VA pay by rating / 50%
Effective December 1, 2025 · checked 2026-10-20
50% VA disability pay
A 50% VA disability rating pays $1,132.90 a month to a veteran with no dependents and $1,241.90 with a spouse, under the rates effective December 1, 2025. Over twelve months that is $13,594.80 for a veteran alone. The previous table, effective December 1, 2024, paid $1,102.04, so the 50% rate rose $30.86 (2.8%).
- 150% alone $1,132.90
- 2Next step, 60% $1,435.02
50% pay for every dependent row
| Dependent status | Monthly | Above alone |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $1,132.90 | — |
| With spouse (no parents or children) | $1,241.90 | +$109.00 |
| With spouse and 1 parent (no children) | $1,329.90 | +$197.00 |
| With spouse and 2 parents (no children) | $1,417.90 | +$285.00 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse or children) | $1,220.90 | +$88.00 |
| With 2 parents (no spouse or children) | $1,308.90 | +$176.00 |
| With 1 child only (no spouse or parents) | $1,205.90 | +$73.00 |
| With spouse and 1 child (no parents) | $1,322.90 | +$190.00 |
| With spouse, 1 child and 1 parent | $1,410.90 | +$278.00 |
| With spouse, 1 child and 2 parents | $1,498.90 | +$366.00 |
| With 1 child and 1 parent (no spouse) | $1,293.90 | +$161.00 |
| With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | $1,381.90 | +$249.00 |
Added amounts at 50%: $54.00 for each child under 18 beyond the first, $176.00 for each child aged 18 to 23 in a qualifying school program, and $101.00 when the spouse receives Aid and Attendance. A spouse alone adds $109.00 to the 50% rate. For example, a veteran rated 50% with a spouse, two children under 18 and one child in college receives $1,552.90: $1,322.90 (basic rate: with spouse and 1 child (no parents)) + $54.00 (additional child under 18) + $176.00 (child over 18 in a school program).
Next step and previous step
Moving from 50% to 60% adds $302.12 a month for a veteran alone ($1,435.02). Dropping to 40% would pay $795.84, $337.06 less.
Ways to reach 50%
3 of the 45 two-rating pairs from 10% to 90% combine to 50%: 40% and 20% (52), 40% and 10% (46), 30% and 30% (51).
A single condition can also be rated 50%: on this site, PTSD (DC 9411), Hip replacement (DC 5054), Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206), Back strain (lumbosacral or cervical strain) (DC 5237), Knee limitation of extension (DC 5261), Flat feet (pes planus) (DC 5276), Migraines (DC 8100), Carpal tunnel (median nerve) (DC 8515) and 6 more have a 50% level. For Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion, Knee limitation of extension, Flat feet (pes planus), Migraines, Chronic sinusitis, 50% is the highest level the schedule offers.
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5276, Flat feet (pes planus), at 50%: “Pronounced, bilateral: marked pronation, extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo Achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. (30% if unilateral.)”
38 CFR 4.124a, diagnostic code 8100, Migraines, at 50%: “With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.”
38 CFR 4.124a, diagnostic code 8515, Carpal tunnel (median nerve), at 50%: “Incomplete paralysis, 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.