Browse 2026 VA Disability planning pages for all 50 states.
VA disability compensation is paid by the federal government at rates set annually by the VA. The dollar amount is the same in every state, and the payment is exempt from federal income tax under 38 U.S.C. § 5301 and from state income tax in every state. A California-resident veteran with a 70% rating receives the same monthly check as a Texas-resident veteran with a 70% rating.
What differs by state is the state-level benefits stacked on top — property tax exemptions, free vehicle registration, in-state tuition for dependents, hunting and fishing license fee waivers, and similar. The largest of these (full property tax homestead exemption for 100%-rated veterans) can be worth $5,000–$15,000+ per year in high-property-tax states.
These are the basic monthly rates paid by the VA in every state. Add-on amounts for dependents (spouse, children, dependent parents) increase the payment at the 30% rating and above. Source: VA.gov, current 2026 rate tables.
| Combined Rating | Monthly Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51/mo |
| 20% | $346.95/mo |
| 30% | $537.42/mo |
| 40% | $774.16/mo |
| 50% | $1,102.04/mo |
| 60% | $1,395.93/mo |
| 70% | $1,759.19/mo |
| 80% | $2,044.89/mo |
| 90% | $2,297.96/mo |
| 100% | $3,831.30/mo |
A meaningful number of states grant a property tax exemption (full or partial) on the primary residence of disabled veterans, typically tied to disability rating. The 100%-rated exemption is the most valuable; in high-property-tax states it can save $5,000+ per year and in some cases more.
| Treatment | States (representative — verify with county appraisal district) |
|---|---|
| Full exemption at 100% disability | Texas, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and others. Most have a homestead-only restriction. |
| Tiered exemption by rating | Most states with veteran property tax benefits use a tier (e.g. Texas: $5,000 / $7,500 / $10,000 / $12,000 off appraised value at 10–29 / 30–49 / 50–69 / 70–99% before going to full at 100%). Each state's tier amounts and rules differ. |
| No state-level veteran property tax benefit | A few states leave property tax exemptions to county or local discretion. Verify with the county assessor. |
Beyond property tax exemption, several states offer (verify each with your state's department of veterans affairs):
| Benefit | State Variation? |
|---|---|
| Federal disability compensation rate | No — same in all 50 states |
| VA disability tax treatment (federal) | No — tax-free everywhere |
| VA disability tax treatment (state) | No — tax-free in all 50 states |
| VA healthcare eligibility | No — federal program |
| VA home loan eligibility | No — federal program (separate from state-run loans) |
| CRDP / CRSC concurrent receipt | No — federal rules |
| Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) | No — federal benefit |
No. VA disability compensation is exempt from federal income tax under 38 U.S.C. § 5301 and is not taxed as income by any of the 50 states. This includes Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), but not all of military retirement pay (which is separately taxed by some states — see the military pay hub).
No. Your rating is set by the VA (a federal agency) and does not change based on where you live. Your monthly payment also does not change. What may change is which state-level benefits you qualify for and how much they're worth.
Both let qualifying retirees receive military retirement pay AND VA disability pay concurrently (instead of waiver-offsetting one against the other). CRDP is for retirees with 50%+ rated service-connected disability; CRSC is for combat-related disabilities at any rating. Both are federal — same in every state.
Yes. Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at the 100% rate if you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities and you have at least 60% from one disability or 70% combined with one at 40%+. File VA Form 21-8940.