After two years of record cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) surges, disabled veterans and military retirees will see an additional 3.2% increase in 2024 in their monthly compensation benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The expansion in benefits is set annually by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which announced the uptick in October 2023. Everything from VA disability compensation to clothing allowances and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation—or survivors benefits—are all tied to SSA’s determination.

Veterans and their families will see the new amount reflected in their benefits as of Jan. 1.

“Many disabled veterans rely on their earned VA benefits to survive, which is why reviewing and improving monthly compensation is imperative every year,” said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Randy Reese. “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy is showing signs of waning, and this increase, while lower than in previous years, will help veterans keep up with rising prices for consumer goods and other expenses that go up based on inflation and other factors.”

COLA increases typically see a marginal uptick. The 2018 adjustment was 2.8%, the highest increase over the previous decade. In 2022 and 2023, COLA shot up 5.9% and 8.7%, respectively.

The 2024 adjustment means a disabled veteran with a 10% VA rating can expect a $6 increase, while those rated at 100%, with no dependents, will receive an additional $116 monthly.

Learn more about VA disability ratings with our VA compensation calculator at dav.org/disability-calculator.