VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with conditions caused or worsened by military service. The VA rates each condition from 0% to 100% in 10% steps, and your combined rating sets your monthly payment.
To win a claim you must show three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or illness, and a medical link (a “nexus”) between them. Our three guides below walk you through the whole process in plain English.
Start with the guide you need
- How to file a VA disability claim — the forms, the evidence, the filing methods, and the mistakes that get claims denied.
- Check your claim status — all six ways to track a pending claim and what each stage means.
- VA disability ratings explained — how the VA assigns percentages, how “VA math” combines multiple conditions, and how to request an increase.
For current payment amounts, see our VA disability pay rates guide.
Free help with your claim
You never need to pay anyone to file a VA claim. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) from groups like the VFW, DAV, or American Legion — or your county veterans office — will prepare and file your claim at no cost, and their claims are approved more often. Find your local representative here.
Numbers worth saving
- VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET)
- Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1 — free, confidential, 24/7. More options on our crisis resources page.
Common questions
Who qualifies for VA disability compensation?
You need three things: a current diagnosed condition, an event or illness during service, and a medical link between the two. You must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, with a discharge that was not dishonorable.
Is VA disability compensation taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is tax-free federal income. It also does not offset Social Security Disability — you can receive both at the same time.
How much does VA disability pay?
Payment depends on your combined rating (0% to 100%) and your number of dependents. Rates adjust every year with cost-of-living increases, so check the current tables at va.gov or see our VA disability pay rates guide.