Veterans who carry the heavy burden of service-connected disabilities deserve full recognition, care, and financial security. In 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced higher monthly disability payments for all eligible veterans, including those with a 90% disability rating.
This increase comes from the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which helps benefits keep pace with inflation.
For veterans rated at 90%, this means larger monthly deposits, additional allowances for dependents, and financial support that more closely matches today’s rising expenses.
This article explains the new 2025 pay rates, payment dates, and how dependents can further boost monthly compensation.
Why VA Disability Benefits Increased in 2025
Every year, the government applies a COLA adjustment to Social Security and VA disability benefits. For 2025, the COLA is set at 2.5%. That means a direct boost in monthly VA payments starting from the January 2025 deposit.
This adjustment is crucial because the cost of living continues to rise in areas like housing, groceries, healthcare, and utilities. By tying VA disability compensation to COLA, veterans’ purchasing power is better protected.
90% VA Disability Pay in 2025
Veterans with a 90% rating do not all receive the same amount. Payment depends on whether the veteran has a spouse, children, or dependent parents. Below is the updated 2025 monthly pay table for veterans at the 90% level.
Monthly Compensation – 90% Rating (2025)
| Dependent Situation | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Veteran only | $2,297.96 |
| Veteran + spouse | $2,489.96 |
| Veteran + one child | $2,425.96 |
| Veteran + spouse + one child | $2,630.96 |
| Veteran + one parent | $2,451.96 |
| Veteran + two parents | $2,605.96 |
| Veteran + one parent + one child | $2,579.96 |
| Veteran + two parents + one child | $2,733.96 |
| Veteran + spouse + one parent | $2,643.96 |
| Veteran + spouse + two parents | $2,797.96 |
| Veteran + spouse + one parent + one child | $2,784.96 |
| Veteran + spouse + two parents + one child | $2,938.96 |
Extra Add-Ons for Dependents
Beyond the standard amounts above, veterans may also qualify for additional monthly compensation:
- Each child under 18: +$95 per month
- Each child over 18 in school: +$308 per month
- Spouse requiring Aid & Attendance (A&A): +$176 per month
These extras can quickly add up, raising a 90%-rated veteran’s monthly income to well over $3,000 depending on family size and needs.
VA Disability Payment Schedule in 2025
VA benefits are paid at the end of each month, with deposits arriving on the first business day of the following month. If that day is a weekend or holiday, payments are made on the last business day of the prior month.
Here is the full 2025 VA payment calendar:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 31, 2025 |
| February | February 28, 2025 |
| March | April 1, 2025 |
| April | May 1, 2025 |
| May | May 30, 2025 |
| June | July 1, 2025 |
| July | August 1, 2025 |
| August | August 29, 2025 |
| September | October 1, 2025 |
| October | October 31, 2025 |
| November | December 1, 2025 |
| December | December 31, 2025 |
Example Scenarios
Veteran With Spouse + 1 Child
- Base pay: $2,630.96
- Spouse qualifies for Aid & Attendance: +$176.00
- Total monthly payment: $2,806.96
Veteran With Two Parents + 1 Child
- Base pay: $2,733.96
- One extra child under 18: +$95.00
- Total monthly payment: $2,828.96
For veterans with a 90% disability rating, 2025 brings higher VA payments, reflecting the 2.5% COLA adjustment. Depending on dependents and add-ons, monthly benefits now range from $2,297.96 for a single veteran to nearly $3,000 for those with larger families.
With a clear payment schedule and transparent dependent-based calculations, veterans can confidently plan their finances for the year. These increases honor the service and sacrifice of America’s heroes, ensuring they and their families receive the financial stability they deserve.
FAQs
The new rates began with the January 2025 payment, covering December 2024.
No. The adjustment is automatic for all veterans already receiving disability compensation.
Yes. Veterans may apply for a reevaluation or qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate if work is not possible.