Quick answer: VA disability compensation is set to rise 3.6 percent for 2027, matching the Social Security COLA announced October 14, 2026. The increase starts December 1, 2026, so the higher amount shows up in the payment that arrives in early January.
Disabled veterans are on track for a 3.6% raise in 2027. The Social Security Administration announced its 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on Oct. 14, and by law VA disability compensation follows the same percentage. Here is what it means for your monthly check, when the money arrives, and the one step still needed before it’s final.
Key facts
- Increase: 3.6% for 2027, up from 2.8% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2025.
- Starts: Dec. 1, 2026. Because VA pays in arrears, the higher amount shows up in the payment around Dec. 31 or early January.
- Still needed: Congress must pass the annual Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act and the president must sign it. It is normally routine.
- Covers: disability compensation, TDIU, special monthly compensation (SMC) and DIC for survivors.
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Estimated 2027 VA disability rates (veteran alone)
These estimates apply 3.6% to the 2026 rates. VA publishes the official tables once the COLA law is signed, and dependent rates (spouse, children, parents) are higher.
| Rating | 2026 monthly | 2027 estimate | Raise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $186.92 | +$6.50 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,173.68 | +$40.78 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,873.55 | +$65.10 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,080.37 | +$141.79 |
When will veterans see the raise?
New rates take effect Dec. 1, 2026. VA pays benefits for the previous month, so the first check with the increase normally arrives on Dec. 31, 2026, or the first business day of January 2027. You don’t need to apply: the increase is automatic once it’s law.
Why it isn’t official yet
Social Security and military retired pay rise automatically. VA disability pay is different: Congress passes a COLA bill for it every year. The bill almost always matches the Social Security COLA and passes before the end of the year, but until it’s signed, the figures above are estimates.
What else to check
- Social Security: if you also get Social Security, it rises 3.6% too. See our Social Security COLA 2027 guide.
- Medicare premiums: a higher Part B premium can take part of a Social Security raise. Watch for the 2027 premium announcement.
- Dependents: make sure VA has your current spouse and dependents on file; adding them raises your rate.
- Scams: VA will never call to demand a fee to “release” your COLA. See how to spot scam texts.
Full estimated 2027 rate table (veteran alone, no dependents)
These are projections: 2026 VA rates raised by 3.6%. Official tables come after the COLA bill is signed.
| Rating | 2026 monthly | 2027 estimate | Monthly raise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $186.92 | +$6.50 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $369.50 | +$12.84 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $572.36 | +$19.89 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $824.49 | +$28.65 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,173.68 | +$40.78 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,486.68 | +$51.66 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,873.55 | +$65.10 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,177.83 | +$75.68 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,447.34 | +$85.04 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,080.37 | +$141.79 |
At 30% and above, you get more money for a spouse, children or dependent parents. Check the dependent tables on VA.gov after the new rates post.
2027 VA payment dates
VA pays on the first business day of the month, for the month before. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, money comes the business day before.
| Benefit month | Expected payment date |
|---|---|
| December 2026 (first month with the raise) | Thu., Dec. 31, 2026 |
| January 2027 | Mon., Feb. 1, 2027 |
| February 2027 | Mon., March 1, 2027 |
| March 2027 | Thu., April 1, 2027 |
Direct deposit usually lands that morning. Paper checks can take several more days.
How VA combines more than one rating
VA does not simply add your ratings. It uses a “whole person” formula, often called VA math.
Example: a 50% rating and a 30% rating. VA applies 50% first, leaving you 50% “whole.” Then 30% of that remaining 50% is 15%. The total is 65%, which rounds to 70%.
Use the official combined ratings table on VA.gov, or the calculator in your VA.gov account, before you file.
What if your condition got worse?
The COLA raises every rating level. But a higher rating can raise your pay far more.
- Get current medical records showing the change.
- Sign in at VA.gov and file VA Form 21-526EZ for an increase.
- Go to any C&P exam VA schedules. Missing it can get the claim denied.
