Veterans' Disability Payments Rise 2.8% with New COLA Adjustment
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting December 1, 2025, veterans with service-connected disabilities will see their monthly compensation bump up by 2.8%, matching Social Security’s cost-of-living increase. This means more money in their pockets to keep up with rising living costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is making sure these benefits stay fair and helpful!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clothing Allowance Raised to $1,053.19
If you qualify for the VA clothing allowance under 38 U.S.C. 1162, the annual amount was set at $1,053.19 effective December 1, 2025. The notice lists this as the new yearly clothing allowance amount.
2.8% Increase to Disability Pay
If you are a veteran receiving service-connected disability compensation, VA increased benefit rates by 2.8% effective December 1, 2025, matching Social Security's cost-of-living increase. The notice publishes the new monthly amounts (for example, 10% = $180.42/month and 100% = $3,938.58/month).
Higher Additional Pay for Dependents
If you receive VA additional compensation for dependents, those rates were raised by 2.8% effective December 1, 2025. The notice lists the updated monthly amounts (for example, 38 U.S.C. 1115(1)(A) = $219.59).
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