How dependent status changes your compensation
At 30% and above, VA adds a fixed dollar amount for each dependent category: a spouse, dependent parents, and children (with a higher rate for a spouse or child under 18, and a separate rate for school-age children 18-23 and a spouse who qualifies for Aid & Attendance). Ratings below 30% pay a flat rate regardless of dependents.
Worked example at 70%: a veteran alone receives $1,808.45/mo. The same veteran with a spouse and one child receives $2,074.45/mo — a difference of $266/mo.
2026 VA Compensation Rates (effective 2025-12-01)
| Rating | Veteran alone | + Spouse | Each add'l child under 18 | Spouse A&A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | +$32 | +$61 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | +$43 | +$81 |
| 50% | $1,132.9 | $1,241.9 | +$54 | +$101 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | +$65 | +$121 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | +$76 | +$141 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | +$87 | +$161 |
| 90% | $2,362.3 | $2,559.3 | +$98 | +$181 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | +$109.11 | +$201.41 |
10% = $180.42/mo, 20% = $356.66/mo (flat, no dependent add-on). Source: VA.gov, verified 2026-08-24.
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FAQ
Does VA disability compensation count as income for taxes?
No. VA disability compensation is not subject to federal income tax.
What if my dependent situation changes mid-year?
Report the change to VA — your monthly amount updates going forward from the date of the change, it is not retroactively recalculated for the whole year.
Transparency & Methodology
Independent, source-checked figures
Every dollar figure traces to VA.gov's published compensation rate tables (last verified 2026-08-24) or 38 CFR §4.25. No AI-estimated numbers.
Not legal or financial advice
This tool estimates VA disability ratings and pay for planning purposes only. For your official rating or a claim decision, consult an accredited Veterans Service Organization or a VA-accredited attorney/claims agent.
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Run by Gesmine-Invest Limited (UK company 14120136) — see About for full sourcing methodology and data gaps we disclose rather than paper over.