Table of Contents
If you satisfy the requirements, you may be eligible for disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A 60% VA disability rating enables veterans to obtain monthly compensation payments with a base pay of $1,361.88. Having a spouse, kids, or other dependents may entitle you to additional benefits.
Ratings for compensation are determined as percentages upon the VA’s receipt of a claim. This post will assist you in accurately figuring out how much money you can acquire after obtaining a 60% VA disability rating. We’ll also review additional VA benefits, such as employment, home loans, and health care assistance.
What Is 60% VA Disability?
A 60% VA disability rating is a rate determined by the VA for compensation. Veterans who sustained injuries while serving in the military are eligible to receive disability benefits from the VA. Disability ratings from the VA indicate how much disability aid a qualified veteran can receive.
Eligible veterans must be physically or mentally ill and have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training to qualify for VA disability benefits. Furthermore, one of the following must be accurate:
- You must be able to connect your current condition to an injury or illness that you sustained while in the military (in-service disability claim).
- Your service in the military worsened an existing illness or injury you had before joining (pre-service disability claim).
- After ending service, a related disability or injury appeared (post-service disability claim).
VA disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, increasing in 10% increments. You can benefit from increased compensation rates with a 60% rating, particularly if you have a spouse, dependents, or children.
How Much Can You Get With 60% VA Disability?
Based on 2024 veteran disability compensation rates, an individual with a 60% VA rating can obtain $1,361.88 monthly ($16,342.56 yearly) if they do not have dependents. Compensation figures without dependents are called basic monthly rates. Here are additional VA basic monthly rates:
| 2024 VA Disability Rating Breakdown | |
| 10% | $171.23 per month |
| 20% | $338.49 per month |
| 30% | $524.31 per month |
| 40% | $755.28 per month |
| 50% | $1,075.16 per month |
| 60% | $1,361.88 per month |
| 70% | $1,716.28 per month |
| 80% | $1,995.01 per month |
| 90% | $2,241.91 per month |
| 100% | $3,737.85 per month |
60% VA Disability With Dependents
You are entitled to additional compensation if you have dependents and a 60% VA disability rating. The rate can go up or down depending on your dependents — children, parents, or a spouse.
The breakdowns for veterans with varying dependent circumstances and 60% VA disability pay rates are below. Discover your monthly pay rate and how much you can receive based on your living situation.
60% VA Disability Pay Rates Without Children
You can qualify for additional benefits if you are childless and have a 60% VA disability rating. Veterans who have dependent parents or a spouse receive more significant compensation from the VA.
- Veteran with spouse only: $1,486.88
- Veteran with spouse and one parent: $1,586.88
- Veteran with spouse and two parents: $1,686.88
- Veteran with one parent: $1,461.88
- Veteran with two parents: $1,561.88
- Add for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: +$114
60% VA Disability Pay Rates With Children
Additional compensation is available if you have children and a 60% VA disability. There are set payments for different types of family situations. If a veteran has more than two children, their compensation may change based on the age of the children and whether they are enrolled in an eligible educational program.
Find out how much more you could be eligible for and how to add a dependent to your benefits.
- Veteran with spouse and child: $1,577.88
- Veteran with child only: $1,444.88
- Veteran with spouse, one parent, and child: $1,677.88
- Veteran with spouse, two parents, and child: $1,777.8
- Veteran with one parent and child: $1,544.88
- Veteran with two parents and child: $1,644.88
- Add for each additional child under 18: $62
- Add for each additional child 18+ in a qualifying school program: $200
- Add for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: +$114
Additional 60% VA Disability Benefits
For those who receive a 60% rating for VA disability, additional benefits are available. In addition to monthly pay, other services include health care, home loans, employment, pension, and disability benefits from Social Security.
VA Health Care Benefits
Veterans can receive basic health care services from the VA. Preventative, inpatient hospital, urgent care, and emergency services are all covered by benefits. In addition, the VA provides the following medical health care services:
- Acute care
- Assisted living and home health
- Audiology
- Blood work
- Genetic disease counseling
- Health education
- Health exams
- Immunization
- Kidney dialysis
- Mental health
- Oncology
- Physical therapy
- Prescriptions
- Prosthetics
- Specialized care
- Surgeries
- X-rays and ultrasounds
The VA can also provide coverage for dental and vision care in addition to previously mentioned treatments. Cosmetic surgery, health club memberships, and medications and medical devices not approved by the FDA are not covered.
