VA Disability Compensation — VA disability pay
Tax-free monthly payments made by the VA to veterans who have a service-connected disability.
Official source: va.gov
VA Disability Compensation is a monthly payment from the VA to veterans who got sick or hurt because of their military service. These payments are free from federal taxes. The amount you get each month depends on two main things: how bad your service-connected sickness or injury is (called a disability rating), and if you have family members who depend on you, like a spouse, children, or parents.For example, effective December 1, 2025, monthly payments are $180.42 at a 10% rating and $3,938.58 at a 100% rating for a veteran with no dependents (2.8% COLA applied). If you have dependents, your payment will be higher. A common thing to know is that if you already get military retirement pay, your VA disability compensation might affect it. You generally can't get both at the full amount unless you qualify for special rules. To get a good idea of what you might receive, you can use a tool like BenefitKarma's VA Disability Calculator. See also: <a href="/glossary/combined-rating">Combined Rating (VA)</a>.
In real life
- A veteran gets monthly payments because they were injured during their military service.
- Someone who became sick because of their time in the military can get tax-free money each month.
- A person who had a mental health condition made worse by their service can receive money from the VA.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about VA Disability Compensation
What is VA Disability Compensation?+
Tax-free monthly payments made by the VA to veterans who have a service-connected disability. a physical or mental condition incurred or aggravated during active military service. Payment amounts are based on the combined disability rating and whether the veteran has dependents.
Who qualifies for VA Disability Compensation?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for VA Disability Compensation?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Run the VA Calculator to see your monthly amount, then the VA Filing Success Score to check what's missing from your claim. A VSO can review your filing for free.
Source: va.gov