2026 VA disability COLA set at 2.8%. The new monthly math

Filed Jul 17, 2026Last updated Jul 25, 2026Briefing format · sourced

BLUF

VA disability compensation rose 2.8% for 2026. A veteran rated 100% with no dependents moved from roughly $3,831 to about $3,938 per month. No action required. See the new numbers.

The Facts

The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment for VA disability compensation is 2.8%, matching the Social Security COLA as required by law. The increase applies to payments effective December 1, with the first adjusted deposit arriving at the start of January.

What It Means For You

Every rating band moves up 2.8%. At 100% with no dependents, that is roughly $107 more per month. Dependents, SMC, and other add-ons scale by the same percentage. The adjustment is automatic — there is no form, no application, and no phone call required.

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