Marina
If you hold a 60% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you’re likely wondering exactly what your monthly tax-free benefit will be in 2025, how eligibility rules may have changed, and when payments go out.
This article breaks down the latest pay rates, clarifies the eligibility criteria, outlines the payment dates, and gives you all the important numbers you need. Let’s dive in.
What’s New: 2025 Rate Increase for 60% Disability Rating
For 2025 the VA compensation rates reflect a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of around 2.5%, effective December 1, 2024.
For veterans with a 60% rating, here are the key 2025 monthly figures:
- Single veteran (no dependents): $1,395.93
- With spouse only: $1,523.93
- With spouse and parent(s): $1,625.93 / $1,727.93
- With one parent dependent: $1,497.93
- With two parents dependent: $1,599.93
These numbers show that a 60% rating is a meaningful benefit level, offering a monthly tax-free payment that increases with dependents.
2025 Payment for 60% Rating
| Dependent Status | Monthly Pay (60% rating) |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $1,395.93 |
| Veteran with spouse only | $1,523.93 |
| Veteran with spouse + one parent | $1,625.93 |
| Veteran with spouse + two parents | $1,727.93 |
| Veteran with one parent only | $1,497.93 |
| Veteran with two parents only | $1,599.93 |
Note: Figures reflect the 2025 adjusted rate effective Dec 1 2024.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the 60% Rating & Pay Increase
To receive the 60% rating benefit level you must meet the following:
- You must have a service-connected disability (or disabilities) evaluated by the VA.
- The combined disability rating must be 60% according to the VA’s rating schedule.
- Dependents (spouse, children, parents) increase your allowable pay rate in the table above.
- You must have a current determination of the rating and be entitled to monthly compensation.
- The benefit is tax-free at federal and state level in most cases.
The increase doesn’t mean every veteran jumps categories—your rating remains the same until changed, so the increase applies through COLA rather than rating adjustment.
Payment Dates: When You’ll Receive the Increased Amount
- The new 2025 rates went into effect December 1, 2024, meaning the November payment would use the prior rate and the December benefit will reflect the updated amount.
- Payments are typically deposited on the first business day of each month or the last business day of the previous month if the first is a weekend or holiday.
- If you already receive VA disability compensation at the 60% rating level and you have no interruption in your entitlement, the payment with the new rate should arrive automatically—no new action required.
Why the 60% Level Matters
- A 60% disability rating places you in the upper-middle tier of the VA’s compensation levels (ratings run from 10% up to 100%).
- At this level you receive meaningful compensation with dependents, improving financial stability.
- The fact that the 60% pay increases with dependents means you can see a higher effective monthly payment if your situation qualifies.
- Because it is tax-free and backed by VA law, this benefit is reliable and ongoing as long as entitlement continues.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- The COLA increase for 2025 was ~2.5% (effective Dec 1 2024).
- For the 60% rating: $1,395.93 for a veteran alone.
- With spouse/dependents pay jumps to $1,523.93 and up.
- Entitlement doesn’t change automatically—you must hold the 60% rating.
- Payments arrive first business day of month (or preceding business day).
- Benefit remains tax-free.
If you’re rated at 60% by the VA, the 2025 benefit update means you’ll now receive approximately $1,395.93 monthly for a veteran with no dependents, with higher amounts when dependents are involved.
The increase came into effect December 1, 2024, and payments will reflect the updated rate automatically. You don’t need to file anything special to receive the increase—but if your rating changes or you have new dependents, it pays to check your benefit status.
This level of compensation makes a real difference, offering veterans tax-free monthly support and financial stability. Stay updated, keep your entitlement in good order, and make sure you’re receiving what you’ve earned.
FAQs
Will my payment automatically increase every year?
Yes—if you already have the 60% rating and entitlement, your monthly pay will increase automatically when the VA issues new COLA-adjusted rates each December.
Can getting a 60% rating be changed or upgraded later?
Yes. If your service-connected condition worsens or you have new evidence, you can ask the VA to increase your rating, which may raise your pay above the 60% level.
Do I need to re-apply to receive the new rate for 2025?
No. The new rate becomes effective December 1, 2024, and if you already have a 60% rating and entitlement, you’ll see the higher payment without submitting a new application.