What Can I Do If I Didn't Receive My VA Disability Payment?

What Can I Do If I Didn’t Receive My VA Disability Payment?

If you did not receive your VA disability payment, contact the administration through the benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time. You may also visit the nearest U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) office for inquiries.

Veterans can now also access support through the VA mobile app and MyVA411 service, which provides 24/7 automated assistance for basic inquiries. Additionally, the Ask VA online portal allows you to submit questions and track responses digitally.

How Long Does VA Take to Send Disability Payments?

The duration you need to wait for VA disability payment will vary. If it is your first payment, you will receive it within 15 days, per VA. Subsequent payments should arrive on the first day of each month. However, if this date is on a holiday or weekend, you will likely receive the check or direct deposit on the last business day of the previous month.

As of 2025, over 95% of VA disability payments are made via direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than paper checks. Veterans are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through VA.gov or by calling the benefits hotline. The VA has also implemented improved payment tracking systems that allow veterans to monitor payment status in real-time through their online accounts.

In some cases, disability payments may be delayed due to software issues or postage delays. If you do not get the payment within 15 days from the expected day, you should contact VA.

What to Do When You Disagree With a VA Disability Rating

The monthly disability benefits you receive will depend on your rating. If you disagree with VA’s decision regarding your rating, it is advisable to request a decision review process. This procedure will allow you to get a reevaluation using several options.

The VA has streamlined the appeals process since the Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA) implementation. Veterans now have clearer timelines and better communication throughout the review process. You can track your appeal status online through VA.gov.

Supplemental Claim

If you have additional evidence for your case, opt for a supplemental claim. This process is ideal for veterans with new medical records proving a connection between injuries and military service. It is also suitable if your health issue worsens, necessitating more medical care.

The VA now accepts digital submissions for supplemental claims through VA.gov, making the process faster and more convenient. Veterans can upload medical records, statements, and other supporting documents directly online. The average processing time for supplemental claims has improved to approximately 125-150 days as of 2025.

Higher-Level Review

Another decision review process you can use if you disagree with VA is a higher-level review. This involves a senior officer analyzing your initial case without including more evidence. They then determine if they can change the decision based on a different opinion or error within 4-5 months.

Update: Higher-level reviews now average 3-4 months for completion, an improvement from previous timelines. The VA has added quality assurance measures and additional senior reviewers to handle these cases more efficiently.

Board Appeal

A board appeal is another decision review option you can choose. This involves submitting more proof or requesting a hearing from a Veterans Law Judge. If you select a board appeal option, note that you must present the new evidence within 90 days. Further, you may need to wait for more than a year to get a ruling.

Update: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals now offers virtual hearings via video conference, making it easier for veterans who cannot travel to Washington, D.C. or regional offices. Board appeals processing times have been reduced to an average of 12-18 months as of 2025, down from previous longer wait times. Veterans can also choose between three different “dockets” (lanes) for their appeals, each with different timelines and evidence submission rules.

Can You Get More VA Disability Benefits After a Decision Review Process?

If VA finds they gave you a disability rating that was too low, they may increase it. This means you will receive more monthly compensation. You may also qualify for other VA benefits like tax waivers and specially adapted home grants.

Update: Veterans with increased ratings may also become eligible for additional benefits such as vocational rehabilitation, dental care, commissary privileges, and access to VA recreational facilities. The VA has expanded its benefit programs significantly in recent years.

When VA determines they categorized your injuries correctly, you will not get additional benefits. On the other hand, if they notice your condition has improved, they will reduce your rating. VA will adjust your monthly compensation to the new level and may withdraw some benefits.

Update: The VA has implemented protected ratings for certain conditions, meaning that ratings cannot be reduced below a certain level after being in place for a specified period (typically 5-20 years depending on the condition and circumstances).

How Much Is VA Disability Payment?

VA determines the compensation for disabled veterans. The primary determinant of the payment amount is your rating. For instance, as of 2022, if you have a 10% disability rating, you should receive $152.64 per month. If you have a 20% rating, you should receive $301.74 per month. This is regardless of whether you have dependent children, parents, or a spouse.

