Find Your Current Rate
Use the VA’s official rate tables for 2025. Payments may increase with a spouse, dependent parents, and children (under 18 or 18–24 in school).
2025 VA Disability Rates (What Affects Your Monthly Amount)
Your monthly payment depends on your combined rating and qualified dependents.
Compare to Past Rates
Want to see last year’s tables? VA keeps a historical page so you can compare changes across years.
Combined Ratings (“VA Math”) & The Bilateral Factor
Multiple ratings don’t add linearly—VA uses a combined-ratings method and sometimes a bilateral factor for paired limbs.
How VA Calculates Combined Ratings
The VA explains why your combined % may differ from a straight sum, and provides interactive tables for understanding results.
When the Bilateral Factor Applies
If both sides of a paired extremity (arms or legs) have qualifying disabilities, VA applies a bilateral factor before combining with other ratings.
How to File a VA Disability Claim
You can file online, by mail, or in person at a regional office.
Online, By Mail, or In Person
Follow VA’s step-by-step guide and choose the method that works for you. If filing by mail, VA uses Form 21-526EZ.
What Happens After You File
VA reviews your claim, gathers evidence, may schedule a claim exam, and issues a decision. Evidence gathering is often the longest step.
Evidence, Lay Statements, & Buddy Letters
Plain-language statements can help explain symptoms, frequency, and impact—alongside medical evidence.
What Evidence VA May Need
VA lists common evidence and provides forms for statements (21-10210 and 21-4138). Always be accurate and consistent.
VA Claim Exam (C&P): What to Expect
Examiners don’t decide your claim—they collect information used by VA claims processors.
Claim Exam Basics
Expect history questions, condition-specific DBQ prompts, and sometimes tests (e.g., X-rays). Exams are at no cost to you.
Who Decides the Claim?
Claims processors—not examiners—decide your claim using the full body of evidence, which may include exam results.
Claim Status: What Each Stage Means
VA uses several status labels (e.g., “Evidence gathering,” “Review of evidence,” “Preparation for decision”). Here’s how to read them.
Check Your Claim Status
Use the VA’s official status tool to see where your claim is in the process and which step comes next.
What Your Status Means
VA explains each status label in plain language so you know what’s happening and what to expect.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) & Special Allowances
Some conditions or needs qualify for higher SMC rates or additional allowances.
Current SMC Rates
SMC is a higher rate paid for specific circumstances. VA lists 2025 SMC rates and variations (e.g., Levels K and Q).
Special Benefit Allowances
Automobile allowance, clothing allowance, and Medal of Honor pension have separate rate schedules.