Macro Intelligence

2027 VA Disability COLA Projections & Calculator

Monitor monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to project your estimated 2027 VA disability compensation increase before official October announcement.

Macro Inflation Radar // FY 2027

Projected 2027 VA Disability COLA Increase: +2.6%

Based on monthly Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) data.

Effective: December 1, 2026
Current 2026 Monthly Pay
$3737.85
Veteran alone (0 dependents)
Projected 2027 Monthly Pay
$3835.03
+2.6% statutory adjustment
Estimated Monthly Increase
+$97.18/mo
Added to each monthly check
Projected Annual Cash Gain
+$1166.16/yr
12-month compounded payout

2026 vs. 2027 Projected Monthly Compensation Rates

Rating2026 Monthly Base2027 Projected RateMonthly IncreaseAnnual Cash Gain
10%$171.23$175.68+4.45+53.40
20%$338.49$347.29+8.80+105.60
30%$524.31$537.94+13.63+163.56
40%$755.28$774.92+19.64+235.68
50%$1075.16$1103.11+27.95+335.40
60%$1361.88$1397.29+35.41+424.92
70%$1716.28$1760.90+44.62+535.44
80%$1995.01$2046.88+51.87+622.44
90%$2241.91$2300.20+58.29+699.48
100%$3737.85$3835.03+97.18+1166.16

*Rates shown reflect basic compensation for a veteran with no dependents. Veterans with spouses, dependent children, or parents receive higher tier adjustments.

Statutory Calculation Formula

Under 38 U.S.C. § 1104 and Section 215(i) of the Social Security Act, the VA does not arbitrarily set compensation increases. Rates match the Social Security Administration COLA, calculated by comparing the average third-quarter CPI-W (July, August, September) to the prior year's third-quarter baseline.

COLA % = ((Q3 2026 CPI-W Avg - Q3 2025 CPI-W Avg) / Q3 2025 CPI-W Avg) × 100

BLS Report Tracking Schedule

  • July 2026 CPI-W Data:Released August 14, 2026
  • August 2026 CPI-W Data:Released September 11, 2026
  • Final September CPI-W (Official COLA):Scheduled October 13, 2026
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