Veterans receiving disability compensation will see an increase in their monthly benefits in 2025 due to cost-of-living adjustments. Below are a few examples of how these changes will affect different situations:

• A veteran with one child at a 30% disability rating will see a $13.83 increase, with their monthly payment rising from $565.59 in 2024 to $579.42 in 2025.
• A veteran with a spouse, two parents, and one child at a 60% disability rating will receive an additional $44.16 per month, increasing their payment from $1,777.77 in 2024 to $1,821.93 in 2025.
• A veteran with one child (and no spouse or parents) at a 70% disability rating will experience a $44.90 increase, bringing their monthly benefit from $1,813.29 in 2024 to $1,858.19 in 2025.
• On the higher end, a 100% disabled veteran with a spouse, two parents, and one child will see their monthly compensation rise by $110.84, from $4,433.39 in 2024 to $4,544.23 in 2025.

These adjustments help ensure that veterans and their families continue to receive the financial support they deserve.

2025 VA Payment Schedule: When WILL YOUR VA CHECK BE DEPOSITED?

For veterans relying on VA benefits, knowing when to expect your payments is essential for financial planning. Below is key information on the 2025 VA payment schedule:

• Monthly Payments: VA disability compensation is paid on a monthly basis, covering the previous month’s  benefits. For example, the payment received in February is for January’s benefits.
• Scheduled Deposit Dates: VA payments are typically deposited on the first business day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, the deposit is made on the last business day before the first.
• Direct Deposit: Enrolling in direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your benefits. Funds are typically available sooner compared to traditional mail delivery.
• Planning Ahead: A detailed payment schedule helps you anticipate when funds will be available, making it easier to manage expenses and budget accordingly.
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Any cost of living adjustments increases will be reflected in your payments, ensuring that your benefits keep pace with inflation.

By staying informed about your VA payment dates, you can better plan your finances and ensure timely access to your benefits.

We've made a table below outlining payment dates with the corresponding day of the week to give you a clear overview of what to expect of your benefits throughout the year.

Cost of living Adjustments effects on ratings and understanding how your rating is calculated

Understanding COLA and Its Effect on VA Disability Ratings

Each year, veterans may see an adjustment to their VA benefits to account for inflation, known as the Cost-of-Living Adjustment. This ensures that your benefits remain in line with the rising cost of living. As prices increase, the Cost-of-Living Adjustment helps preserve your purchasing power by adjusting your benefits accordingly.

How Are VA Disability Ratings Determined?

The process of determining your VA disability rating can seem complicated, but understanding how it works is crucial for managing your benefits. The disability rating plays a key role in determining the financial support you’ll receive based on the extent of your service-related disabilities.

What Are VA Disability Percentages?

The VA assigns a percentage to each disability they recognize, which ranges from 0% to 100%. The percentage reflects how much the condition impacts your ability to function in daily life and work. The higher the percentage, the greater the impairment.

How Are Ratings Assigned?

Each disability is evaluated based on specific criteria outlined in the VA rating schedule. For example, if you have a knee injury, the VA will assess the extent to which it limits your range of motion, and assign a rating based on that.

Taking Severity and Impact into Account

The VA evaluates both the medical severity of your condition and its effect on your daily life. For example, a condition that severely limits your ability to work and causes significant pain may be assigned a higher rating than a condition that is more easily managed.

One Disability vs. Multiple Disabilities

For veterans with one disability, the VA assigns a single rating percentage. However, if you have multiple disabilities, each condition gets its own percentage rating. These ratings are then combined using the VA’s specific formula. This is important because the combined rating isn’t simply the sum of the individual percentages.

Estimate Your VA Disability Benefits

The process of understanding VA disability ratings can be complex, but our VA Disability Calculator is designed to make it easier. This tool helps you save time and simplify the process.

By entering just a few details, you can find out:

• Your Estimated Disability Rating: Our calculator provides an estimate of your rating based on your unique condition or combination of conditions—without having to navigate complicated rating tables.
• Your Potential Monthly Compensation: Get a clearer picture of what benefits you might receive by understanding how different disability ratings correspond to financial support.