthly compensation for a spouse, children, and dependent parents. This is the first rating level where your family situation affects your payment.
50% — VA Healthcare Priority Group 1
A combined rating of 50% or higher moves you into Priority Group 1 for VA healthcare, which means no copays for most VA medical care and prescriptions. It also makes you eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) if your disability creates an employment barrier.
70% — TDIU Eligibility Threshold
At 70% combined with one condition rated at least 40%, you meet the schedular threshold for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) — compensation paid at the 100% rate if your disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment.
100% — Full Compensation and P&T Status
A 100% combined rating provides the highest monthly compensation level. Veterans with Permanent and Total (P&T) status at 100% also gain access to CHAMPVA healthcare for dependents, full property tax exemptions in most states, and commissary and exchange access. Learn more in our complete guide to 100% P&T benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t my calculator result match what I expected?
The VA combined ratings formula is not simple addition. Each rating is applied to your remaining whole-person capacity after the previous rating has been subtracted, starting with your highest rating. This means two 50% ratings combine to 75%, not 100%. The calculator above uses the same formula the VA applies.
Are VA disability payments taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is tax-free at the federal level. The majority of states also exempt VA disability payments from state income tax. You do not need to report this income on your federal tax return.
When do 2026 VA disability rates take effect?
The 2026 rates, reflecting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, took effect December 1, 2025. The first payment at the new rate was deposited December 31, 2025. No action is required — the VA adjusts payments automatically.
Can I receive VA disability pay and work at the same time?
Yes, in most cases. A schedular disability rating — including 100% — does not restrict employment or earnings. The exception is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability), which is specifically granted because your disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment. Veterans receiving TDIU should consult with the VA before accepting employment.
What is the difference between a combined rating and a single rating?
A single rating applies to one service-connected condition evaluated on its own. A combined rating is the result of applying the VA’s whole-person formula across all of your rated conditions. Your compensation is based on your combined rating, not the sum of your individual ratings.
How do I add dependents to my VA disability claim?
File VA Form 21-686c (Declaration of Status of Dependents) through VA.gov, by mail, or at your local VA regional office. You will need supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificates. Dependent compensation is only available at the 30% rating level and above.
Additional Resources
- VA Disability Benefits: Complete Guide
- How VA Disability Ratings Work
- How to File a VA Disability Claim
- Benefits for 100% P&T Veterans
- Official 2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates — VA.gov
This calculator and supporting content are provided by MilitaryBenefitGuide.com, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any government agency. Results are estimates only. For official benefit determinations, visit VA.gov or contact your local VA regional office.