Veterans with a 60% disability rating are closely watching for updates about VA disability pay increases. Each year, the Department of Veterans Affairs applies a Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment (COLA) to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation.
2025 VA Disability COLA & Increase Overview
- For 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed a 2.5% COLA increase, which the VA matches for disability compensation.
- That means veterans across all disability ratings, including 60%, saw their monthly benefits increase by approximately 2.5% effective December 1, 2024.
- The new rates began to be paid in January 2025 payments onward.
Veterans rated at 60% will thus see a modest increase reflective of that 2.5% COLA applied to their prior base rate.
Understanding the 60% Disability Rating
A 60% disability rating is considered a moderately severe level of impairment. Veterans at this level often contend with significant limitations in mobility, chronic pain, or functional impairments that affect daily living or employment.
The VA uses a structured schedule (VASRD) to assign ratings. If a veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, these are combined (not simply added) to yield an overall rating that may include 60%.
Once rated, that percentage determines the base compensation rate, which is then modified for dependents, special monthly compensation, or other additive factors.
60% VA Disability Pay: Before & After Increase
Below is a table showing the 2024 rate for a 60% rating (no dependents) and the estimated rate after the 2.5% increase:
| Category / Scenario | 2024 Base Rate (60%) | Estimated 2025 Rate (≈ +2.5%) |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone (no dependents) | $1,395.93 | ~$1,430.00 (approx) |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,523.93 | ~$1,562.00 (approx) |
| Veteran + Spouse & One Parent | $1,625.93 | ~$1,666.00 (approx) |
| Veteran + Spouse & Two Parents | $1,727.93 | ~$1,771.00 (approx) |
| Veteran + One Parent (no spouse) | $1,497.93 | ~$1,535.00 (approx) |
| Veteran + Two Parents (no spouse) | $1,599.93 | ~$1,639.00 (approx) |
Note: These are illustrative estimates. The actual 2025 rates are determined by VA and published on their official schedule. The table uses known 2024 60% rate data and applies the 2.5% increase.
Also note that additional compensation (for dependents, special monthly compensation, housebound status) may further increase what individual veterans receive.
Key Factors That Affect the Increase
- Rate Base & COLA Mechanism
The increase is strictly proportional to the COLA — veteran benefits rise in direct correlation with SSA’s cost-of-living adjustment. - Dependent Status
Veterans with spouses, children, or dependent parents may receive higher rates because their base is higher when dependents are factored in. - Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Some veterans qualify for SMC rates (e.g. due to needing daily aid or loss of limbs), which are added on top of base compensation. These too generally rise with COLA but follow a separate table. - Legislative or VA Adjustments
While COLA is standard, Congress or VA could approve additional benefit increases or special bonuses beyond COLA, though none specific to 60% are confirmed yet.
Payout Dates & Schedule
- The new 2025 rates became effective December 1, 2024, and are applied to VA disability payments starting January 2025.
- VA disability compensation is paid monthly, typically on the first business day of each month. If the first day is a weekend or holiday, payment is advanced to the prior business day.
- No separate “raise check” is needed — the updated amount is built into your normal monthly payment.
Eligibility Recap
To benefit from the increased rate at 60%, you must:
- Be a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 60% by VA
- Have your rating established and effective before December 1, 2024 (or relevant date)
- Be eligible under VA rules (e.g. not disqualified by incarceration or certain offsets)
If your rating changes or you have additional conditions, your rate may adjust later.
The 60% VA disability pay increase for 2025 is based on a 2.5% COLA, reflecting the government’s annual effort to maintain veterans’ purchasing power amid inflation. Veterans with a 60% rating can expect a modest bump in their monthly payments, effective December 1, 2024 and starting in January 2025.
FAQs
How much will my 60% VA disability pay increase in 2025?
When will the new amount take effect?
Do I need to apply to get the increase?
No. The COLA adjustment is automatic for veterans already receiving disability compensation. Your monthly payment is upgraded without needing to submit a new claim.