2023 VA Disability Rates

VA disability benefits work differently than many other types of disability benefits, in that the VA assigns a disability rating and then provides benefits based on the assigned rating. In other words, with VA disability it isn’t a matter of getting approved for benefits or not. Instead, the veteran may be denied benefits outright, assigned a 100% disability rating and full benefits, or anything in between.

Each year, the VA sets a rate for full disability benefits, and then partial monthly benefits for each possible disability rating. Here’s what that looks like in 2023:

• 100% disability rating: $3,621.95/month for a veteran alone
• 90% disability rating: $2,172.39/month for a veteran alone
• 80% disability rating: $1,933.15/month for a veteran alone
• 70% disability rating: $1,663.06/month for a veteran alone
• 60% disability rating: $1,319.65/month for a veteran alone
• 50% disability rating: $1,041.82/month for a veteran alone
• 40% disability rating: $731.86/month for a veteran alone
• 30% disability rating: $508.05/month for a veteran alone
• 20% disability rating: $327.99/month regardless of dependents
• 10% disability rating: $165.92/month regardless of dependents

As you can see, the disability rating assigned has a significant impact on the monthly disability benefits a veteran receives. In addition, at all levels except 10% and 20%, the veteran may be entitled to additional benefits based on the number and type of dependents. In some circumstances, disabled veterans and their families may qualify for more benefits than correspond with the disability rating.

One example is when a veteran is deemed individually unemployable, though their disability rating is less than 100%. An experienced veterans disability benefits advocate can help determine whether you are eligible for additional benefits. 

Annual Cost of Living Adjustments to VA Disability Benefits

The monthly benefit amount changes each year through a cost of living adjustment (COLA). The VA and the Social Security Administration apply the same formula to determine the disability benefit rate for the upcoming year. In 2023, the cost of living adjustment was 8.7%, which bumped the full VA disability benefit from $3,332.06 to $3,621.95. The new rates for 2024 will be announced in December of 2023. 

Get the Help You Need with VA Disability Benefits

Veterans benefits can make a significant change in your life, but securing them can be complicated. Your best resource during the claim and possible appeals processes is an experienced VA disability benefits advocate. Veterans Help Group is here for you. Call 855-855-8992 to learn more, or contact us here for a FREE consultation.