Here is some recent news about VA disability benefits:
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
In 2024, VA disability benefits increased by 3.2% due to the COLA. The next payment was issued on May 1, 2024, and many veterans received at least $3,000.
On June 14, 2023, President Joe Biden signed the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023 into law. This act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide a cost-of-living adjustment for Veterans’ benefits in 2024, equivalent to the COLA applied to Social Security benefits, as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). More: VA.GOV
The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, is an annual requirement for Congress. It is crucial to ensure that Veterans receive a COLA that keeps up with inflation.
Which VA benefits will increase?
The COLA will impact certain VA benefits, including but not limited to disability compensation, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for spouses and children.
While the exact amount of next year’s adjustment is yet to be determined, it is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the average change in prices of goods and services compared to previous years and is used by the SSA to determine the annual COLA, which, by law, now applies to VA benefits as well.
The most recent adjustment in January 2023, which Veterans are currently receiving, resulted in an 8.7% increase following two consecutive years of high inflation.
More: VA.GOV
When can Veterans expect to see the adjustment?
Based on previous timelines, the SSA is expected to announce its 2024 COLA early in the next fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. The VA will then adjust its compensation payment rates accordingly, and Veterans can expect to see the new amounts reflected in their January 2024 payment. To stay informed about the COLA announcement and its implications for your VA benefits, subscribe to the #VetResources newsletter and #theSITREP podcast where this topic and many others of interest to Veterans are discussed. More: VA.GOV
- 2025 VA disability pay rates
VA disability pay rates for 2025 are expected to increase by 2.63% due to the COLA, effective December 1, 2024.
Current Veterans Disability Compensation Rates
Explore the 2024 Veterans disability compensation rates. Use our compensation benefits rate tables to determine your monthly payment amount. Your monthly payment is calculated based on your disability rating and information about your dependent family members. More: VA.GOV
- Presumed service-connected disabilities
The VA added three new cancer types to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure. These types include male breast cancer, urethral cancer, and cancer of the paraurethral glands
Presumptive Cancers Related to Burn Pit Exposure
We’ve expanded the list of presumptive cancers for eligible Gulf War and post-9/11 Veterans. A presumptive condition means that we automatically assume your service caused the condition.
Visit this page to review the most common types of cancers now recognized as presumptive for eligible Veterans. If you have one of these cancers and were exposed to burn pits or served in a qualifying location, you may be eligible. We encourage you to file a claim for disability compensation and apply for VA health care today. More: VA.GOV
