PERSONAL FINANCE
Personal Finance

VA 90 Percent Disability: What compensation is available for veterans with no dependents?

Learn about the benefits: financial support and other compensations

VA 90 Percent Disability
VA 90 Percent Disability/ ESPECIAL
Actualizado

Veterans with a 90% VA disability rating and no dependents will receive $2,297.96 per month in 2025, following the 2.5% COLA increase effective December 1, 2024, as announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities face unique financial challenges, especially those with high disability ratings who may be limited in their ability to work and earn income. The VA disability compensation program provides crucial financial support, with rates that vary based on both disability percentage and family status. For veterans with a 90% disability rating who don't have dependents, understanding exactly what benefits are available is essential for proper financial planning.

The VA recently updated its compensation rates for 2025, with payments reflecting the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). These rate increases are designed to help veterans maintain their purchasing power in the face of inflation, ensuring that their benefits continue to provide meaningful support for their needs.

Understanding the 90% VA disability rating compensation

The cornerstone of VA disability benefits is the monthly tax-free compensation payment. For veterans with a 90% disability rating and no dependents, this payment is $2,297.96 per month in 2025. This represents an increase from previous years due to the 2.5% COLA that took effect on December 1, 2024.

It's important to note that this base rate applies specifically to veterans without any dependents. Veterans with dependents - including spouses, children, or dependent parents - receive additional compensation. For instance, a veteran with a 90% rating who has a spouse would receive $2,489.96 monthly, while one with a spouse and one parent would receive $2,643.96.

The difference between a 90% and 100% disability rating is substantial in terms of compensation. A veteran with a 100% rating and no dependents receives $3,831.30 monthly - a difference of $1,533.34 per month or over $18,000 annually compared to the 90% rating. This significant jump in benefits makes pursuing an increased rating worthwhile for many veterans whose conditions may have worsened.

Additional benefits beyond monthly compensation

While the monthly compensation payment is the most direct benefit, veterans with a 90% disability rating are eligible for numerous other valuablebenefits. These include priority healthcare through the VA system, where they are placed in Priority Group 1, ensuring access to comprehensive medical care with minimal or no copayments.

Veterans with this rating also qualify for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, which provides resources for education, training, and career development. This can include funding for college tuition, vocational training, and assistance with job placement.

Another significant benefit is the waiver of the VA home loan funding fee, which can save veterans thousands of dollars when purchasing a home. Additionally, these veterans have access to commissary and exchange privileges on military installations, offering discounted groceries and other necessities.

For veterans whose conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, the Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) program may provide compensation at the 100% rate, even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%. To qualify for TDIU, veterans typically need either a single disability rated at 60% or more, or multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more (with at least one rated at 40%).

Veterans with a 90% rating should also be aware of potential state-level benefits, which vary by location but may include property tax exemptions, special license plates, hunting and fishing license discounts, and other financial advantages.

Veteran AffairsChapter 35 VA Payment Schedule: When are you getting your check for June 2025?
Personal Finance100 Percent VA Disability: How much does a veteran with only one child receive in 2025?
Personal FinanceChapter 31 VA Benefits: Can you still qualify with a less-than-honorable discharge?