*Rates based on 2024 VA Compensation Tables (Effective Dec 1, 2023). Figures are estimates. Official VA determination may vary based on specific circumstances like SMC or Aid & Attendance.
// Logic to toggle dependent inputs based on rating
// Dependents only apply for 30% and above
var ratingSelect = document.getElementById("vaRating");
var dependentDiv = document.getElementById("dependentsSection");
ratingSelect.onchange = function() {
var val = parseInt(this.value);
if (val < 30) {
dependentDiv.style.opacity = "0.5";
dependentDiv.style.pointerEvents = "none";
} else {
dependentDiv.style.opacity = "1";
dependentDiv.style.pointerEvents = "auto";
}
};
// Initialize state
ratingSelect.onchange();
function calculateCompensation() {
// Inputs
var rating = parseInt(document.getElementById("vaRating").value);
var hasSpouse = document.getElementById("hasSpouse").value === "yes";
var childUnder18 = parseInt(document.getElementById("childrenUnder18").value) || 0;
var childSchool = parseInt(document.getElementById("childrenSchool").value) || 0;
var parents = parseInt(document.getElementById("dependentParents").value);
var monthlyPay = 0;
var breakdown = "";
// 2024 Rates Data Structure (Effective Dec 1, 2023)
// Format: [Base, Spouse, Child18School, Parent(each)]
// Note: Spouse rate varies if no children vs with children slightly in rare tables,
// but for standard calculation we use the "With Spouse" added value logic.
// Base Rates (Veteran Alone)
var baseRates = {
10: 171.23,
20: 338.49,
30: 524.31,
40: 755.28,
50: 1075.16,
60: 1361.88,
70: 1716.28,
80: 1995.01,
90: 2241.91,
100: 3737.85
};
// Add-on amounts per dependent type based on rating
// Object keys: Rating. Values: [Spouse, Child= 30) {
var rates = addOns[rating];
var spouseRate = rates[0];
var childUnder18Rate = rates[1];
var childSchoolRate = rates[2];
var parentRate = rates[3];
// Spouse
if (hasSpouse) {
monthlyPay += spouseRate;
breakdown += "Spouse Allowance: +$" + spouseRate.toFixed(2) + "";
}
// Children Under 18
if (childUnder18 > 0) {
var totalChild18 = childUnder18 * childUnder18Rate;
monthlyPay += totalChild18;
breakdown += "Children ( 0) {
var totalChildSchool = childSchool * childSchoolRate;
monthlyPay += totalChildSchool;
breakdown += "Children in School (" + childSchool + "): +$" + totalChildSchool.toFixed(2) + "";
}
// Parents
if (parents > 0) {
var totalParents = parents * parentRate;
monthlyPay += totalParents;
breakdown += "Dependent Parents (" + parents + "): +$" + totalParents.toFixed(2) + "";
}
} else {
if (hasSpouse || childUnder18 > 0 || childSchool > 0 || parents > 0) {
breakdown += "Note: Dependent allowances are only paid for ratings of 30% or higher.";
}
}
// Display Result
document.getElementById("monthlyPaymentDisplay").innerHTML = "$" + monthlyPay.toLocaleString('en-US', {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("breakdownDisplay").innerHTML = breakdown;
document.getElementById("vaResult").style.display = "block";
}
Understanding VA Disability Compensation Rates (2024)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides tax-free monthly payments to veterans who have illnesses or injuries that were caused—or made worse—by their active military service. This VA Compensation Rate Calculator is designed to help you estimate your 2024 monthly benefit based on your combined disability rating and eligible dependents.
2024 COLA Update: Effective December 1, 2023, VA disability rates increased by 3.2% due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The calculator above reflects these updated figures.
How is the Monthly Payment Calculated?
Your monthly compensation is primarily determined by two factors:
Combined Disability Rating: This is a percentage from 0% to 100%, assigned by the VA based on the severity of your service-connected conditions.
Dependency Status: Veterans with a rating of 30% or higher are eligible for additional compensation for a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
The "30% Rule" for Dependents
One of the most critical aspects of VA compensation is the threshold for dependents. If your combined rating is 10% or 20%, you receive a flat rate regardless of your family status ($171.23 or $338.49 respectively for 2024). Once you reach a 30% rating, the VA adds specific dollar amounts for:
Spouse: A higher rate is paid if you are legally married.
Children: Allowances exist for children under 18, and children between 18 and 23 who are attending school full-time.
Parents: Additional pay is available for parents who are financially dependent on the veteran.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
This calculator estimates payments based on the standard General Schedule. However, veterans with severe disabilities (such as the loss of use of a limb or organ) may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). SMC rates are significantly higher than the standard 100% rate. If you require Aid and Attendance (A&A) or are housebound, your rate may also differ from the standard calculation shown above.
Combined Ratings vs. Individual Ratings
Do not simply add your individual percentages together (e.g., 50% + 50% does not equal 100%). The VA uses a "whole person" concept and fuzzy math table to combine ratings. This calculator assumes you already know your final Combined Disability Rating. If you have multiple individual disabilities, ensure you calculate your combined rating first before determining your pay rate.