Understanding the VA disability compensation tables can be hectic, especially when trying to determine how much you’re entitled to with a 100% disability rating, particularly if you have dependents like a spouse and children. The Department of Veteran Affairs has, however, made efforts to make it easier to navigate.
VA disability compensation
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability compensation to veterans who suffer from service-connected disabilities. The amount a veteran receives is based on their disability rating, which is expressed as a percentage from 0% to 100%. The higher the disability rating, the higher the compensation.
A veteran with a 100% disability rating is entitled to the maximum monthly compensation. However, the amount can increase based on the number of dependents, such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents.
Base compensation for 100% disability
As of 2024, a veteran with a 100% disability rating without dependents receives a base monthly compensation of $3,737.85. This amount represents the standard compensation for a veteran with no spouse, children, or other dependents. This base rate was adjusted in December 2023, following a 3.2% cost-of-living increase.
Adding a spouse and a child to your compensation
Your monthly compensation increases if you have a spouse and a child under 18. The VA understands that veterans with dependents may face higher living costs, so it provides additional funds to help cover these expenses.
For a veteran with a 100% disability rating who has a spouse and one child under 18, the monthly compensation increases to $4,098.87. This additional compensation is intended to help cover the costs of raising a child and supporting a spouse.
Extra amounts for additional dependents and special conditions
In addition to the base compensation, the VA provides extra amounts for veterans with more dependents or special circumstances:
- Extra Dependent Child Under 18: For each additional dependent child under 18, you can receive an extra $103.55 per month.
- Dependent Child Over 18 in School: For each dependent child over 18 who is enrolled in a qualified study program, you will receive an extra $334.49 per month.
- Spouse Receiving Aid and Attendance: If your spouse requires Aid and Attendance, you can receive an additional $191.14 per month.
Compensation amounts for a veteran with 100% disability, spouse, and child
Below is a table of the possible compensation amounts for veterans with 100% disability:
| Dependent Status | Monthly Compensation |
| Veteran with 100% Disability (No Dependents) | $3,737.85 |
| Veteran with 100% disability and a spouse only | $3,946.25 |
| Veteran with 100% disability and one child only | $3,877.22 |
| Veteran with 100% disability with spouse and one child | $4,098.87 |
Amount added;
Each Additional Child Under 18: +$103.55
Each Additional Child Over 18 (in School): +$334.49
Spouse receiving aid and attendance: +$191.14
