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60% VA Disability

If you are a U.S. military veteran who has developed a service-connected disability,  you might be eligible to receive a disability rating and qualify for monthly compensation and other benefits. Your rating determines how much VA disability compensation you’ll receive and the other benefits you qualify for. In 2025, the base monthly compensation for a veteran with a 60 percent VA disability rating is $1,395.93.

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Content Reviewed by: Matt Coveney
Last Modified Date: December 18, 2024
Key Takeaways
  • Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating may qualify for additional compensation benefits, including Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
  • The base monthly compensation for a single veteran with a 60% rating is $1,395.93.
  • A 60% rating is typically awarded for significant impairments that severely impact daily functioning and earning capacity.
  • Conditions warranting a 60% rating can include severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disorders.

The VA may increase your compensation if you have a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents. In addition, you might also qualify for other benefits, including VA health care, educational benefits, and a VA home loan guarantee.

Monthly Compensation for a 60% VA Rating

How much compensation can you receive if you have a 60 VA disability rating? The monthly compensation rates for veterans with a 60 percent VA rating depend on your family circumstances.

Dependent Status Compensation Amount
Single Veteran $1,395.93
Veteran and Spouse $1,524.05
Veteran and Spouse and One Parent $1,626.55
Veteran and Spouse and Two Parents $1,729.05
Veteran and One Parent $1,498.43
Veteran and Two Parents $1,600.93
Veteran and One Child $1,481.00
Veteran and Spouse and One Child $1,617.33
Veteran and One Child and One Parent $1,583.50
Veteran with One Child and Two Parents $1,686.00
Veteran and Spouse and One Parent and One Child $1,719.83
Veteran and Spouse and Two Parents and One Child $1,822.33
Each Additional Child Under 18 $63.55
Each Additional Child Over 18 in a Qualifying School Program $205.00
Aid and Attendance $116.85

The VA regularly adjusts monthly compensation to protect the value of veterans’ benefits and ensure they are not eroded by inflation. This is known as a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, which is equal to the percentage used for Social Security benefits. In 2024, the COLA was 2.5 percent, which increased the base monthly compensation for veterans with a 60 percent VA disability rating from $1,361.88 to $1,395.93, a $34.05 increase.

Benefits for a 60% Rating

All veterans with a 60 percent disability rating qualify for several benefits, including support for medical needs and education. The following are benefits you may be eligible to receive:

  • VA health care: Free health care and prescriptions with VA network providers
  • Educational/vocational benefits: Veterans Readiness and Employment Chapter 31 benefits include tuition assistance, job training, and apprenticeships. You can combine benefits with the GI bill.
  • VA home loan guarantee: Low-cost home loans and reduced credit requirements, plus a waiver of the VA funding fee
  • Commissary and exchange privileges: Access to low-cost and tax-free groceries, clothing, electronics, and home goods
  • Free tax preparation: Assistance with income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and several online tax prep platforms
  • Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay: Potential receipt of VA disability compensation and pension benefits
  • Burial and plot allowance: An allowance for burial and funeral costs

60% VA Rating and TDIU

If you have a 60 percent VA disability rating, you may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability benefits, or TDIU. People with TDIU receive disability compensation equal to that of a veteran with a 100 percent disability rating, even though their actual rating is less.

To qualify for TDIU, you must have a disability with a 60 percent rating or higher or multiple disabilities with a combined VA rating of 70 percent, with at least one disability rated at 40 percent. In addition, your disability must prevent you from obtaining substantial employment, though you may do odd jobs. Frequent hospitalizations—combined with an eligible VA disability rating—may further substantiate a TDIU qualification.

