For many U.S. veterans, VA disability benefits are more than just financial support — they represent recognition of service and sacrifice. As of November 2025, veterans with a 90% disability rating continue to receive substantial, tax-free monthly compensation, with several additional perks, from healthcare to housing aid.
While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not officially confirmed the 2026 increase yet, projections indicate a 2.8% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) will likely apply to all VA compensation rates starting December 1, 2025, meaning a modest boost to the next payment cycle.
This article breaks down the current 90% VA disability benefit rates, eligibility, dependent adjustments, and state and federal benefits every veteran should know going into late 2025.
“VA disability compensation is not just about financial relief—it’s about ensuring our veterans can live with dignity after service,”
— James Miller, Senior Policy Analyst, Veterans Advocacy Group
90% VA Disability Benefits 2025 Overview
| Department | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Article On | 90% VA Disability Benefits – November 2025 |
| Country | United States |
| Base Payment (Single Veteran) | Around $2,400/month (tax-free) |
| Payment Increase (Projected 2026 COLA) | +2.8% |
| Who Qualifies | Veterans with a combined 90% service-connected disability rating |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| Category | Federal Veterans’ Benefits |
| Official Website | va.gov |
When Does VA Pay Benefits?
VA disability benefits are paid on the first business day of each month, covering the previous month’s entitlement.
- November 2025 Payment: Paid Friday, November 1, 2025
- December 2025 Payment: Will be paid Friday, November 29, 2025, since December 1 falls on a Sunday
Direct deposits hit earlier for many veterans who use electronic payment. Paper checks may take 2–5 business days longer depending on the mail service.
90% VA Disability Pay Rates (Approximate – November 2025)
These rates reflect the current year’s payout levels, including the 2.8% COLA projection for the 2026 schedule.
| Dependent Situation | Monthly Payment (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $2,400 |
| Veteran + spouse | $2,500 |
| Veteran + spouse + 1 child | $2,900 |
| Veteran + 1 parent | $2,550 |
| Veteran + 2 parents | $2,700 |
| Veteran + spouse + 2 children | $3,050 |
| Each additional child under 18 | +$70 |
| Each school child over 18 | +$225 |
“Every dollar counts for veterans managing long-term conditions. The dependency allowances help stabilize family finances,”
— Linda Chavez, VA Benefits Specialist, American Legion
Eligibility Requirements for 90% VA Disability
To qualify for a 90% VA disability rating, veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Service-Connected Disability: Injury or illness incurred or aggravated during active military service.
- Honorable or General Discharge: Discharge under honorable conditions is mandatory.
- Combined Rating Calculation: VA combines multiple disabilities using its Combined Ratings Table — not a simple average.
- Minimum Rating Threshold: 10% minimum for compensation; 90% represents severe impairment.
- Medical Verification: Documented medical evidence must support each condition.
Veterans unsure about their current rating can check their VA.gov account or call 1-800-827-1000 for claim details.
Other Benefits for Veterans Rated at 90%
Veterans with a 90% rating receive more than just monthly compensation. They also qualify for wide-ranging health, education, and housing benefits.
Health & Insurance
- Free VA healthcare for service-connected disabilities
- Mental health and rehabilitation services
- Hearing aids, glasses, prosthetics
- Limited VA dental care
- VA Life Insurance (VALife) coverage eligibility
Housing & Education
- Zero Down VA Home Loan access
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
- Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) programs
Family & Survivor Support
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors
- Education support for dependents through DEA benefits
- Base exchange and commissary access at select installations
“The combination of healthcare, education, and housing assistance is what truly empowers veterans beyond their monthly check,”
— Col. Rebecca Harmon (Ret.), VA Program Consultant
State-Level Aid for 90% Disabled Veterans
Every state offers its own supplemental benefits, which can dramatically improve quality of life for veterans. These include:
| Benefit Type | Typical State Provision |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption | Full or partial exemption for primary residence |
| Tuition Assistance | Free or discounted tuition for dependents |
| Hunting & Fishing Licenses | Complimentary lifetime access |
| Transportation Aid | Free or discounted public transit |
| Emergency Financial Relief | Short-term grants during hardship |
Veterans should check their state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website for details, as eligibility thresholds and application procedures differ.
90% vs. 100% Disability – Key Differences
A 90% rating can often be appealed or elevated to 100% through the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) program.
| Criteria | 90% Rating | 100% Rating / TDIU |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pay (Single Veteran) | ~$2,400 | ~$3,938 |
| Work Capability | Limited or partial employment possible | Unable to maintain gainful employment |
| Dependent Add-Ons | Yes | Yes |
| Healthcare & Dental | Comprehensive | Full coverage |
| Commissary Access | Partial | Full |
| Education Benefits for Dependents | Available | Expanded (CHAMPVA, DEA) |
If your conditions prevent you from working, applying for TDIU could raise your effective rating to 100% pay — even if your formal rating remains 90%.
“Too many veterans stop at 90%. If your disability prevents full-time work, TDIU can bring your compensation to the 100% level,”
— Greg Stanford, Accredited VA Claims Agent
Payment Schedule for Late 2025
| Month Covered | Payment Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | November 1, 2025 | Friday |
| November 2025 | November 29, 2025 | Friday |
| December 2025 (COLA increase applies) | January 2, 2026 | Thursday |
All payments are made via direct deposit unless otherwise requested. Veterans using paper checks should allow 5–7 business days for delivery.
How to Check Your VA Disability Payment?
Veterans can view payment history or pending adjustments by:
- Logging into their VA.gov account
- Navigating to the Disability Compensation tab
- Selecting “View Payment History”
- Reviewing upcoming deposit dates and past amounts
You can also call the VA Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 for updates.
Important November 2025 Updates
- COLA Watch: The 2026 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is projected at 2.8%, impacting all VA compensation rates starting December 1, 2025.
- TDIU Reminders: Veterans unable to work should apply for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, which pays at the 100% rate.
- Dependent Verification: The VA may request updates to dependent information to ensure accurate payments and prevent overpayment penalties.
Bottom Line
Veterans with a 90% VA disability rating will receive approximately $2,400 to $3,050 per month depending on dependents, tax-free, with payments hitting on November 1, 2025. With a COLA boost coming in December, now is the time to review your eligibility, verify dependents, and explore TDIU upgrades for full compensation. Every veteran deserves the maximum benefit for their service — and understanding your rights ensures you get exactly that.
FAQs
How much does a 90% VA disability rating pay in November 2025?
About $2,400/month for a single veteran, $2,900–$3,050 for veterans with dependents.
When will November VA payments be made?
Payments for November 2025 will be issued on Friday, November 1, 2025.
Is the 90% disability payment taxable?
No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-exempt at both the federal and state level.
Can I increase my 90% rating to 100%?
Yes. You may qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) if you can’t maintain gainful employment due to service-connected conditions.
Will my benefits increase in 2026?
Yes, a projected 2.8% COLA adjustment will raise all VA disability payments starting with the December 2025 pay period (received in January 2026).