60% VA Disability Pay Increase – How Much Additional Benefit Will You Receive with the Upcoming Increase?

Veterans receiving VA disability compensation can look forward to a boost in their benefits for 2025. With the Social Security Administration’s announcement of a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), this increase will also apply to VA disability payments, which will be in effect starting December 1, 2024.

Veterans with a 60% disability rating, for instance, will see this adjustment reflected in their monthly payments, providing additional support for their needs and those of their dependents.

2025 Pay Rate

With the 2.5% COLA adjustment, monthly VA disability benefits for Veterans with a 60% disability rating will increase according to their dependent status:

• Veteran (no dependents): $1,395.93
• Veteran with spouse (no dependents): $1,424.05
• Veteran with spouse and one child: $1,617.33
• Veteran with one child: $1,481.00
• Veteran with one parent: $1,498.43
• Veteran with two parents: $1,600.93
• Veteran with one parent and one child: $1,583.50
• Veteran with two parents and one child: $1,686.00
• Veteran with spouse and one parent: $1,626.55
• Veteran with spouse and two parents: $1,729.05
• Veteran with spouse, one parent, and one child: $1,719.83
• Veteran with spouse, two parents, and one child: $1,822.33
• Each additional child under 18: $63.55
• Each additional schoolchild over 18: $205.00
• Additional for spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: $116.85

Veterans with dependents or unique circumstances (such as a spouse requiring assistance or additional dependents) receive adjusted rates that align with their specific needs.

VA Disability Compensation

To determine your 2025 VA disability compensation, your total payment will depend on both your disability rating and your dependent status. The VA assigns ratings based on the severity of a service-connected disability, and those with multiple conditions may have a combined rating. Dependents, such as a spouse, children, or parents, will also increase your monthly benefits.

For example, if a Veteran with a 60% disability rating has a spouse and one child, their monthly compensation will be approximately $1,617.33. Veterans with more than one condition or additional needs, such as a spouse requiring Aid and Attendance, can receive further support.

Eligibility

To qualify for VA disability benefits, Veterans need to demonstrate that their condition is service-connected, meaning it arose or was worsened during military service. Veterans with conditions that manifest after service but are linked to military experiences may still be eligible. Eligible Veterans must submit a claim and provide essential documentation, including medical records and discharge papers.

How to Apply

1. Gather necessary documentation: Military discharge documents (DD Form 214) and medical evidence supporting your condition.
2. Submit your claim: Use the VA’s online portal or mail in VA Form 21-526EZ.
3. Track the claim: Once submitted, you can monitor the status of your claim through the VA’s online system.

Addressing these changes and eligibility criteria can help Veterans make the most of their benefits and ensure that they receive the appropriate compensation for their unique situations.

FAQs