LGBTQ+ Services: For those who might need extra assistance, the VA provides an LGBTQ+ health program. Two benefits accessible to veterans include PrEP for those at risk for HIV and gender-affirming hormone therapy. Every VA institution has specialized LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators on staff.
VA Additional Health Care Services
The VA provides additional care services for veterans’ general health and well-being. The Veterans Transportation Service is available to help those who require assistance traveling for appointments. If you need assistance traveling for medical care, you can also receive beneficiary travel benefits. For veterans in need, additional health services include:
- Depression and suicide prevention
- Infertility due to service-connected conditions
- Military sexual trauma (MST)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use treatment
- Women’s health care needs
VA Home Loans
The VA can help service members and veterans find housing. To improve your chances of approval, the VA partners with private lenders, guaranteeing a percentage of the loan. Not only are there no closing costs and no down payment requirements, but private mortgage insurance (PMI) is also unnecessary.
The VA uses a service member’s or veteran’s length of service to determine eligibility. Visit VA.gov to apply for a VA home loan and get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Grants for adaptive housing are also available for people who need to change their current residences.
Veteran Readiness and Employment
Formerly known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, the Veteran Readiness and Employment program helps eligible veterans connect with possible employers. Benefits also include education and training that raise the desirability of employment.
Several track programs are available to assist veterans in finding new employment, starting a business, or returning to their previous jobs. Long-term service and independent living tracks are offered for disabled veterans to assist them in living their best lives without restrictions.
VA Pension Benefits
Veterans who meet the requirements can benefit from the VA’s Pension program. You might qualify if you meet the specified income and net worth thresholds, are above a particular age, or have a disability. You have to meet these requirements to be eligible for the Veterans Pension program:
Both of these statements must be true:
- You have not been dishonorably discharged.
- You have an income and net worth that falls within limits set by Congress.
One of these statements must be true:
- You began active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days with at least one day during wartime.
- You served active duty after September 7, 1980, for at least 24 months or the entire period for which you were called with at least one day during wartime.
- You were an officer on duty after October 16, 1981, and have not been on duty for at least 24 months.
One of these statements must be true:
- You are 65 or older.
- You have a permanent disability.
- You’re in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability.
- You are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security Disability Benefits
Two alternatives are available to veterans seeking disability insurance: VA Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Veterans who contracted a disease or sustained an injury while serving in the military may be eligible for VA disability benefits. If you cannot work due to an impairment, you are eligible to apply for SSDI; your military service is not a prerequisite.
You can also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to SSDI. While SSI and SSDI might sound similar, the former was created to assist older adults with low incomes and resources and those with impairments. The goal of the latter (SSDI) is to help people with disabilities based on their employment history and Social Security contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your disability rating is 60% and you would like to receive compensation, you might have more questions about the process. THere are some of the most frequent queries about disability ratings and VA benefits.
What Can I Do If I’m Rated at 60% and Cannot Work?
If your VA rating is 60% and you cannot work, you can qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). You may then receive pay equivalent to a 100% VA rating.
How Do I Increase My VA Rating From 60% to 100%?
If your condition worsens, your rating could go from 60% to 100%; however, you have to reapply to the VA to determine if your rating needs to be changed. If you cannot work, the VA may provide additional benefits through the TDIU program equal to a 100% rating.
Are Veterans Rated at 60% Eligible for TDIU?
If a veteran’s long-term illness keeps them from working, they may qualify for the TDIU program if their rating is 60%. Veterans whose ailments are expected to become better over time will not be eligible for TDIU because the program is designed for permanent problems only.
Is the 60% Disability Rating Permanent?
A 60% disability rating is not permanent, and you can reevaluate your status anytime with the VA. If your condition worsens, consider submitting a new claim to see if your rating may increase, making additional compensation available.
Learn More About Your VA Disability Eligibility
To live your best life, you must understand your 60% VA rating and the available benefits. Use our VA disability calculator to find your disability pay and ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table. Take our Veteran Disability Rating quiz to learn more and get started if you’re unsure about your benefits.
