Starting in 2025, veterans saw that the monthly disability compensation they receive would slowly rise. Department of Veterans Affairs increases veteran/survivor payments by 2.5% as of December 1, 2024. This also applies to all ratings of 10 percent to 100 percent, as well as additional amounts for dependents and special needs.
For a veteran with a 100 percent rating who has no dependents, this amounted to an additional $93.45 per month for a base rate of $3,831.30. The increase will help veterans keep pace with higher prices for housing, health care, and everyday goods.
Veterans Disability Benefits Increase 2025
Veterans’ disability benefits are increased annually based on the Social Security Administration’s COLA figure, which tracks the Consumer Price Index. In October 2024, the SSA declared an increase of 2.5%. Because the Veterans’ Compensation Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment Act of 2013 ties VA benefits to the Social Security COLA, their payments partly cover veterans and survivors and need no further remarkable congressional action.
Benefit increases have averaged about 2.6 percent over the past decade, but recent years have seen higher increases. The 2025 COLA is considered below average, although it remains significant in helping to make sure benefits stay in step with inflation in everyday costs.
Veterans Disability Benefits Overview
| Department | Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Article On | Veterans Disability Benefits Increase 2025 |
| Country | USA |
| Eligibility | Service-connected disability |
| Amount | As per eligibility |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly |
| Payment Mode | Direct Deposits or Paper Checks |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | Va.gov |
Eligibility for the Veterans Disability Benefits
- Service-Connected Disability Rated Veterans 10% or more
- Surviving spouses and children receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Veterans with a spouse and child may be eligible for higher thresholds.
- Aid & Assistance beneficiaries by veteran’s spouses through a VA-approved program by VACO.
- For the COLA update, no further steps are necessary, and benefits are adjusted automatically.
New Rates What Does the Change Mean
Between 10% and 20% ratings, veterans saw small, flat increases, which are between $4.28 and $8.67 a month. For ratings 30 to 100%, each level went up by 2.5%, with additional amounts for dependents, a schooling allowance, and Aid and Attendance. A veteran at 70% with a spouse saw their payment increase from around $1,759.19 to about $1,803.18 monthly.
These COLA adjustments matter because each additional dollar can help relieve the financial burden many families face as they navigate an ever-more-expensive world.
Dependents and Additional Benefits
Service members rated 30% or more are eligible for other monthly payments based on spouse, children, or dependent parents. For instance, each child under 18 adds between $31 and $106 per month, the amount depending on disability severity. They also receive additional amounts for spouses who need Aid and Attendance, with the rate depending on what tier of disability a spouse falls into.
These dependent allowances have also risen by 2.5% in 2025, which is quite a large increase in income for entire families. It is a provision designed to defray the cost of daily living, medical care, and quality of life for veterans and their caregivers.
Objectives and consequences of the 2025 COLA Increase
The yearly COLA is designed to keep normal living costs indexed to veterans’ benefits. The government needs to give them a raise every year as the price of everyday goods and services continues to rise. The 2025 adjustment was far less than in recent years, but was based on current economic conditions and would prevent veterans from falling behind, he added.
For those with severe disabilities or complex family situations, the bump is welcome relief. However, for groups like Disabled American Veterans (DAV), these changes remain essential to getting by, covering the cost of food, housing, and medicine.
Beyond COLA Continuing Challenges
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) continues to have problems despite yearly cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increases. Veterans’ claims and appeals processing delays and backlogs persist as a significant concern. The VBA is also taking steps to increase its efficiency through electronic records and fast-tracked review systems.
These operational changes are especially important because if you are a veteran, it can mean the difference between receiving benefits on time and your appeal being processed correctly and not to mention for a veteran whose need is immediate, or whose health is deteriorating.
FAQs
Do I have to take any action to receive the 2025 benefit increase?
No, the cost-of-living adjustment is automatic for federal benefits, which include disability and survivor benefits.
By what percent has the value increased for 2025?
The amount has been raised by 2.5%, as on the date of your COLA announcement, the SSA had announced that there would be a COLA increase in October 2024.
Are allowances for dependents increasing?
Yes. Dependent veterans, as well as spouses, children, and Aid and Attendance veterans, all saw a 2.5% increase in their benefit amounts.
