2024 VA Disability Pay Rates and Schedule

On December 1, 2023, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs released the 2024 VA payment rates and schedule. New VA disability pay rates increased in 2024 to account for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Veterans diagnosed with a health condition caused by military service may qualify for monthly disability payments through the VA. Our VA disability lawyer discusses how veterans collect VA disability benefits, the 2024 VA payment amounts, and the 2024 VA payment calendar.

Eligibility for VA Disability Benefits

To qualify for VA disability payments, veterans must show that their health condition is connected to their military service.

To prove service connection for a health condition, veterans must show the following:

1. In-service event: an event such as toxin exposure, an injury, mental health issues, or traumatic experience that occurred during your time in service, and
2. Current diagnosis: a current diagnosis of an illness, disease, or other health condition that is expected to require long-term treatment or has caused long-term or permanent impairment, and
3. Medical nexus: medical expert opinion using scientific evidence to show a connection between the in-service event and current diagnosis. 

Evidence for a medical nexus that links your in-service event to your disability may include medical records, military records, medical nexus letters, and buddy letters.  If, however, the condition is on a presumptive list, then the veteran will not have to prove a nexus.

Our VA Disability Lawyer Discusses How To Calculate 2024 VA Disability Payments

The VA disability benefits program offers monthly compensation to military veterans with service-connected disabling conditions. The monthly VA payment amounts are based on each veteran’s disability rating—the more severe the condition, the higher the payments.

In addition, the payment amount increases for each of the veteran’s dependents, including a spouse, dependent parents, or children.

To assign your disability rating, a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) examiner may assess your service-connected conditions for duration, frequency, severity, and any impact on your ability to work and maintain employment. The VA will consider this information and assign a disability rating from 0% to 100% for each service-connected condition.

If you have more than one service-connected condition, the VA may assign a combined rating that may or may not equal the sum of each individual rating.

Find Out What Your Disability Payments Should Be

Use Our VA DISABILITY CALCULATOR to Find Out!

How Much Are 2024 VA Disability Payments?

Every year, the government modifies the VA disability payment amounts to reflect the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) annual cost-of-living adjustment. For 2024, the cost-of-living adjustment came to 3.2%, increasing VA disability payments significantly from the 2023 VA payment rates.

Effective December 1st, 2023, the veterans disability payment amounts for single veterans with no dependents are:

• • $171.23 per month for 10% disability

• • $338.49 per month for 20% disability

• • $524.31 per month for 30% disability

• • $755.28 per month for 40% disability

• • $1,075.16 per month for 50% disability

• • $1,361.88 per month for 60% disability

• • $1,716.28 per month for 70% disability

• • $1,995.01 per month for 80% disability

• • $2,241.91 per month for 90% disability

• • $3,737.85 per month for 100% disability

Veterans with a 0% disability rating are not eligible for monthly disability payments. However, they may qualify for VA healthcare benefits. Remember, veterans with a 0% rating can file additional claims later should their condition worsen. VA assigns increased ratings for veterans who can prove a more severe level of impairment.  The process to do this would be to file a new increased rating claim.

You can use our VA Disability Calculator to learn any additional monthly payments you could receive for dependent parents, children, or spouses.   Extra compensation for dependents kicks in once you achieve a combined rating of 30 percent or higher.

When Do Veterans Receive 2024 VA Disability Payments?

VA disability benefits are paid out on the first business day of the month. When the first business day is a weekend or holiday, the VA pays disability benefits on the last business day of the prior month.

The 2024 VA payment schedule is as follows:

• • January – Thursday, February 1

• • February – Friday, March 1

• • March – Monday, April 1

• • April – Wednesday, May 1

• • May – Friday, May 31

• • June – Monday, July 1

• • July – Thursday, August 1

• • August – Friday, August 30

• • September – Tuesday, October 1

• • October – Friday, November 1

• • November – Friday, November 29

• • December – Tuesday, December 31

When Do Veterans Receive VA Retroactive Pay?

Retroactive VA disability benefits, past-due benefits, and back pay should arrive by direct deposit or check within 15 days of approval. But it isn’t always predictable. In some cases, retroactive pay could be delayed for several months. Some veterans receive payment early before they even get their approval notice.  If there was concurrent retirement pay involved, VA will withhold money pending an audit by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service or DFAS.  In other cases, there is administrative error on the part of VA that can delay release of the funds.

How Can I Increase My Monthly VA Payment Amount?

If you believe your initial VA disability rating is incorrect or inadequate or are otherwise unhappy with the outcome of your VA disability claim, you can request a supplemental claim, Board appeal, or higher-level review.  These are all appeal options, and it is recommended that you consult with an experienced VA disability lawyer to discuss your appeal options.  Once an initial decision is made, a veteran can retain the services of an attorney.  Often, a claim for service connection will be granted, but the VA assigns a rating that is too low.  When this happens, the veteran must file an appeal of the assigned rating.  In other situations, if a veteran has been receiving a rating for a long time, and the condition worsens, he needs to file a new claim for an increased rating, which is not an appeal but a new claim.

A knowledgeable VA disability lawyer can help you weigh the options and decide which is best for your case. Learn more in a free consultation. Contact our veterans disability attorneys at 888.693.1844 or connect online.