The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently updated the 2017 disability compensation rates to include the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2017, the first increase since December 2014.
Public Law 114-197 requires the VA to increase the benefit payable under the Disability Compensation Program by the same percentage, and effective the same date, as the increases in the benefit payable under Social Security. Effective December 1, 2016, that COLA increase was 0.3%. In a Federal Register posting on January 24, 2017, the VA announced the same COLA increase to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments for surviving spouses and dependent children.
2017 Disability Compensation Rates
Effective December 1, 2016, the basic monthly rate payable to a veteran who has a compensable disability rating increased 0.3%, matching the 2017 Social Security increase.
The total amount of the disability compensation monthly payment can vary, depending on the combined disability rating, dependent status and other disability benefits payable (such as the clothing allowance). Here are three examples of the impact of the 2017 disability compensation rates increase:
- Veterans with no dependents and a 10% disability rating did not see a change in their monthly payment.
- Veterans with no dependents and a 20% disability rating saw an increase of $0.79
- Veterans with no dependents and a 100% disability rating saw an increase of $8.72 to $2,915.55.
Rates effective December 1, 2016, for other common ratings and dependent statuses:
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $456.97 | $654.12 | $919.64 | $1,159.27 |
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $1,534.71 | $1,781.13 | $2001.71 | $3,197.16 |
To view the entire set of Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables reflecting the December 1, 2016, increase visit the VA benefits website.
Reference:
Public Law 114-197 – Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016