The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment for VA disability compensation is 2.8%, matching the Social Security COLA as required by law. The increase applies to payments effective December 1, with the first adjusted deposit arriving at the start of January.

What It Means For You

Every rating band moves up 2.8%. At 100% with no dependents, that is roughly $107 more per month. Dependents, SMC, and other add-ons scale by the same percentage. The adjustment is automatic — there is no form, no application, and no phone call required.