10% VA Disability Pay
Veteran Alone — federal monthly benefit, tax-free
Not taxable federal income (38 U.S.C. § 5301). Paid monthly by direct deposit, usually on the first business day of the month for the month before.
Source: VA.gov compensation rate tables (effective December 1, 2025) · Reviewed
Who this applies to
Single veteran, no qualifying dependents. At ratings below 30%, the VA pays a flat amount regardless of dependent status.
Flat rate. No dependent multipliers below 30%.
What a 10% rating means
- The payment is not taxable federal income (38 U.S.C. § 5301).
- Some needs-based programs, such as SSI and SNAP, can count it as income. Check each program's rules.
- A 10% service-connected rating qualifies you to enroll in VA health care (Priority Group 3).
- At 10% and 20%, VA pays the same amount whether or not you have dependents.
- Rates change each December 1 with the cost-of-living adjustment VA matches to Social Security.
Other ratings (veteran alone)
How VA disability ratings combine (38 CFR 4.25)
VA uses the "whole-person theory" to combine multiple disability ratings, not simple addition. Two 50% conditions don't combine to 100% — they combine to 75% (rounded to nearest 10% = 80%). The VA Combined Ratings Table is at 38 CFR 4.25. Try the combined rating calculator. If service-connected conditions prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," ask about TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) — paid at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%.
About this rate guide
These are 2026 rates, effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA), copied from VA's published rate tables. VA decides your actual award. Always check the current table at va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates. See all ratings on the VA disability rates chart.