Marina
Veterans across the U.S. rely heavily on VA disability compensation to cover living expenses, medical care, and support daily needs. I
n 2025, the VA is increasing payment rates through a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to ensure that benefits keep up with inflation.
For those rated 60% disabled, this means a meaningful lift in monthly income—especially for veterans with dependents.
Below, we break down the new rates, eligibility criteria, payment schedule, and what veterans can expect going forward.
The 2025 COLA: How Much & When?
- The 2025 COLA has been confirmed at 2.5 %, as tied to the Social Security Administration’s latest adjustment.
- This increase took effect December 1, 2024, so December’s benefit checks will reflect the higher rates.
- Payments are issued monthly, typically on the first business day of each month (if that day is a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the previous business day).
2025 VA Disability Rates for 60% Rating
Below is a comparison between the current (post-COLA) 2025 monthly rates for a 60% disability rating under various dependent scenarios. These figures reflect the 2.5% increase and are tax-free.
| Dependent Status | New Monthly Rate (60%) |
|---|---|
| Single Veteran (no dependents) | $1,395.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse | $1,523.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse + 1 Parent | $1,625.93 |
| Veteran with Spouse + 2 Parents | $1,727.93 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,497.93 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $1,599.93 |
| Veteran + One Child | $1,480.93 |
| Veteran + Spouse + One Child | $1,617.93 |
Note: These figures are based on the official VA schedule post-COLA. Veteran Guide shows the pre-COLA 2024 figure for a single veteran at $1,361.88, so the 2025 increase results in about $34.05 extra per month for someone with no dependents.
Who’s Eligible & What Impacts the Payout?
Eligibility Criteria
To receive VA disability compensation, you must:
- Have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
- Possess a service-connected disability (i.e., the condition was caused or aggravated by military service).
- Be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
What Influences Your 60% Pay?
- Dependent status: Having a spouse, children, or dependent parents increases compensation once your rating is 30% or higher.
- Disability rating breakdown: A 60% disability rating means your service-connected disability is considered moderate to severe, limiting ability to work or perform daily tasks.
- Additional allowances / Special Monthly Compensation: For severe disabilities (loss of limbs, aid & attendance, etc.), extra amounts may be added on top of the base rate.
- Legislative changes: Congress or the VA may amend pay tables or rules beyond the COLA in special circumstances, though none has been announced beyond the 2025 COLA at present.
How Much More Will 60% Rated Veterans Receive?
Because the 2025 COLA is 2.5%, veterans rated 60% will see increases in proportion to that. For example:
- A single veteran moves from about $1,361.88 to $1,395.93, a monthly increase of $34.05.
- For veterans with a spouse, the increase will be slightly larger in dollar terms, though still proportional to 2.5%.
- Over a full year, that increase adds up and helps veterans better absorb inflation in housing, medical, and basic living costs.
Payment Dates & Scheduling
- Benefits are disbursed monthly, on the first business day.
- If that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, VA shifts the payment to the previous business day.
- For example, the first adjusted 2025 payment reflecting the new COLA arrived December 31, 2024.
- If there is prior-due retroactive compensation (back pay), VA generally issues those payments within days of approving the claim, but delays are possible due to administrative review.
The 2025 VA disability pay boost for those rated 60% brings a modest but meaningful increase in benefits, thanks to the 2.5% COLA adjustment.
For veterans with dependents, that bump will translate into more significant dollar gains. With benefits issued at the start of each month, and retroactive pay for approved claims, this adjustment helps ensure that veterans’ support keeps pace with rising living costs.
If you’re rated 60% or seeking to increase your rating, keep close track of how dependent allowances and special compensation rules might further enhance your monthly payout.
FAQs
What if I’m rated 60% but have multiple dependents?
Your monthly rate will increase based on your dependent count. The more dependents (spouse, children, parents), the higher your payout, per the VA rate tables.
Is VA disability pay subject to income tax?
No. VA disability compensation is tax-free at the federal and (in most states) state level.
Can the COLA ever be more than 2.5%?
Yes. COLA is tied to inflation via the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In years of higher inflation, the COLA (and thus VA adjustment) may exceed 2.5%.