Navigating the VA disability system can be complex. It gets especially true when trying to understand how much compensation you may be entitled to based on your disability rating.
If you’ve received a 50% disability rating, you might be wondering exactly how much the VA will pay and what additional benefits you qualify for.
In this blog, we’ll break down the compensation for a 50% disability rating and other benefits available. We’ll also explain how you can improve your rating.
Additionally, we’ll cover commonly assigned disabilities at the 50% level and whether you might qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
How Much Does VA Pay for a 50% Disability Rating?
The VA disability compensation system is designed to provide financial support to veterans. It is based on the severity of their service-connected disabilities.
A disability rating of 50% means the VA has determined that your disability impairs your ability to function at half of the normal capacity.
The amount you receive from the VA is based on this rating. However, it also depends on whether you have dependents (spouse, children, or others relying on you financially).
Here’s a breakdown of the VA disability compensation for veterans with a 50% rating-
| Veteran’s Status | Monthly Compensation (2025) |
| Veteran Alone | $1,102.04 |
| Veteran with Spouse | $1,208.04 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Parent | $1,293.04 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 2 Parents | $1,378.04 |
| Veteran with 1 Parent (No Spouse or Children) | $1,187.04 |
| Veteran with 2 Parents (No Spouse or Children) | $1,272.04 |
| Veteran with 1 Child only (No Spouse or Parents) | $1,173.04 |
| Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child | $1,287.04 |
| Veteran with Spouse, 1 Child, and 1 Parent | $1,372.04 |
| Veteran with Spouse, 1 Child, and 2 Parents | $1,457.04 |
| Veteran with 1 Child and 1 Parent (No Spouse) | $1,258.04 |
| Veteran with 1 Child and 2 Parents (No Spouse) | $1,343.04 |
In this case, the extra amounts you are getting are-
- For each child under age 18: $53
- For each child over age 18 in a qualified school program: $171
- For the veteran’s spouse receiving Aid and Attendance: $98
The amounts listed in the table reflect the compensation rates as of 2025. The VA calculates your dependency status based on who you financially support and how many dependents qualify for benefits.
Note that the VA adjusts its compensation amount each year using a method called the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The most recent COLA adjustment (as of this writing) was the 2025 one, which was a 2.5% increase.
In addition to the basic monthly compensation, certain circumstances may further increase your payment. For example-
- If you have a serious health condition requiring regular care or
- If you’re living in a dependent care situation (such as nursing home care)
-the VA may offer additional allowances or special monthly compensation (SMC).
You should always check the latest VA pay tables or consult a VA representative to ensure you are receiving the correct amount.
Other Benefits of a 50% Disability Rating
The primary benefit of a 50% disability rating from the VA is monthly compensation. However, veterans with this rating are eligible for several other valuable benefits.
Here’s a breakdown of additional benefits that come with a 50% disability rating-
Healthcare Benefits
Veterans with a 50% disability rating are eligible for comprehensive healthcare through the VA. This includes-
- Access to VA medical centers
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services
- Physical therapy
-and more
The VA healthcare system often provides services at little or no cost. This can be a significant advantage for veterans facing ongoing medical issues related to their disabilities.
For some veterans, this can significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE)
Veterans with a 50% disability rating may qualify for VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE) services.
This program helps veterans who are struggling to work due to their disabilities by offering-
- Career counseling
- Job training and,
- Educational opportunities
If a veteran is unable to continue in their current career because of their disability, VRE can assist in finding new employment. It can even help them pursue further education to transition into a different field.
Home Loan Benefits
A 50% disability rating can make veterans eligible for a VA-backed home loan. This benefit allows veterans to purchase a home with favorable terms.
This benefit includes no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Additionally, veterans with a 50% or higher rating are exempt from paying certain fees associated with VA home loans. One such fee is the funding fee, which can make homeownership more affordable.
State-Specific Benefits
Many states offer additional benefits for veterans with a 50% disability rating. These may include-
- Property tax exemptions
- Free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses or
- State-funded healthcare programs
The specifics vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to research what your state offers.
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Veterans rated at 50% or higher may also gain access to commissary and exchange privileges. They allow them to shop at military commissaries for discounted groceries and other goods.
These privileges extend to qualifying dependents as well.
Can I Get TDIU with 50% Disability?
