How Much Does a Veteran Get for VA Disability?

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How Much Does A Veteran Get For VA Disability?

The amount a veteran receives in VA disability benefits depends on several factors, including:

The veteran’s disability rating
Whether the veteran has qualifying dependents
Whether the veteran qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation

VA disability compensation rates change every year, based on the cost of living adjustment (COLA) determined by the Social Security Administration. The rates on this page are for 2024.

2024 VA Disability Benefits by Disability Rating

The veteran’s disability rating is the most significant factor in determining the amount of monthly compensation received. Here’s what a veteran who has no eligible dependents or special compensation receives in 2024, based on disability rating:

10% disability rating – $171.23/month
20% disability rating – $338.49/month
30% disability rating – $524.31/month
40% disability rating – $755.28/month
50% disability rating – $1,075.16/month
60% disability rating – $1,361.88/month
70% disability rating – $1,716.28/month
80% disability rating – $1,995.01/month
90% disability rating – $2,241.91/month
100% disability rating – $3,737.85/month

Note that an increase in disability rating can increase the amount of benefits a veteran receives by a significant amount. For example, a veteran with a 50% disability rating doesn’t receive half of the full VA disability benefit. Instead, the amount received at the 50% disability rating is just under 29% of the full benefit. There’s even a significant gap between 90% and 100%. A veteran who is rated 90% disabled receives less than 60% of the full benefit. So, it’s important to ensure that you provide the VA with everything necessary to assign you the maximum disability rating supported by your disability.

A veteran may also receive benefits at the 100% level if they are found to be totally disabled due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

Who is Classified as TDIU?

A veteran may be deemed TDIU and receive VA disability benefits at the 100% rating level if the VA determines that the veteran is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to one or more service-connected disabilities and they meet certain rating requirements or qualify for extraschedular classification. Being unable to engage in substantial gainful activity doesn’t necessarily mean that the veteran can’t work at all, but that they are unable to engage in consistent work to earn a living.

Unless the veteran qualifies for extra schedular TDIU classification, they must have a VA disability rating of:

60% for a single service-connected condition, or
70% combined rating for two or more service-connected conditions, with at least one rated at 40% or higher

Additional VA Disability Benefits for Dependents

Veterans with disability ratings of 30% or above may be entitled to additional compensation for qualifying dependents. How much is available in additional benefits depends on the disability rating, the number of dependents, and the type of dependents.

Possible qualifying dependents include the veteran’s spouse, dependent parents, dependent children under the age of 18, and dependent children over the age of 18 enrolled in a qualifying school program.

Here’s how dependents increase benefits at a 50% disability rating:

Veteran Alone	$1,075.16
Veteran w/Spouse	$1,179.16
Veteran w/Spouse and 1 Child	$1,255.16
Veteran w/Spouse and 1 Parent	$1,262.16
Veteran w/Spouse and 2 Parents	$1,345.16
Veteran w/Spouse, 1 Child and 1 Parent	$1,338.16
Veteran w/Spouse, 1 Child and 2 Parents	$1,421.16
Veteran w/1 Child	$1,144.16
Veteran w/1 Child and 1 Parent	$1,227.16
Veteran w/1 Child and 2 Parents	$1,310.16
Veteran w/1 Parent	$1,158.16
Veteran w/2 Parents	$1,241.16

A veteran is also entitled to an additional $51/month for each additional child under the age of 18 and an additional $167.00/month for each additional child over the age of 18 and enrolled in a qualified school program. The veteran may also receive an additional $95.00/month if their spouse qualifies for aid and attendance.

As you can see the amount of additional benefits available for each qualifying dependent is relatively small. But, the total benefit available increased with each eligible dependent.

Special Monthly Compensation

The VA offers special monthly compensation for veterans with certain disabilities or disability-related needs. The classifications are complex and may include single criteria (example: you’ve lost the use of both feet) or combinations (example: you’ve had one foot amputated and lost the use of one elbow). Or, a veteran may qualify for special monthly compensation due to limitations such as being bedridden or needing assistance with daily life care functions like eating, getting dressed, and bathing.

A veteran who qualifies for special monthly compensation has a higher base rate of disability pay, and may also receive additional compensation for qualifying dependents. The base rate varies depending on the letter-based classification. In 2024, the amount received by a veteran alone who receives special monthly compensation ranges from just over $4,000/month to more than $10,000/month.

Get the VA Disability Benefits You Deserve

When you file a VA disability claim, it’s up to you to demonstrate that you suffer from a disabling condition and that the condition is service-connected. It’s also up to you to present the evidence necessary to make sure you receive the right disability rating, or to show that you’re qualified for special monthly compensation.

Similarly, if you’ve already been assigned a disability rating and want to try to increase that rating or establish a TDIU classification, or if your claim has been denied and you want to appeal, you’ll have to provide the right evidence. The process can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Veterans Help Group, our VA disability benefits advocates have years of experience fighting for disabled veterans and their families. They know the process, and they know the type of evidence the VA is looking for to approve your claim and establish your disability rating. Don’t go in this alone! To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 855-855-8992 or fill out the contact form here.