60 VA Disability Pay Increase: Updated Amount, Eligibility and Payout Dates

If you or a family member has a 60% VA disability rating, you may be wondering if your monthly compensation changed, when the increase takes effect, and how to confirm your payout dates.

How the 60 VA Disability Pay Increase Is Set

VA disability compensation rates are adjusted annually, usually to reflect cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). The increase applies to the rating schedule the Department of Veterans Affairs publishes for each year.

The amount for a 60 VA disability pay increase depends on the current VA compensation table and any dependent or special monthly allowance that applies.

Key factors that determine updated amounts

• Base combined disability rating (60% in this case).
• Whether you have a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents.
• Any special monthly allowances or additional benefits (e.g., aid and attendance).
• Annual COLA announced by Social Security Administration and applied by VA.

Where to Find the Updated Amount for 60 VA Disability Pay Increase

The most reliable source is the VA Compensation Rates page on VA.gov. Look for the current year’s monthly rates table and find the row for 60 percent.

Steps to confirm your exact new amount:

• Visit the official VA compensation rates page (search: VA compensation rates).
• Find the table for ‘‘Veterans with a disability rating’’ and locate ‘‘60 percent.’’
• Check the column that matches your dependent status (single, spouse, child, etc.).

Eligibility for 60 VA Disability Pay Increase

To qualify for the 60 VA disability pay increase, you must have a VA service-connected combined disability rating of 60% or be newly rated at 60% during the review period.

Who is eligible:

• Veterans with an assigned combined rating of 60% from the VA.
• Veterans whose combined rating increased to 60% after a claim or appeal.
• Veterans receiving additional allowances for dependents, if applicable.

When an increase applies

There are two common scenarios for when you see an increase:

• Annual COLA: The VA applies the annual rate table change effective January 1 of the year the update covers.
• Rating change: If the VA raises your combined rating to 60% during the year, the increase usually takes effect on the effective date assigned by the VA for that rating decision.

Payout Dates for the 60 VA Disability Pay Increase

VA disability compensation is generally paid monthly. The typical payment schedule is aligned to the first calendar day of each month.

What to expect:

• New annual rates take effect January 1 and are reflected in the January payment if the VA posts rates in time.
• If your rating increases mid-year, the VA will pay retroactive benefits back to the effective date of the rating decision. The payout date for retroactive money depends on when the VA processes the decision.
• If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment may arrive on the last business day before the weekend or holiday.

How you’ll be notified

The VA sends a letter explaining any rating change and the effective date. Check your VA.gov account and your mail for notification of increased payments or retroactive sums.

How to Verify and Update Your Payment Info

Make sure the VA has your current direct deposit information and contact details to avoid delays.

To update or verify:

• Sign in to your VA.gov account and check payment settings.
• Call the VA Insurance and Compensation line or visit a regional office if needed.
• Submit any required documents that support dependent status or additional allowances promptly.

Common reasons for delayed increase

• Missing or outdated bank account information with VA.
• Incomplete evidence for dependency claims.
• Processing backlog following an appeal or rating review.

Short Case Study: How an Increase and Retro Pay Work

Michael, a veteran with an existing 50% combined rating, files an appeal and is awarded a 60% rating effective April 1 of the same year. The VA issues the decision in November.

What happened next:

• Michael’s monthly pay increased starting the month after the effective date was processed.
• The VA calculated retroactive pay from April 1 to the month before the decision and issued a lump-sum retro payment in November or December, depending on processing time.
• Michael received a letter explaining the new monthly amount and the retroactive sum with dates and breakdown.

Practical Tips

• Always confirm the current year’s rate table on VA.gov before budgeting for an increase.
• Keep copies of all rating decision letters and evidence you submit.
• If you disagree with a decision about effective date or amount, consider filing a supplemental claim or appeal with supporting evidence.

For the most accurate, up-to-date dollar amounts for the 60 VA disability pay increase, check the VA compensation rates page and review your specific dependent status. If you need help interpreting a decision or calculating retroactive pay, a VA-accredited representative or Veterans Service Officer can assist.