VA compensation will rise 5.9% in 2022

In 2022, veterans who receive Veterans Administration disability compensation will see a sizable increase in Veterans Administration compensation checks.

VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans due to their service-connected disabilities; it compensates veterans for their decreased quality of life or adverse effects on their ability to work.

According to the VA, the cost of living adjustment for 2022 will be 5.9%. This year's increase is the highest cost of living adjustment since 1983, when the VA increased rates by 7.4%.

Some examples of VA disability compensation increases:

For a 10% disabled veteran, they would see their VA compensation go from $144.14 to $152.64, and a 50% disabled veteran would see their VA compensation go from $905.04 to $985.43.

In addition to VA disability recipients, the folks who receive the following benefits will also see the 5.9% increase for their 2022 payments:

Military retirees.

Veterans who receive VA disability.

Veterans or surviving spouses who receive a VA pension.

Surviving spouses and children who receive dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).

Social Security recipients.

Federal civilian retirees.

Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Insurance.

If you need assistance filing a VA disability claim or if you have questions about federal, state, or local veterans benefits, please reach out to my office: Steven Miller, Monroe County veteran service officer, 812-349-2537 or smiller@co.monroe.in.us.

For Veterans

Steven Miller

Guest columnist