VA Disability Claims

Q: What is VA disability compensation?

VA disability compensation is a benefit paid to veterans with a service-connected condition — one the VA has determined is connected to military service.

Q: What is service connection?

Service connection means the VA has linked a current condition to something that happened during military service, which is generally required before compensation can be paid for that condition.

Q: What is a VA C&P exam?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is an examination the VA may schedule to gather information about a claimed condition and its severity.

Q: How long does a VA disability claim take?

Processing time varies by claim type, complexity, and evidence needed — the VA publishes current average processing times, and a claim can move faster or slower than that average.

Overview

Topics Covered

VA disability eligibility Filing a new claim Evidence and medical evidence Nexus evidence DBQs C&P exams Service connection Effective dates Combined ratings Secondary conditions Claim status VA ratings

Quick reference

Current Monthly Rates

2026 Monthly Compensation Rates — Single Veteran

Effective December 1, 2025

Basic monthly rate for a veteran with no dependents, by combined disability rating.

Rating	Monthly Amount
10%	$180.42
30%	$552.47
50%	$1,132.90
70%	$1,808.45
100%	$3,938.58

Source: VA.gov — Veterans disability compensation rates — figures change annually; always confirm the current rate on VA.gov before relying on it.

2026 Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — Added Amount Range

Effective December 1, 2025

SMC is an added amount on top of a veteran's regular disability compensation, for certain severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities — it is not a standalone rating.

SMC Level	Monthly Amount
Lowest (SMC-K)	$139.87 added to your basic rate
Highest (SMC-R.2/T, veteran alone)	$11,271.67

Source: VA.gov — Special monthly compensation rates — figures change annually; always confirm the current rate on VA.gov before relying on it.

Common questions

Related Benefit Areas

Educational information, not legal or medical advice. Veteran Benefits USA is an independent organization and is not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For official, current program rules, see VA.gov.

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