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.
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.
