70% VA disability pay rate (2026)
Source: VA.gov compensation rates, effective 2025-12-01, retrieved 2026-06-11.
A 70% rating pays $1,808.45 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) | $1,808.45 |
| With spouse only | $1,961.45 |
| With spouse and 1 parent | $2,084.45 |
| With spouse and 2 parents | $2,207.45 |
| With 1 parent | $1,931.45 |
| With 2 parents | $2,054.45 |
| With 1 child only | $1,910.45 |
| With 1 child and spouse | $2,074.45 |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 1 parent | $2,197.45 |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 2 parents | $2,320.45 |
| With 1 child and 1 parent | $2,033.45 |
| With 1 child and 2 parents | $2,156.45 |
70%, the mental-health threshold, and TDIU eligibility
70% is the primary rating step for severe PTSD under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (diagnostic code 9411). At 70%, the criteria include deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood: near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively. For the full criteria, see the PTSD VA rating guide.
70% is also the key combined-rating threshold in the schedular TDIU rule. Under 38 CFR §4.16(a), TDIU may be assigned on a schedular basis when: if there is only one disability, it must be rated at 60% or more; if there are two or more disabilities, there must be at least one disability rated at 40% or more, and sufficient additional disability to bring the combined rating to 70% or more. Veterans who meet that threshold and cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected conditions may pursue TDIU through VA Form 21-8940. TDIU pays at the same base rate as a schedular 100% rating; see the pay table on the 100% rate page.
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 70% 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.