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

Overview of the 60 VA Disability Pay Increase

The VA periodically adjusts disability compensation to reflect cost-of-living changes and policy updates. When people refer to the “60 VA disability pay increase,” they usually mean the recent annual update to the monthly compensation rate for veterans rated 60% disabled.

This article explains how to confirm the updated amount, who qualifies for a 60% rating, when payments arrive, and what to expect for retroactive pay.

Who Is Eligible for a 60% VA Disability Rating?

A 60% disability rating is assigned when the VA finds that service-connected conditions cause a level of impairment roughly equivalent to a 60% disability rating under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

Eligibility typically depends on:

• Service-connected medical conditions and documented medical evidence.
• VA medical exams (C&P exams) and claims reviews.
• Combination of multiple conditions using VA combined ratings tables.

Common situations that lead to a 60% rating

• A single condition with a 60% schedular rating.
• Several conditions that combine to an overall 60% using the VA’s combined ratings math.
• Service-connected PTSD or musculoskeletal disorders documented as causing substantial occupational and social impairment.

60 VA Disability Pay Increase: Updated Amounts

The exact dollar amount for a 60% rating changes when the VA updates its compensation tables. These updates reflect COLA adjustments or law-driven changes.

To find the current updated amount for a 60% rating:

• Go to the official VA compensation rates page: benefits.va.gov/compensation-rates.
• Find the table for your filing status (single, with spouse, with dependents, etc.).
• Locate the row for 60% to see the monthly rate and any additional amounts for dependents.

If you prefer, call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or check your VA.gov account to see the exact rate posted for your claim.

Example calculation (hypothetical)

Assume the prior 60% base rate was $1,000 and the VA announced a 3% increase. New monthly pay would be:

• $1,000 × 1.03 = $1,030 per month

This is a simplified example. Actual compensation tables include additional amounts for dependents and special monthly compensation in some cases.

Payout Dates for VA Disability Compensation

VA disability compensation is typically paid on the first day of the month for the previous month. If the first day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment is made on the previous business day or the next business day depending on VA payroll rules.

Key points about payout timing:

• Monthly payments are issued on the 1st of each month (or nearest business day).
• New awards often trigger a retroactive payment for the period from the claim effective date to the award date.
• Use your VA.gov account to view payment history and upcoming payments.

How retroactive pay is handled

If your rating increases to 60% and the effective date is earlier than the rating decision, the VA will calculate retroactive pay from the effective date to the decision date. Expect a lump-sum retro payment; the first regular monthly payment will follow the usual cycle.

Steps to Confirm Your New 60 VA Disability Pay Increase

1. Check the VA compensation rates page for the updated 60% amount.
2. Log into your VA.gov profile to view your award letter and payment schedule.
3. Call the VA Benefits Contact Center if your award letter is unclear or you think a payment is missing.
4. Review your bank statements for incoming lump-sum retro payments and monthly deposits.

Case Study: Real-World Example

John is a veteran who filed for an increased rating after worsening back and knee issues. The VA granted a 60% combined rating with an effective date three months prior to the decision.

• Before the increase, John received $900 per month.
• The VA’s updated compensation table lists a 60% base (hypothetical) at $1,100 per month.
• John received a retroactive payment covering the three-month gap plus his first full monthly payment at the new rate.

This example shows how the updated amount and retro pay combine to produce a lump-sum followed by the new monthly amount.

Common Questions About the 60 VA Disability Pay Increase

Will my dependents change the payment rate?

Yes. Monthly rates vary by dependent status. Spouse, children, and dependent parents can increase the monthly amount.

How long until I get the first payment at the new rate?

After the VA issues the rating decision, you typically receive a retroactive lump-sum for the effective period followed by regular monthly payments. Timing depends on payroll processing and your bank.

Summary and Next Steps

If you were awarded a 60% rating or are expecting the 60 VA disability pay increase, confirm the exact dollar amount on the VA compensation rates page and in your award letter. Track payout dates through your VA.gov account and watch for any retroactive lump-sum payment.

If you have questions about your specific case, contact the VA Benefits Contact Center or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help interpreting your decision and payment details.