30% VA disability pay rate (2026)
Source: VA.gov compensation rates, effective 2025-12-01, retrieved 2026-06-11.
A 30% rating pays $552.47 per month for a veteran with no dependents in 2026. With dependents, the amount rises as shown below.
| Dependent status | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $552.47 |
| With spouse only | $617.47 |
| With spouse and 1 parent | $669.47 |
| With spouse and 2 parents | $721.47 |
| With 1 parent | $604.47 |
| With 2 parents | $656.47 |
| With 1 child only | $596.47 |
| With 1 child and spouse | $666.47 |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 1 parent | $718.47 |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 2 parents | $770.47 |
| With 1 child and 1 parent | $648.47 |
| With 1 child and 2 parents | $700.47 |
Where dependent additions begin
The 30% rating is the threshold where dependent status starts affecting monthly pay. A veteran rated at 30% with no dependents receives $552.47. Adding a spouse raises the monthly amount to $617.47, a difference of $65.00. Adding a child on top of a spouse brings the figure to $666.47.
Beyond the base dependent-status rows, VA also recognizes added amounts at 30%: each additional child under 18 adds to the base monthly figure, as does each school-age child over 18 attending qualifying education, and a spouse who requires aid and attendance. These amounts are separate from the dependent-status rows in the table above. At 10% and 20%, none of this applies: the rate is fixed regardless of family size. Veterans who recently added a dependent and have not yet reported the change to VA should file VA Form 21-686c to capture the additional pay from the date of eligibility. If VA denied the dependent addition, see what to do after a VA decision you disagree with.
Check the math behind your rating
Your combined rating is calculated under 38 CFR §4.25 and §4.26, and the final number is rounded to the nearest 10. Whether you sit at 30% or one band higher can come down to a few points. Run your conditions through the calculator to see your combined value before rounding, and read how the bilateral factor works if you have conditions in both arms or both legs.
If VA owes you money back to an earlier effective date, estimate your back pay or read how back pay is calculated. If your decision letter's rating is lower than the math supports, see what to do after a VA decision you disagree with.
Figures are transcribed from VA.gov and validated automatically; see our methodology. This page is informational only and is not a benefits decision. Disclaimer.