SSA announced a 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026. VA says its adjustment matches SSA. The official VA page still lists 2026 rates; 2027 dollar amounts here are calculated estimates, not published VA tables.
10%: 2026 $180.42, estimated 2027 $186.92, estimated monthly increase $6.50. 20%: 2026 $356.66, estimated 2027 $369.50, estimated monthly increase $12.84. 30%: 2026 $552.47, estimated 2027 $572.36, estimated monthly increase $19.89. 40%: 2026 $795.84, estimated 2027 $824.49, estimated monthly increase $28.65. 50%: 2026 $1132.90, estimated 2027 $1173.68, estimated monthly increase $40.78. 60%: 2026 $1435.02, estimated 2027 $1486.68, estimated monthly increase $51.66. 70%: 2026 $1808.45, estimated 2027 $1873.55, estimated monthly increase $65.10. 80%: 2026 $2102.15, estimated 2027 $2177.83, estimated monthly increase $75.68. 90%: 2026 $2362.30, estimated 2027 $2447.34, estimated monthly increase $85.04. 100%: 2026 $3938.58, estimated 2027 $4080.37, estimated monthly increase $141.79.
At our October 14, 2026 review, Congress.gov listed S.4487 and H.R.8552 as introduced, not enacted. The annual legislation proposes the matching VA adjustment effective December 1, 2026. SSA's announced percentage is confirmed, but VA implementation, official dollar tables, and payment timing remain subject to legislative and agency action.
SSA announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment on October 14, 2026. VA states that disability compensation adjustments must match Social Security's percentage. The dollar amounts on this page are calculated estimates until VA publishes its 2027 tables.
For a veteran alone with no dependents, applying 3.6% to the current $3,938.58 rate gives an estimated $4,080.37 per month. This is not yet a published VA 2027 table amount.
No. COLA adjusts compensation amounts, not your combined disability percentage. It does not establish eligibility for a higher rating, TDIU, or SMC.
The expected effective date is December 1, 2026. December compensation is normally paid at the beginning of January; the January 1 holiday would generally move that payment to December 31, 2026. Confirm VA's published schedule and your award details.
Eligible dependents can increase compensation at a combined rating of 30% or more. Ratings of 10% and 20% do not receive dependent additions. Use the correct household row and do not add the first child twice.
Existing eligible compensation payments generally receive the annual adjustment automatically. A new claim is not required just to receive COLA. Changes in disability or dependency are separate issues.
A veteran alone at 70% receives $1,808.45 in 2026; applying 3.6% gives an estimated $1,873.55. At 100%, $3,938.58 becomes an estimated $4,080.37, or $141.79 more monthly. With a spouse and no children or parents, 100% pay of $4,158.17 becomes an estimated $4,307.86.
The expected effective date is December 1, 2026, with the December payment expected December 31 because of the January 1 holiday. Confirm VA's schedule. Dependents can affect rates at 30% or higher. TDIU and SMC eligibility remain separate from COLA, which does not change a disability rating.
Verified October 14, 2026 against SSA's COLA announcement and VA's current compensation table. Do not relabel current 2026 pay as official 2027 pay. Existing eligible compensation generally adjusts automatically.