If you’re a U.S. veteran holding a 10% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, there’s some good news waiting in your bank account. As of 2025, the monthly compensation for a 10% rating has increased to $175.51, thanks to a nationwide cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). And yes—it’s completely tax-free.
This annual increase, triggered by inflation and approved in sync with Social Security changes, ensures that VA benefits stay on pace with rising prices. Even though 10% might seem like a small rating, this modest bump in your check could make a meaningful difference—especially when paired with other perks that many veterans forget they’re entitled to.
So, What Changed in 2025?
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Monthly Payment: Veterans rated at 10% will now receive $175.51 per month, up from $165.92 in 2024.
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COLA Increase: This 2.5% raise came into effect on December 1, 2024, and shows up in payments starting January 2025.
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Who Gets It? Every veteran with a 10% VA disability rating qualifies—regardless of marital status or dependents. (Additional family allowances don’t apply below 30%).
When Will You See the Money?
The VA sends out disability payments on the first business day of each month. If that day falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment comes the business day before. For example, your August 2025 payment will likely arrive on Friday, August 1.
What Other Benefits Come with 10%?
While $175.51 monthly might seem modest, this rating still opens the door to several major VA benefits:
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VA Healthcare Enrollment: You’re automatically eligible for VA healthcare in Priority Group 3, which often includes waived copays for treatment tied to your service-connected condition.
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Prescription Drug Cost Reduction: You may pay less (or nothing) for prescriptions related to your service-connected injury.
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VA Home Loan Fee Waiver: With a disability rating—even as low as 10%—you’re exempt from the VA funding fee on home loans.
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Vocational Rehab & Employment Services (VR&E): Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for support with retraining or education.
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Commissary & PX Access: You’re eligible to shop on base at commissaries and exchanges, offering discounted groceries and goods.
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State Benefits: Many states offer extra benefits (like tax exemptions or tuition assistance) to veterans with even a 10% rating.
What Should You Do Now?
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Verify your rating: Log in to VA.gov or review your most recent award letter.
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Make sure your direct deposit info is current: This prevents delays in receiving your payment.
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Explore additional benefits: Many 10% rated veterans miss out on valuable programs simply because they don’t know they qualify.
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Plan for future increases: VA payments are reviewed yearly, so you can expect another COLA-related bump in 2026.
Bottom Line
In 2025, a 10% VA disability rating gets you $175.51 per month, no strings attached and no taxes owed. But the real value comes from the benefits that surround the payment—from healthcare to home loans, and even state-level perks you might not realize you qualify for.
If you’re a veteran at 10%, make sure you’re not just cashing the check—leverage the full range of support you’ve earned. Every benefit, no matter how small it seems, is part of the recognition for your service