VA Disability Ratings and Pay, Explained

1What a rating means

A rating is VA's measure of how much a service-connected condition affects your health and ability to work. It goes up in steps of 10%.

• 0%: no monthly pay, but the condition still counts for VA health care.
• 10% and 20%: a fixed monthly amount.
• 30% and up: you also get extra for a spouse, children or dependent parents.

2Why 50% plus 30% isn't 80%

VA uses “whole person” math. It starts with your highest rating, then applies each next rating only to the part of you that's still “healthy.”

Example: 50% and 30%.

• Start at 50%. That leaves 50% healthy.
• 30% of the healthy 50% is 15. Add it: 50 + 15 = 65.
• VA rounds to the nearest 10, so 65 becomes 70%.

Our calculator does this math for you with any number of conditions.

3Monthly pay by rating (2026)

Rates took effect December 1, 2025. They usually rise each December by the same cost-of-living raise as Social Security, which is 3.6% for 2027. Children add more.

4How to file a claim

• File online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person.
• Get free help from an accredited veterans service officer. In Oregon, contact ODVA or your county veterans service office. In Washington, contact WDVA.
• Send medical records that link your condition to your service. VA may also schedule an exam.

Be careful with companies that charge a fee to “help” with a first claim. Accredited helpers do it for free.

5Common questions

Can I get VA disability and SSDI at the same time?

Yes. Neither one lowers the other.

Does VA disability affect SSI or SNAP?

Yes. VA pay counts as income for SSI and SNAP. It doesn't count for adult Medicaid, because it isn't taxable.

Is VA disability pay taxed?

No. VA disability compensation is not taxed by the IRS or by Oregon.