Here’s what you need to know about the possible increase in VA Compensation Rates 2024. VA compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans with disabilities. It’s a way to help those who continue to suffer from health issues caused by injuries or illnesses from their military service. In 2024, the compensation rates are going up, thanks to a recent Cost of Living Adjustment. To learn more about these Compensation, continue reading.
VA Compensation Rates 2024 Increase
The VA adjusts its disability compensation rates based on the Social Security Administration’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For 2024, the SSA announced a 3.2% increase. This means veterans with any disability rating will see their VA disability payments go up by 3.2%.
The new rates started on December 1, 2023, so veterans should have noticed the higher amounts in their January 2024 payments. This 3.2% increase applies to all veterans, regardless of their disability rating.
How the VA Calculates Compensation Rates
The amount of basic benefits you receive from the VA depends on how disabled you are. The VA determines the severity of your disability based on the evidence you provide in your claim and information from your military records. Disabilities are rated from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (like 10%, 20%, 30%, and so on). For details on how the VA calculates the disability percentage for multiple disabilities, check out the Combined Ratings section below.
In some cases, you might get extra payments if:
- You have very severe disabilities or have lost limbs
- You have a spouse, children, or dependent parents
- Your spouse is seriously disabled
VA Compensation Possible Increase
In 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has raised benefits by more than 3.2%. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) usually adjusts its compensation based on the SSA’s annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which is announced every fall.
The SSA reveals the COLA adjustment once a year, usually in October. This announcement determines how VA compensation rates will change for the next year. Since the COLA for 2024 has already been set, there won’t be any more updates until October 2024. These updates will then affect VA rates starting in December 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Not every veteran is eligible for VA disability benefits. To qualify, there has to be clear proof that the disability is connected to military service. This means you need to show that the injury or illness happened, got worse, or is likely related to your time in service. The VA gives a disability rating between 0% and 100%, and typically, a rating of 10% or higher means you can get compensation. The amount you receive goes up as the severity of your disability increases.
VA Compensation Detailed Rates
The 3.2% increase in VA Compensation Rates 2024 is designed to help veterans with disabilities manage rising living costs. Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 20% will now get up to $338.49 a month. For those with ratings from 30% to 100%, the payment includes a base amount plus extra funds for dependents.
VA Disability 2024 Rates Without Children
| Disability Rating | Veteran Alone | Veteran with Spouse | Veteran, Spouse & One Parent | Veteran, Spouse and Two Parents | Veteran with One Parent | Veteran with Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,737.85 | $3,946.25 | $4,113.51 | $4,280.77 | $3,905.11 | $4,072.37 |
| 90% | $2,241.91 | $2,428.91 | $2,578.91 | $2,728.91 | $2,391.91 | $2,541.91 |
| 80% | $1,995.01 | $2,161.01 | $2,294.01 | $2,427.01 | $2,128.01 | $2,261.01 |
| 70% | $1,716.28 | $1,861.28 | $1,978.28 | $2,095.28 | $1,833.28 | $1,950.28 |
| 60% | $1,361.88 | $1,486.88 | $1,586.88 | $1,686.88 | $1,461.88 | $1,561.88 |
| 50% | $1,075.16 | $1,179.16 | $1,262.16 | $1,345.16 | $1,158.16 | $1,241.16 |
| 40% | $755.28 | $838.28 | $904.28 | $970.28 | $821.28 | $887.28 |
| 30% | $524.31 | $586.31 | $636.31 | $686.31 | $574.31 | $624.31 |
Additional for A/A Spouses
| Disability Rating | Additional Amount |
|---|---|
| 100% | $191.00 |
| 90% | $172.00 |
| 80% | $153.00 |
| 70% | $134.00 |
| 60% | $114.00 |
| 50% | $95.00 |
| 40% | $76.00 |
| 30% | $57.00 |
Veterans with Ratings of 10%-20% Do Not Receive Extra Compensation for Dependents
- 10% Rate = $171.23
- 20% Rate = $338.49
2024 VA Disability Rates With Children
| Disability Rate | Veteran and Child | Veteran, Spouse, & Child | Veteran, Spouse, Child, One Parent | Veteran, Spouse, Child, Two Parents | Veteran, Child, One Parent | Veteran, Child, Two Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,877.22 | $4,098.87 | $4,266.13 | $4,433.39 | $4,044.48 | $4,211.74 |
| 90% | $2,366.91 | $2,565.91 | $2,715.91 | $2,865.91 | $2,516.91 | $2,666.91 |
| 80% | $2,106.01 | $2,283.01 | $2,416.01 | $2,549.01 | $2,239.01 | $2,372.01 |
| 70% | $1,813.28 | $1,968.28 | $2,085.28 | $2,202.28 | $1,930.28 | $2,047.28 |
| 60% | $1,444.88 | $1,577.88 | $1,677.88 | $1,777.88 | $1,544.88 | $1,644.88 |
| 50% | $1,144.16 | $1,255.16 | $1,338.16 | $1,421.16 | $1,227.16 | $1,310.16 |
| 40% | $810.28 | $899.28 | $965.28 | $1,031.28 | $876.28 | $942.28 |
| 30% | $565.31 | $632.31 | $682.31 | $732.31 | $615.31 | $665.31 |
| 100% | 90% | 80% | 70% | 60% | 50% | 40% | 30% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $104.00 | $93.00 | $82.00 | $72.00 | $62.00 | $51.00 | $41.00 | $31.00 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 | $334.00 | $301.00 | $267.00 | $234.00 | $200.00 | $167.00 | $133.00 | $100.00 |
All We Know
The 3.2% increase in VA compensation rates for 2024 provides some relief for veterans receiving disability benefits as they deal with rising costs. While another boost in 2024 seems unlikely, eligible veterans will receive monthly assistance based on their disability rating.
For those with a disability rating between 10% and 20%, the monthly compensation will be up to $338.49. Veterans with ratings from 30% to 100% will get a basic monthly rate plus an additional amount, depending on their specific rating.
FAQs
How much is the 2024 VA compensation increase?
Starting in 2024, there will be a 3.2% increase.
What triggers a VA compensation increase?
Veterans who have disabilities related to their service and are rated at 10% or more.