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a special benefit provided by the VA. Veterans whose service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining gainful employment can be qualified for this.
It’s important to note that a TDIU rating is not the same as a 100% disability rating. Still, it provides veterans with compensation at the 100% disability level if they are unable to work due to their disabilities.
So, can a veteran with a 50% disability rating qualify for TDIU? The short answer is Yes, but it depends on additional factors.
Here’s how it works-
Single 50% Disability Rating
A veteran with a single 50% disability rating is unlikely to qualify for TDIU automatically. The VA generally requires either one disability rated at 60% or two or more disabilities combined to a total of 70% or higher to qualify for TDIU.
However, if you can demonstrate that your service-connected disability makes it impossible for you to work, you may still qualify for TDIU under a “special circumstances” provision.
Example: The veteran can no longer perform their job due to physical limitations or mental health conditions.
Multiple Disabilities
If you have multiple disabilities, with at least one rated at 50% or higher, you may combine your ratings to reach the 70% threshold necessary for TDIU.
The VA uses a complex formula to combine disabilities. So, even if the disabilities don’t individually add up to 70%, they may qualify together.
Application Process
Veterans interested in applying for TDIU must submit VA Form 21-8940.
Then, they must provide evidence that their disabilities significantly impair their ability to maintain gainful employment.
The VA will review medical records, employment history, and other documentation to assess eligibility.
Common Disabilities the VA Assigns a 50% Rating On
The VA assigns a 50% disability rating to a wide range of conditions. It mainly depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact they have on a veteran’s ability to function.
Some of the most common disabilities that result in a 50% rating include both physical and mental health conditions.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is one of the most common mental health conditions for which veterans receive a 50% rating. Symptoms such as-
- Frequent nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Emotional numbness and,
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
-can severely impact daily life.
Veterans with moderate to severe symptoms often receive a 50% rating.
Back and Spine Injuries
Back pain and spinal conditions, especially those resulting from service-related injuries, are also commonly rated at 50%. Conditions such as-
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated discs or
- Chronic back pain
-can significantly limit a veteran’s mobility and ability to work.
Knee and Joint Injuries
Knee injuries, particularly those involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus, can lead to a 50% rating. This may happen due to-
- Chronic pain
- Limited range of motion or
- The need for knee replacement surgery
Other joint injuries, such as those affecting the shoulders or hips, can also be rated at 50%.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another condition that frequently results in a 50% rating. The symptoms, in this case, are persistent and severely disruptive.
Veterans with chronic tinnitus often experience significant hearing impairment that can affect their daily lives and ability to work.
Sleep Apnea
Veterans with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those requiring a CPAP machine for treatment, can be rated at 50%.
Sleep apnea causes frequent interruptions to breathing during sleep. This can result in fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced quality of life overall.
How Can I Increase My Disability Rating Above 50%?
Suppose you’ve been rated at 50% by the VA and feel that your disability has worsened or that you are entitled to a higher rating.
In that case, there are several steps you can take to pursue an increase.
Request a Reevaluation
If your condition has worsened over time, you can request a reevaluation by submitting a claim to the VA. This process requires providing new medical evidence that you haven’t before.
The VA will schedule an examination to determine if your disability has worsened and warrants a higher rating.
File for Additional Disabilities
If you have more than one service-connected disability, the VA may combine them into a single overall rating. This is done using the VA’s “whole person” rating system.
For example, two 50% disabilities don’t equal 100%; they combine to create a rating higher than 50%, potentially pushing you above 70% when combined.
Appeal the Decision
If your initial claim for a higher rating is denied, you can appeal the decision. There are multiple ways to appeal, including-
- Filing a Supplemental Claim
- Requesting a Higher-Level Review or
- Submitting a formal Notice of Disagreement
This process allows you to provide additional evidence or seek a second opinion on the decision made.
Seek Legal or VSO Assistance
Navigating the VA’s claims process can be challenging. Working with a VSO or a legal professional experienced in VA claims can help ensure your case is presented accurately.
Conclusion
Understanding the VA disability system, especially when it comes to a 50% disability rating, is crucial if you have it. Knowing them well can help you receive the benefits they deserve.
For veterans whose disabilities interfere with their ability to work, the option to apply for TDIU may provide a higher compensation level.
If you believe your disability rating should be higher, the VA offers a clear process for requesting a reevaluation or filing an appeal.