VA disability increase: Veterans receiving disability benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saw a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments in 2025. Effective from December 1, 2024, this adjustment is based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase.
Who is eligible for a VA disability increase?
Veterans qualify for VA disability compensation (Unsplash)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Veterans qualify for VA disability compensation if they have a service-connected illness or injury—caused or worsened by active military service—resulting in a disability rating from 10% to 100%. The VA outlines eligibility as:
- Current recipients: Anyone already receiving compensation automatically gets the 2025 COLA increase applied to their monthly payment, provided their rating remains active.
- New or increased claims: Veterans can file for benefits or seek a higher rating if their condition worsens or a new service-connected issue emerges. Claims require evidence like medical records or service documentation.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
- Dependents: Veterans rated 30% or higher may receive additional payments for dependents (spouse, children, or parents), with extra amounts if a spouse requires Aid and Attendance (A&A).
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
- Dependents: Veterans rated 30% or higher may receive additional payments for dependents (spouse, children, or parents), with extra amounts if a spouse requires Aid and Attendance (A&A).
{{/usCountry}}
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Those with severe disabilities may qualify for SMC beyond standard rates, based on specific conditions.
- PACT Act conditions: Veterans with illnesses from toxic exposures added under the PACT Act are eligible without proving a direct service link.
Eligibility requires an honorable discharge and a VA-assigned rating, per 38 CFR Part 3.
The 2025 COLA increase of 2.5% took effect on December 1, 2024, with the first adjusted payments hitting accounts on December 31, 2024.
- Monthly schedule: VA disability payments are issued on the first business day of each month for the previous month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payment shifts to the last prior business day. This month, VA payments will come on Tuesday, April 1.
Yash Bajaj is a Chief Content Producer with a strong foundation in US coverage, digital strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. As part of the US Desk at Hindustan Times, he covers a wide range of topics - from American politics to sports (NFL, NBA, derbies, MLB and more). Before joining Hindustan Times, Yash served as Deputy News Editor at Times Now, where he oversaw international coverage and led a team of six. In this role, he significantly expanded global traffic through strategic planning, SEO-driven content execution, and meticulous trend tracking across platforms. He is experienced in managing high-pressure breaking-news shifts, coordinating live coverage, and building newsroom systems that improve speed, accuracy, and reach. Prior to Times Now, Yash held a position at Opoyi, where he headed the Sports and US news team. He developed broad editorial strategies, guided reporters across multiple beats, and played a key role in recruiting and training new talent. His responsibilities also extended to social media management and experimenting with innovative content formats. A passionate NFL fan, Yash is a die-hard supporter of the Cincinnati Bengals and has followed Joe Burrow closely since his college days at LSU. Whether breaking down top players' latest performance, analyzing team performances, or tracking roster moves, he brings the same dedication and sharp storytelling to his sports coverage as he does to American politics and breaking news. When he’s not writing, Yash can often be found watching games or debating the latest NFL storylines with fellow fans. Yash holds a Bachelor of Mass Media (Journalism) from HR College, Mumbai University. His interests extend well beyond the newsroom: he is an enthusiastic explorer of AI tools, a movie buff with an ever-growing watchlist, and someone who enjoys unraveling conspiracy theories for fun.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Home/World News/Us News/Veterans (VA) disability increase for April: Who is eligible and when will payments come?
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
