The 2026 VA COLA increase of 2.8% will raise monthly disability payments for veterans. This article explains what the COLA change means, shows an estimated pay chart, and walks through simple steps to calculate how much you will gain.
What the 2026 VA COLA increase means
COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is an annual increase tied to inflation. For 2026, the federal COLA is 2.8%, which the VA applies to disability compensation and other benefits.
This 2.8% increase is applied to the monthly rates the VA pays. The VA will publish the official 2026 compensation tables, but you can estimate your new rate now by applying 2.8% to your current monthly payment.
How to calculate your 2026 VA disability pay
Use a basic formula to estimate your new monthly payment. The math is simple and can be done with a calculator or spreadsheet.
- Formula: 2026 Estimated Rate = Current Rate × 1.028
- Increase Amount = Current Rate × 0.028
- Round to the nearest cent for monthly checks
Step-by-step example
If your current monthly VA disability payment is $1,200, multiply by 1.028 to get the estimated 2026 amount.
- 1,200 × 1.028 = $1,233.60
- Increase = $1,233.60 − $1,200 = $33.60 per month
Estimated pay chart for 2026 VA COLA increase
Below is an example chart that applies the 2.8% COLA to sample current monthly rates. These example 2025 rates are illustrative; use your actual current VA payment to calculate your exact 2026 rate.
| Disability Rating | Sample 2025 Monthly Rate | Estimated 2026 Monthly Rate (×1.028) | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $170.00 | $174.76 | $4.76 |
| 20% | $330.00 | $339.24 | $9.24 |
| 30% | $510.00 | $524.28 | $14.28 |
| 40% | $740.00 | $760.72 | $20.72 |
| 50% | $1,030.00 | $1,058.84 | $28.84 |
| 60% | $1,300.00 | $1,363.60 | $36.40 |
| 70% | $1,640.00 | $1,686.92 | $46.92 |
| 80% | $1,860.00 | $1,910.08 | $50.08 |
| 90% | $2,280.00 | $2,344.00 | $64.00 |
| 100% | $3,900.00 | $4,009.20 | $109.20 |
Note: These sample 2025 rates are for demonstration only. Replace the “Sample 2025 Monthly Rate” column with your actual current VA payment to get a precise 2026 estimate.
The VA COLA follows the Social Security COLA, which is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). When CPI-W rises, veterans typically receive a matching COLA.
Quick calculation tips
- If you get multiple VA payments or dependents allowances, calculate each component separately and then add them.
- Use a spreadsheet: enter your current rates, multiply by 1.028, and format cells to two decimals.
- Round monthly amounts to the nearest cent for your personal budget planning.
Common questions
Will the VA notify me about the new rate? Yes. The VA typically publishes the new compensation tables and updates your payments automatically. You will also receive correspondence if your payment changes.
Does COLA apply to pensions and other VA benefits? Yes. Most VA compensation and pension programs receive the federal COLA increase.
Small case study: How much you’ll gain
Case: Maria is a veteran rated at 70% and currently receives $1,640 per month (sample amount). She wants to know her 2026 estimated pay with the 2.8% COLA.
- Current payment: $1,640
- 2026 estimate: $1,640 × 1.028 = $1,686.92
- Monthly gain: $46.92, year increase = $46.92 × 12 = $563.04
This small increase can help with higher costs for housing, medications, or transportation over the year.
What to watch for when 2026 rates are published
- Check the VA.gov compensation tables for official rates and effective dates.
- Confirm whether your payment includes dependent allowances and how the COLA affects those amounts.
- Keep records of your current payments so you can verify the VA’s adjustments.
How to proceed: Use the formula above with your current VA monthly payment to estimate your 2026 amount. When the VA publishes the official tables, compare them with your estimate and contact the VA if there is a discrepancy.
If you want, provide your current monthly VA payment and I can calculate your estimated 2026 payment and yearly gain.