is a monthly, tax-free payment for Veterans with conditions. In about 2 minutes, we'll help you understand what it is, whether it might apply to you, and what to do next.
We're not the VA. We'll link to the official VA pages and forms so you can verify every step.
You don't need to know VA jargon to start. We'll cover the basics (in plain English), show real examples, and help you choose your next best step—whether that's learning more, starting a claim, or talking with an accredited representative.
This is what it looks like on your bank statement.
(50% rating — varies by your combined rating)
VA uses a percentage (0%–100% in 10% steps) to reflect severity and calculate pay.
Multiple ratings combine using a VA table—it's not simple addition. : 10% + 10% combines to 19% (then rounds to the nearest 10).
Often the later of when VA receives your claim or when your entitlement arose.
For some conditions, VA presumes service caused them—you mainly need to meet the service requirement for the presumption.
First, the two big requirements:
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, eligibility can be more complex. You may be able to apply for a discharge upgrade or request a VA Character of Discharge review.
VA eligibility starts with a current condition plus qualifying service; the "service link" can look different for different claims.
File your claim
You can file online, by mail, in person, or by fax.
Evidence gathering (often the longest)
VA may ask you for evidence, request records, or schedule a claim exam.
Claim exam (if needed)
The provider sends the exam report to VA; VA reviews it with the rest of your file.
Rating + decision letter
You can download your decision letter in the claim status tool; VA also mails a copy (often within ~10 business days).
If you disagree, you have options
Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal.
Good to know: If you file online and need time to finish, VA recognizes the date you started your application as your date of claim—so long as you complete it within 365 days.
10%
$180.42
/month (effective Dec 1, 2025)
20%
$356.66
/month (effective Dec 1, 2025)
100% (Veteran alone)
$3,938.58
/month (effective Dec 1, 2025)
If you have a 10%–20% rating, VA notes you won't receive a higher rate even if you have dependents.
All authority claims on this page are supported by the following sources. Links open in a new tab.
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment for Veterans with service-connected conditions.
Service-connected means an illness or injury that was caused by—or got worse because of—your active military service.
Eligibility requires a current condition plus qualifying service, with in-service, pre-service-worsened, or post-service-related paths.
For some conditions, VA presumes service caused them—you mainly need to meet the service requirement for the presumption.
Less-than-honorable discharges may affect eligibility; possible paths include discharge upgrade or VA Character of Discharge review.
Ratings run 0%–100% in 10% increments; pay varies by degree and dependents; multiple disabilities combine (not add).
Combined ratings use a VA table; example: 10% + 10% = 19% (then rounds to nearest 10).
Current compensation rates depend on rating and dependents; rated tables effective Dec 1, 2025.
File online, by mail, in person, or by fax. Starting online reserves the date of claim if completed within 365 days.
Often the later of when VA receives your claim or when your entitlement arose.
Claim journey milestones, decision letter contents, and mail timing (~10 business days).
The provider sends the exam report to VA; VA reviews it with the rest of your file.
Three ways to continue: Supplemental Claim (new evidence), Higher-Level Review (no new evidence), or Board Appeal.
VSO services are always free; accredited attorneys/claims agents can charge fees; official search tool exists.
PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for certain toxic exposures; signed Aug 10, 2022.
This page is educational and not legal advice. Every claim is decided on its specific facts and evidence.