- Track the claim status in the VA.gov app.
Need help? Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) at groups like the DAV, VFW and American Legion help for free.
Also read: Social Security COLA 2027: how much your check will rise.
Who gets the 2027 raise?
- Veterans getting disability compensation at any rating, 10% to 100%
- Veterans paid at 100% through TDIU (individual unemployability)
- Veterans getting special monthly compensation (SMC)
- Surviving spouses and children getting DIC
- Many veterans and survivors getting VA pension
You do not need to apply. The raise is automatic for current beneficiaries.
Common mistakes and scams to avoid
- Paying a “claim shark.” Unaccredited companies may charge thousands to file a claim. Free help is available from VSOs.
- Trusting rate tables online too early. Until VA posts official tables, every figure (including ours) is an estimate.
- Ignoring VA letters. Missed exams or deadlines can reduce or stop benefits.
- Not updating dependents. Add a new spouse or child on VA.gov to get the higher dependent rate.
- Giving your VA.gov login to anyone. VA will never call and ask for it.
How the COLA affects other benefits
If you also get Social Security, that check rises 3.6% in January 2027 too.
VA disability pay is tax-free at the federal level. It does not count as income for Social Security taxes either.
If you get needs-based help like SNAP or housing aid, a higher payment could change your benefit slightly. Report the new amount when your program asks.
How much more per year? A quick look
| Rating | Estimated extra per year in 2027 |
|---|---|
| 10% | About $78 |
| 30% | About $239 |
| 50% | About $489 |
| 70% | About $781 |
| 100% | About $1,701 |
These are the monthly raise estimates times 12. Veterans with dependents will see a larger dollar increase.
What if the COLA bill is late?
It has happened before. When Congress passes the bill late, VA still applies the raise back to Dec. 1.
In that case, your first January payment may come at the old rate. VA then sends a one-time catch-up payment for the difference. You do not need to file anything.
How to check your exact new amount
- Sign in at VA.gov with Login.gov or ID.me.
- Go to “Disability” and then “View your VA payment history.”
- Compare the December and January payments with your past amount.
- Download your benefit summary letter. Many lenders and state agencies ask for it.
Your updated letter will show the new 2027 amount once VA finishes the change. You can also call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
Survivors: DIC is going up too
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) follows the same COLA. The basic 2026 monthly rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36.
A 3.6% raise would put it at about $1,760.54 a month in 2027. That is a projection. Extra amounts for children and the “8-year rule” also rise.
Military retirees: CRDP and CRSC
Military retired pay also rises by the same 3.6% COLA in 2027. That part is automatic under federal law and does not need a separate vote.
If you get both retired pay and VA disability, you may also qualify for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).
CRDP usually applies at a 50% rating or higher. CRSC is for combat-related conditions and needs an application through your military branch. Check myPay or your branch’s retired pay office to see which one applies to you.
Both payments will reflect the new 2027 rates once DFAS updates them, usually in the first months of the year.
Frequently asked questions
How much will VA disability go up in 2027?
It is on track to rise 3.6%, matching the 2027 Social Security COLA announced Oct. 14, 2026.
When does the 2027 VA increase start?
On Dec. 1, 2026. The first larger payment usually arrives Dec. 31 or in early January 2027.
Do I need to apply for the VA COLA?
No. Once Congress passes the COLA law and it’s signed, VA applies it automatically.
What is 100% VA disability in 2027?
About $4,080.37 a month for a veteran alone, an estimate based on the 3.6% increase. Official tables come after the law is signed.
Rates in the table are estimates calculated from the 2026 VA rates. Check VA.gov for official 2027 rates once published.
Sources: VA.gov: Veteran compensation rates, SSA.gov: Cost-of-living adjustment, VA.gov: Accredited representatives, Fox Business: 2027 COLA announcement.
Last reviewed: Oct. 27, 2026. Facts are as reported when this story was published on Oct. 15, 2026.
