Annual COLA Table — 2006 to 2026
| Year | COLA % | 100% Rate (Veteran Alone) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | +2.8% | $3,938.58 |
| 2025 | +2.5% | $3,831.30 |
| 2024 | +3.2% | $3,737.85 |
| 2023 | +8.7% | $3,621.95 |
| 2022 | +5.9% | $3,332.06 |
| 2021 | +1.3% | $3,146.42 |
| 2020 | +1.6% | $3,106.04 |
| 2019 | +2.8% | $3,057.13 |
| 2018 | +2% | $2,973.86 |
| 2017 | +0.3% | $2,915.55 |
| 2016 | +0% | $2,906.83 |
| 2015 | +1.7% | $2,906.83 |
| 2014 | +1.5% | $2,858.24 |
| 2013 | +1.7% | $2,816.00 |
| 2012 | +3.6% | $2,769.00 |
| 2011 | +0% | $2,673.00 |
| 2010 | +0% | $2,673.00 |
| 2009 | +5.8% | $2,673.00 |
| 2008 | +2.3% | $2,527.00 |
| 2007 | +3.3% | $2,471.00 |
| 2006 | +4.1% | $2,393.00 |
100% veteran alone rates shown. 2016 and 2010–2011 had 0% COLA. Source: VA.gov and Social Security Administration.
Key COLA Milestones
2023: Highest COLA Since 1975
The 8.7% increase effective December 1, 2022 was the largest VA COLA in more than 40 years, driven by post-pandemic inflation. A 100% veteran's monthly pay jumped by nearly $290 in a single year.
2010–2011: Zero COLA Years
Two consecutive years with no adjustment, as CPI-W showed no net inflation. Veterans received the same monthly compensation for three full years (2009–2011 effective rates).
Average COLA 2006–2026: ~2.5%
Over 20 years, the average annual VA COLA has been approximately 2.5%. Long-term, this modestly outpaces the 2% inflation target but varies widely year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 2027 VA COLA be announced?
The SSA typically announces the following year's COLA in October. The 2027 COLA will be announced in October 2026 and take effect December 1, 2026 (reflected in January 2027 VA payments). Subscribe to Benefit Bunker's email list to receive the announcement the day it drops.
Does the COLA apply automatically to all VA disability ratings?
Yes — the COLA is automatically applied to all disability compensation rates without any action required by veterans. The VA updates rates on December 1 each year, and the new amounts appear on January 1 payments.
How is the COLA percentage calculated?
The Social Security Administration calculates COLA using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). It compares the Q3 CPI-W average of the current year to Q3 of the prior year. A positive difference becomes the COLA percentage, rounded to the nearest 0.1%.