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On December 1, 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs released the 2025 VA payment rates and schedule. New VA disability pay rates increased in 2025 to account for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 3.3% 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 team discusses how veterans collect VA disability benefits, the 2025 VA payment amounts, and the 2025 VA payment calendar.
Our VA Disability Lawyer Discusses How To Calculate 2025 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 assesses your service-connected conditions for duration, frequency, severity, and impact on your ability to work. The VA uses this information to assign a disability rating from 0% to 100% for each condition.
If you have more than one service-connected condition, the VA may assign a combined rating that may not equal the sum of the individual ratings.
How Much Are 2025 VA Disability Payments?
Each year, the government adjusts VA disability payment amounts to reflect the Social Security Administration’s annual cost-of-living adjustment. For 2025, the COLA increase is 3.3%, raising VA disability payments from the 2024 rates.
Effective December 1, 2024, the veterans’ disability payment amounts for single veterans with no dependents are:
- $175.51 per month for 10% disability
- $346.95 per month for 20% disability
- $537.42 per month for 30% disability
- $774.16 per month for 40% disability
- $1,102.04 per month for 50% disability
- $1,395.93 per month for 60% disability
- $1,759.19 per month for 70% disability
- $2,044.89 per month for 80% disability
- $2,297.96 per month for 90% disability
- $3,831.30 per month for 100% disability
Veterans with a 0% disability rating are not eligible for monthly payments but may qualify for VA healthcare benefits. Veterans with a 0% rating can file additional claims later if their condition worsens. Increased ratings are assigned when veterans prove a more severe level of impairment by filing a new claim.
You can use our VA Disability Calculator to learn about additional payments you could receive for dependents such as parents, children, or spouses. Extra compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% or higher.
When Do Veterans Receive 2025 VA Disability Payments?
VA disability benefits are paid out on the first business day of the month. If the first business day falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are made on the last business day of the prior month.
The 2025 VA payment schedule is as follows:
- January – Friday, January 31
- 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 are typically issued within 15 days of approval. However, delays of several months can occur due to audits or administrative errors. Retroactive pay may also arrive earlier than the approval notice in some cases.
If concurrent retirement pay is involved, funds may be withheld pending an audit by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
How Can I Increase My Monthly VA Payment Amount?
If you believe your VA disability rating is incorrect or inadequate, you can file a supplemental claim, Board appeal, or higher-level review. Consulting an experienced VA disability lawyer can help you determine the best option for your case.
Veterans who have been receiving a rating for a long time and experience a worsening of their condition can file a new claim for an increased rating. This is not an appeal but a new claim.
Contact Us a VA Disability Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Our knowledgeable VA disability attorneys are here to help. Call or connect online today.