VA pay by rating / 40%
Effective December 1, 2025 · checked 2026-10-20
40% VA disability pay
A 40% VA disability rating pays $795.84 a month to a veteran with no dependents and $882.84 with a spouse, under the rates effective December 1, 2025. Over twelve months that is $9,550.08 for a veteran alone. The previous table, effective December 1, 2024, paid $774.16, so the 40% rate rose $21.68 (2.8%).
- 140% alone $795.84
- 2Next step, 50% $1,132.90
40% pay for every dependent row
| Dependent status | Monthly | Above alone |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $795.84 | — |
| With spouse (no parents or children) | $882.84 | +$87.00 |
| With spouse and 1 parent (no children) | $952.84 | +$157.00 |
| With spouse and 2 parents (no children) | $1,022.84 | +$227.00 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse or children) | $865.84 | +$70.00 |
| With 2 parents (no spouse or children) | $935.84 | +$140.00 |
| With 1 child only (no spouse or parents) | $853.84 | +$58.00 |
| With spouse and 1 child (no parents) | $947.84 | +$152.00 |
| With spouse, 1 child and 1 parent | $1,017.84 | +$222.00 |
| With spouse, 1 child and 2 parents | $1,087.84 | +$292.00 |
| With 1 child and 1 parent (no spouse) | $923.84 | +$128.00 |
| With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | $993.84 | +$198.00 |
Added amounts at 40%: $43.00 for each child under 18 beyond the first, $140.00 for each child aged 18 to 23 in a qualifying school program, and $81.00 when the spouse receives Aid and Attendance. A spouse alone adds $87.00 to the 40% rate. For example, a veteran rated 40% with a spouse, two children under 18 and one child in college receives $1,130.84: $947.84 (basic rate: with spouse and 1 child (no parents)) + $43.00 (additional child under 18) + $140.00 (child over 18 in a school program).
Next step and previous step
Moving from 40% to 50% adds $337.06 a month for a veteran alone ($1,132.90). Dropping to 30% would pay $552.47, $243.37 less.
Ways to reach 40%
3 of the 45 two-rating pairs from 10% to 90% combine to 40%: 30% and 20% (44), 30% and 10% (37), 20% and 20% (36).
A single condition can also be rated 40%: on this site, Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion (DC 5201), Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206), Back strain (lumbosacral or cervical strain) (DC 5237), Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (DC 5243), Knee limitation of extension (DC 5261), Hip (thigh) limitation of flexion (DC 5252), Sciatic nerve (radiculopathy) (DC 8520), Common peroneal nerve (foot drop) (DC 8521) and 8 more have a 40% level. For Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion, Hip (thigh) limitation of flexion, Common peroneal nerve (foot drop), Deep scars (not head, face or neck), 40% is the highest level the schedule offers.
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5261, Knee limitation of extension, at 40%: “Extension limited to 30 degrees.”
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5252, Hip (thigh) limitation of flexion, at 40%: “Flexion limited to 10 degrees.”
38 CFR 4.124a, diagnostic code 8520, Sciatic nerve (radiculopathy), at 40%: “Incomplete paralysis, moderately severe.”
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.