VA Disability Compensation is tax-free financial support for those who have served in the military and become sick or injured. This compensation is beneficial not only for veterans but also for their dependents. The monthly compensation amount is based on the disability rate, which ranges from 10% to 100%. You can check the rates table in this article.
VA Disability Compensation
Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation is a benefit provided to military veterans who got injuries or developed medical conditions related to their active duty service. This compensation acknowledges the sacrifices of veterans related to their service and addresses the challenges that arise due to the service-connected disabilities.
This monthly compensation is tax-free, and it provides financial support to veterans and their families. The qualifying requirements include any physical and mental health conditions that developed before, during, or after service. The compensation amount is based on the severity of the disability from 10% to 100%.
A surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died due to the service-related injury or illness or died in the line of duty, can receive a tax-free benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). This compensation is beneficial because it fulfills the commitment to support those who have dedicated their lives to protecting their country.
Who is eligible for VA disability compensation?
Veterans have to meet the following criteria if they want to be eligible for VA disability compensation.
- Individuals must have a medical condition (current illness or injury) that affects their body or mind.
- Veterans who have served on active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty training.
- At least, one of the following conditions must apply to individuals:
- Individuals who got sick or injured while serving in the military and whose current condition is linked to that.
- Individuals had an illness or injury before they joined the military, but their service made it worse.
- Individuals have a disability related to their active-duty service, which appeared after they left the service.
- If you have a presumptive condition like chronic illness or illness caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other hazardous materials, you are also considered an eligible veteran.
VA Disability Compensation Rates
The VA uses a percentage-based system to evaluate the severity level of the veteran’s disability. This percentage ranges between 10% and 100%. Veterans with disability ratings of 30% or higher are eligible for extra compensation for dependents, including spouses, children, and parents.
For a 10% disability rating, veterans can receive $175.51 monthly, while for 20%, this amount will be $346.95. If veterans have multiple disability ratings, then the VA uses a formula to calculate how much disability compensation you’ll receive each month. Check VA disability compensation rates 2025 from below.
| Dependent Status | 30% disability rating | 40% disability rating | 50% disability rating | 60% disability rating | 70% disability rating | 80% disability rating | 90% disability rating | 100% disability rating |
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $537.42 | $774.16 | $1,102.04 | $1,395.93 | $1759.19 | $2044.89 | $2297.96 | $3831.30 |
| With spouse (no parents or children | $601.42 | $859.16 | $1208.04 | $1523.93 | $1908.19 | $2214.89 | $2489.96 | $4044.91 |
| With spouse and 1 parent (no children) | $652.42 | $927.16 | $1293.04 | $1625.93 | $2028.19 | $2351.89 | $2643.96 | $4216.35 |
| With spouse and 2 parents (no children) | $703.42 | $995.16 | $1378.04 | $1727.93 | $2148.19 | $2488.89 | $2797.96 | $4387.79 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse or children) | $588.42 | $842.16 | $1187.04 | $1497.93 | $1879.19 | $2181.89 | $2451.96 | $4002.74 |
| With 2 parents (no spouse or children) | $639.42 | $910.16 | $1272.04 | $1599.93 | $1999.19 | $2318.89 | $2605.96 | $4174.18 |
| Veteran with 1 child only | $579.42 | $831.16 | $1173.04 | $1480.93 | $1858.19 | $2158.89 | $2425.96 | $3974.15 |
| With 1 child and spouse | $648.42 | $922.16 | $1287.04 | $1617.93 | $2018.19 | $2340.89 | $2630.96 | $4201.35 |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 1 parent | $699.42 | $990.16 | $1372.04 | $1719.93 | $2138.19 | $2477.89 | $2784.96 | $4372.79 |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 2 parents | $750.42 | $1058.16 | $1457.04 | $1821.93 | $2258.19 | $2614.89 | $2938.96 | $4544.23 |
| With 1 child and 1 parent (no spouse) | $630.42 | $899.16 | $1258.04 | $1582.93 | $1978.19 | $2295.89 | $2579.96 | $4145.23 |
| With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | $681.42 | $967.16 | $1343.04 | $1684.93 | $2098.19 | $2432.89 | $2733.96 | $4317.03 |
How to file a claim for VA Disability Compensation?
Here is the step-by-step process to file a claim for VA disability compensation.
- Veterans have to go to the official website through the link https://www.va.gov/disability/.
- Here, on the claim form page, you will find many ways to fill and submit forms, including online, in person, by mail, or via fax.
- After completing the claim form with the required information, attach the documents that show your records of service treatment, medical evidence, and dependency document.
- Submit your claim after double-checking all the pieces of information. Upon submission, if the VA asks for claim exams and additional information, then respond quickly. The average time VA takes to approve and reject the claim is 137.5 days as of February 2025.