VA Benefits Will Get COLA Boost, Some Veterans Worry It's Not Enough
Summary
The federal government announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for VA disability benefits starting in 2027, the largest increase since 2023. This adjustment aims to help veterans keep up with rising living costs, but some veterans say it may not fully cover their growing expenses.Key Facts
- The 3.6 percent COLA was announced by the Social Security Administration and will apply to VA disability compensation after Congress approves it.
- This increase follows prior raises of 2.5 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026.
- Veterans’ monthly benefit increases will vary by disability rating, for example, about $6.50 more for a 10 percent rating and up to around $142 more for a 100 percent rating without dependents.
- More than 6 million veterans receive VA disability benefits, which are tax-free payments for service-connected health issues.
- The COLA is intended to help benefits keep up with inflation, but rising everyday costs may outpace the increase.
- Other payments, like Special Monthly Compensation and survivor benefits, will also increase by 3.6 percent.
- Military retirees will generally get about $36 more per month for each $1,000 of retirement pay.
- Experts note that whether this increase is enough depends on future economic and military conflict developments.
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