VA pay by rating / 10%
Effective December 1, 2025 · checked 2026-10-20
10% VA disability pay
A 10% VA disability rating pays $180.42 a month, the same for every veteran whatever the family size, under the rates effective December 1, 2025. Over twelve months that is $2,165.04 for a veteran alone. The previous table, effective December 1, 2024, paid $175.51, so the 10% rate rose $4.91 (2.8%).
- 110% alone $180.42
- 2Next step, 20% $356.66
Why dependents do not change 10% pay
VA's table sets one rate for 10% and one for 20%: a spouse, children or dependent parents add nothing until the combined rating reaches 30%. At 10% that rate is $180.42. The next step, 20%, pays $356.66.
Next step and previous step
Moving from 10% to 20% adds $176.24 a month for a veteran alone ($356.66).
Ways to reach 10%
A 10% rating comes from a single disability rated 10%, since no pair of ratings rounds to it.
A single condition can also be rated 10%: on this site, Tinnitus (DC 6260), Vertigo (peripheral vestibular disorder) (DC 6204), PTSD (DC 9411), Degenerative arthritis (DC 5003), Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206), Back strain (lumbosacral or cervical strain) (DC 5237), Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (DC 5243), Knee instability (DC 5257) and 30 more have a 10% level. For Tinnitus, 10% is the highest level the schedule offers.
38 CFR 4.87, diagnostic code 6204, Vertigo (peripheral vestibular disorder), at 10%: “Occasional dizziness.”
38 CFR 4.130, diagnostic code 9411, PTSD, at 10%: “Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or symptoms controlled by continuous medication.”
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5003, Degenerative arthritis, at 10%: “Without limitation of motion: X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups. Also 10% for each major joint or group of minor joints with X-ray-confirmed arthritis whose limitation of motion is noncompensable, when the limited motion is objectively confirmed (swelling, muscle spasm or satisfactory evidence of painful motion).”
To check how your own ratings combine, and what they pay with your dependents, use the calculator. To ask VA for a higher rating, see how to request an increase.
Source: VA, Current Veterans disability compensation rates (effective December 1, 2025) and VA, Past rates: 2025 Veterans disability compensation rates, both checked 2026-10-20.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.