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The 2026 VA COLA: 2.8%, Explained

Every December your VA disability pay gets a cost-of-living bump so inflation doesn't quietly shrink it. For 2026 that raise is 2.8%, effective December 1, 2025. Here's what it means for your check.

The short version

How much?2.8%
Effective dateDecember 1, 2025
First check that reflects itreceived end of Dec 2025
Do you apply?No — automatic
CoversCompensation · DIC · SMC · pension

What 2.8% actually adds

Approximate monthly increase for a single veteran with no dependents. Your exact raise depends on your rating and dependents.

RatingNew 2026 monthlyAbout + per monthAbout + per year
100%$3,938.58+$107+$1,288
90%$2,362.30+$64+$772
80%$2,102.15+$57+$687
70%$1,808.45+$49+$591
60%$1,435.02+$39+$469
50%$1,132.90+$31+$370
40%$795.84+$22+$260
30%$552.47+$15+$181

Want the full table with spouse, children, and parents? See the 2026 VA pay chart, or get your exact number in the disability calculator.

How the COLA is set

By law, the VA disability COLA matches the Social Security COLA, which is tied to inflation — specifically the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) measured over the third quarter of the year. When prices rise, the government raises benefits by the same percentage so your buying power holds steady. Because it tracks the Social Security number, if you also draw Social Security or SSDI, both got the same 2.8% bump.

Common questions

Do I have to apply? No — it's automatic. Nothing to file.
When do I see it? The Dec 1, 2025 effective date shows up in the payment you receive at the end of December 2025.
Does it cover survivors? Yes — DIC gets the same increase, and so do SMC and (in most years) pension.
Is it taxed? No — VA compensation stays tax-free, COLA and all.

See your exact 2026 pay — rating, dependents, and all.

Disability Calculator →   2026 Pay Chart →

The 2026 COLA of 2.8% is effective December 1, 2025. Dollar increases shown are approximate (computed from the 2.8% adjustment on the single-veteran base rates) and rounded — your exact amount depends on your rating and dependents. New 2026 rates from va.gov/disability/compensation-rates. US Vet Help is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not file claims.