In-depth guide · VA
VA disability rates 2026 and VA math, step by step
50%, 30%, 20% → 65 → 72 → 70%
Why 50% + 30% + 20% is a 70% VA rating, how Table I and rounding work, and what the December 1, 2025 rates pay with a spouse or children.
6 guidesupdated
VA disability
VA math, the rate table, dependents, the bilateral factor and back pay, shown step by step on example numbers. VA decides ratings and payments; free help from an accredited representative is linked on every VA page.
VA’s rates effective December 1, 2025, after a 2.8% increase, pay $2,074.45 a month at 70% with a spouse and one child under 18, and $3,938.58 at 100% with no dependents. Social Security announced a 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026; VA’s rates from December 1, 2026 need their own Act of Congress and VA’s new table, and the Act had not been enacted when we last checked, on October 16, 2026.
Figures as the calculators use them, verified · Change log →
VA disability guides
VA disability calculators
Guide · VA
CRDP vs CRSC: military retired pay and VA compensation together
DFAS example: $800 retired pay waived → paid in full with CRDP at 50%
CRDP vs CRSC for military retirees with a VA rating: who is eligible, how each is paid and taxed, why you can’t have both, and the January open season.
Guide · VA
The 3.6% COLA: what it means for VA and retired pay
Social Security announced a 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026. What that does and doesn’t settle for VA compensation and military retired pay on December 1.
Guide · VA
The VA bilateral factor, with worked examples
20/20/20/20 on all four limbs → 59 + 5.9 → 65 → 70%
How the VA bilateral factor in 38 CFR 4.26 works: when it applies, how the extra 10% is added and rounded, and seven worked examples with the final rating.
Guide · VA
VA back pay rules: effective date, first payment month and rate steps
How VA back pay is built: the effective date under 38 CFR 3.400, the first payment month under 3.31, December 1 rate steps and what can reduce it.
Guide · VA
VA dependents, TDIU and SMC-K: when your monthly pay goes up
70%: $1,808.45 alone → $2,207.45 with spouse and a child in school
What raises a VA disability payment besides the rating: dependents at 30% and up, children in school, TDIU at the 100% rate and SMC-K, with worked amounts.