Veterans with a 60 percent disability rating and TDIU also receive the benefits that 100 percent disabled veterans receive. They include the following:

  • Dependents’ Educational Assistance: The Dependents’ Educational Assistance program, also known as Chapter 35 VA benefits, provides educational and vocational assistance to the spouses and children of disabled veterans. Eligible recipients get monthly payments for higher education, technical and vocational courses, and high school or GED programs. Payments may also cover the cost of books and certification courses.
  • Civilian Health and Medical Program, or CHAMPVA: The Civilian Health and Medical Program expands your health care benefits. Through CHAMPVA, you can get medical care services, pharmaceuticals, and supplies deemed medically or psychologically necessary. You can see other doctors and physicians outside the VA network.
  • VA Pension Plan: You may receive additional monthly payments if your income and net worth are below the VA Pension program’s limits. The pension payments vary depending on your net worth and whether you receive Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits.
  • VA Dental Care: You can receive free dental services for any needed dental care provided through the VA, including preventative maintenance and restoration of oral health.

Common Conditions That Can Have a 60% VA Rating

Several medical conditions typically qualify for a 60 percent VA disability rating, including the following:

  • Hypertension: Veterans may suffer service-related hypertension if they experienced intensely stressful situations or if they suffer from other conditions known to impact blood pressure.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD: Veterans exposed to toxins, toxic particles, and burn pits may develop COPD due to their time in service.
  • Diabetes: Combat injuries, mental illness, and exposure to herbicides increase the risk of a veteran developing diabetes.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome: Veterans may develop symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, including extreme tiredness and cognitive impairments, as a result of their service.
  • Sciatica: Combat injuries and overactivity during service may result in sciatica, which causes severe back and leg pain.
  • Ménière’s disease: Repeated exposure to loud noises, environmental toxins, or head trauma may lead to Ménière’s disease, a condition marked by vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Increase Your 60% VA Disability Rating

It’s not unusual for veterans to receive a lower disability rating than they believe they deserve. If you think your 60 percent VA disability rating is too low, you can appeal it through the VA’s decision review process.

The following are the three options available to appeal your disability rating:

  • Supplemental claim: If you have new evidence to support your original benefits claim, you can request a supplemental claim. New evidence may include medical tests, records, or witness statements. To apply for a supplemental claim review, you can submit your application through the VA’s portal, by mail, or at your closest VA regional office.
  • Higher-level review: A higher-level review is best for veterans with no new evidence but who believe the VA claims examiner made a mistake. A claims examiner with higher seniority will review your case, and you may request a meeting to discuss why you feel there was an error.
  • Board appeal: This is the most formal type of review. Your case will go before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and a veterans law judge will examine the claim. You may submit new evidence or request that the judge review the original application.

Want to Increase Your VA Rating?

Secondary Ratings

You may develop other health conditions that stem from your primary service-connected disability. If so, you might be eligible for a higher disability rating if you can prove the connection between the secondary and primary condition.

The VA considers both conditions and assigns a combined rating based on the severity of your symptoms. The combined rating can’t exceed 100 percent, but it can help you reach a higher overall rating than your current one.

Some examples of secondary conditions that can develop from a primary condition include:

You can learn more about how the VA assigns combined ratings with our VA Disability Calculator.

Veterans Guide is dedicated to helping veterans obtain the VA disability benefits they qualify for. If you need assistance with a VA disability benefits claim, contact us. We can connect you with representatives or a qualified attorney who can help you obtain the VA disability rating you deserve.

Want to Increase Your VA Rating?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Work if I Have a 60% VA Disability Rating?

Yes. Veterans can still work if they receive disability compensation for a 60 percent VA disability rating without losing their benefits.

SSDI and Veterans

If you cannot work due to your disability, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. SSDI is a separate program administered by the Social Security Administration. To qualify, you must have a disabling condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity and have earned sufficient work credits through paying Social Security payroll taxes. Qualifying veterans can receive SSDI and VA disability benefits simultaneously.

Are There Any Tax Exemptions for a 60% VA Disability Rating?

Your VA disability compensation is tax-free. That means you’ll receive a monthly benefit check for the entire amount without any taxes withheld. Some states also provide additional tax benefits for disabled veterans, including property and vehicle tax exemptions. Check with your state to see what programs they offer.

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Matt is a VA-accredited attorney who co-founded NAVDA in 2023. Matt has helped veterans with the VA disability appeals process since he became accredited in 2021.