VA disability benefits could increase 3.6% in 2027. Here's what to expect.

Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure .

Veterans receiving disability benefits are set to see a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027.

Following the Social Security Administration's COLA increase this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to increase veterans' disability compensation by the same 3.6%. More than 6 million veterans who currently receive disability compensation from the VA will get the increase next year.

Each year, Congress must pass the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act before the VA can make the increase official. The law ties VA disability benefits to the Social Security COLA so beneficiaries can keep pace with inflation.

Now that the SSA has released the 3.6% COLA increase for 2027, the legislation must pass before the VA can make the increase official for beneficiaries. But veterans can still use the confirmed COLA to estimate how their payments will change.

Here's what to know about the 2027 COLA and how VA disability benefits will be affected:

The SSA announced on Oct. 14 that its 2027 COLA for beneficiaries is 3.6% — the largest increase in four years . The COLA amount is based on the Consumer Price Index for urban workers (CPI-W) averages for July, August, and September 2026, compared with the same months in 2025.

If Congress approves, the 3.6% COLA that Social Security beneficiaries receive will also apply to VA disability compensation.

VA disability payments are tax-free, and eligible veterans receive them monthly. Veterans can qualify based on mental or physical conditions that developed before, during, or after they served in the military. That might include conditions that appeared after serving, for example, or existing conditions that were worsened by their service.

Specifically, the COLA increase applies to compensation for wartime disability, compensation for dependents, clothing allowances for eligible disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children.

How much will the COLA increase VA benefits in 2027?

The VA hasn't published 2027 compensation benefits rate tables, but beneficiaries can use the current rate tables to estimate their COLA increase for the new year.

The monthly payment that eligible veterans will actually receive in 2027 depends on the specific benefits they qualify for.

For example, take a veteran with a 10% disability rating who currently receives $180.42 in disability compensation. That monthly payment will increase by $6.50 ($180.42 x 0.036) in 2027, for a new monthly total of $186.92.

The higher a veteran's disability compensation is, the more impact they'll see from the COLA increase.

A veteran with an 80% disability rating, for example, who also has one child and a spouse, currently receives $2,406.15 per month. In 2027, that monthly payment will increase by $86.62 ($2,406.15 x 0.036) for a new total of $2,492.77.

Beyond the amounts within the VA's rate table, a family's total VA disability compensation may also be affected by added amounts that they may qualify for. This includes additional children or Aid and Attendance benefits that spouses may receive.

For veterans receiving disability compensation, there's no action to take now.

The 3.6% COLA increase will automatically be applied to monthly payments throughout 2027. You don't need to file a new claim to receive it.

The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 — which will finalize the VA's compensation adjustment — has already been introduced into Congress, though it's still waiting to pass into law. Once it's final, the VA will update its current compensation benefits rate tables , and you can see exactly how your monthly payment is affected based on your disability rating and dependents.

The new rate should be effective as of Dec. 1, 2026, though based on payment dates, veterans aren't likely to see the increased amount in their disability compensation until Dec. 31 or even January.

What your Social Security cost-of-living adjustment could be in 2027

Here's how much your Social Security benefit could increase in 2027, according to the latest COLA predictions.

Social Security COLA 2027 latest forecast: See how much your benefits could rise

Experts are forecasting a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. Here's how that could impact the average Social Security payment.

Social Security COLA for 2027: How to find out how much more you'll get

The Social Security COLA will increase by 3.6% in 2027, according to the Social Security Administration.

Social Security's 2027 COLA estimate is out as inflation cools

The latest inflation data may signal a modest cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients, according to a new projection.

Social Security benefits in 2027: See what's really changing

From the full retirement age and cost-of-living adjustment to the rules for claiming benefits while still working, here is what's expected to change for Social Security in 2027.

Medicare changes coming in 2027: What to know before open enrollment

Some Medicare costs for 2027 aren't final yet, but the latest government forecasts offer a clearer picture of what beneficiaries can expect.