Update – 2025 Payment Rates: VA disability compensation rates are adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. As of December 2024 (effective for 2025), the updated rates are:

10% disability: $171.23 per month
20% disability: $338.49 per month
30% disability: $524.31 per month
40% disability: $755.28 per month
50% disability: $1,075.16 per month
60% disability: $1,361.88 per month
70% disability: $1,716.28 per month
80% disability: $1,995.01 per month
90% disability: $2,241.91 per month
100% disability: $3,737.85 per month

If you have a disability of more than 20% VA will provide monthly compensation according to your rating, as well as an additional amount based on the number of dependents you have.

For example, if you have a 50% disability rating and a spouse but no children, you will get $1,050.44 per month. If you have an 80% rating with a spouse and one child, you will receive $2,035.43 per month. You can find all of the current payment amounts for each unique family situation on VA’s website.

Veterans rated at 30% or higher receive additional compensation for dependents. The 2025 additional amounts include:

Spouse: Additional monthly compensation ranging from $57.75 (at 30%) to $198.93 (at 100%)
Each child under 18: Additional compensation ranging from $31.24 (at 30%) to $104.46 (at 100%)
Dependent parents: Additional compensation when income thresholds are met

Do VA Disability Payment Amounts Change?

Congress regularly adjusts VA disability payments based on the cost of living. Due to this, the monthly compensation can vary based on economic performance.

VA disability compensation receives an annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that typically takes effect each December. The 2025 COLA increase was 2.5%, reflecting economic conditions. Veterans are automatically notified of rate changes and do not need to take any action to receive adjusted payments.

Another factor that can lead to receiving different disability pay is changes in family status. For example, VA may increase compensation if you have another child. However, this only applies to vets with disability ratings of 30% or higher.

Is Your VA Disability Rating Permanent?

No, disability ratings are not permanent. VA requires disabled vets to undergo reexaminations every two to five years. The exact time period will depend on factors like:

Your current health status
The likelihood of your condition improving
The effectiveness of your treatments
The extent of your disability

New for 2025: The VA has implemented telehealth compensation and pension examinations for certain conditions, making it easier for veterans to complete required exams without traveling to VA facilities.

An Advocate Can Help You Learn More About VA Disability Payments

Understanding the proper steps to follow when dealing with VA can be challenging. A disability advocate understands all the protocols vets must use and the appropriate methods of contacting VA.

With your advocate’s help, you can follow up on your payment or pursue more benefits using a decision review process. Contact our team of expert advocates HERE today for your FREE case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I receive both VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability?

A:Yes, you can receive both benefits simultaneously. VA disability compensation does not affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, as they are separate programs with different eligibility criteria.

Q: What happens if I miss a VA medical exam (C&P exam)?

A: If you miss a scheduled Compensation & Pension exam without good cause, the VA may deny your claim. However, you can request to reschedule if you have a valid reason (illness, emergency, etc.). Contact the VA immediately if you cannot attend your scheduled exam.

Q: Can I work while receiving VA disability benefits?

A: Yes, VA disability compensation is not based on your ability to work, unlike some other disability programs. You can work full-time and still receive your full VA disability payments. However, if you’re receiving Individual Unemployability (IU) benefits, there are income limitations.

Q: What is the difference between VA disability rating and percentage?

A: Your VA disability rating (expressed as a percentage from 0% to 100%) determines your monthly compensation amount. The VA uses a complex formula to combine multiple disabilities rather than simply adding percentages together. For example, two 50% disabilities don’t equal 100% – they typically combine to approximately 75%.

Q: Can my VA disability rating be reduced?

A: Yes, ratings can be reduced if the VA determines your condition has improved during a reexamination. However, certain protections exist, such as the 5-year rule (ratings cannot be reduced after 5 years unless fraud is involved) and the 20-year rule (ratings are generally considered permanent after 20 years).

Q: Do I need to file taxes on my VA disability compensation?

A:No, VA disability compensation is not taxable income. You do not need to report it on your federal or state tax returns. However, if you receive other VA benefits like vocational rehabilitation payments, some of those may be taxable.

Q: How do I know if my condition is considered service-connected?

A: A condition is service-connected if it was caused by or aggravated by your military service. You need to establish three elements: a current diagnosis, evidence of an incident or exposure during service, and a medical opinion linking your current condition to your military service (called a “nexus”).

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

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Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form