VA Disability Payments Set to Rise 3.6% in 2027 After New COLA Announcement
The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment that will raise monthly VA disability compensation for over 6 million veterans, pending congressional approval.
The Social Security Administration released a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment, the biggest since 2023, that will be applied to VA disability compensation for more than six million veterans. VA benefits, which are tax-free monthly payments tied to a disability rating from 0 to 100 percent, will see the same percentage increase across all compensable ratings; for example, a 50% rating will rise from $1,132.90 to roughly $1,173.68, while a 100% rating will go from $3,938.58 to about $4,080.37.
The calculation uses the CPI-W index, comparing the average of July-September 2025 with that of the same period in 2026. Congressional approval is required under the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026, which has not yet been enacted. The adjustment is slated to become effective on December 1 2026, with the first increased payment expected at the start of January 2027, and will be applied automatically to existing recipients. The VA has not released its final 2027 payment tables.
Why it matters
The increase will boost monthly income for millions of veterans, helping maintain their purchasing power.
How this story developed
- Oct 7 October Social Security payments to begin next week in three weekly batches
- Oct 14 The SSA announced the 2027 cost‑of‑living adjustment figure.
- Oct 15 Benefit increase quantified at roughly $75 per month.
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