If you’re stuck at 50% VA disability and feeling like the monthly pay ain’t cutting it, you’re not alone. I’ve talked to guys racking up 10+ years of service and still asking, “What does it really take to get to 70%, and is it even worth it?” Short answer: yes. And here’s why—we’re talking real pay increases, healthcare upgrades, and some major life perks veterans actually use. Whether you’re dealing with service-connected PTSD, sleep apnea, or back issues from all that time rucking up hills, understanding the difference between the 50% vs. 70% VA disability rating could put thousands more in your pocket every year. Every percent matters—literally. These ratings aren’t just numbers. They determine your monthly tax-free payments, healthcare access, and extra stuff like property tax exemptions depending on your state.
What You Get with 50% VA Disability: Monthly Pay and Perks
Let’s cut the fluff. At a 50% rating, your monthly VA compensation in 2024 sits at $1,075.16 if you’re single with no dependents.
That’s decent—but it’s nowhere near what a vet at 70% gets. And I’ll show you why in a sec.
First, here’s what you get at 50%, plain and simple:
- Monthly pay: $1,075.16 (tax-free)
- VA Healthcare eligibility: You qualify for free medical services for service-connected issues
- Some travel reimbursement: If you need to hit up the VA for appointments
- Basic Priority Group placement: You’ll be in VA Priority Group 2
- Some state-level benefits: Depends on where you live, but may include discounts on vehicle registration or property tax relief
But—and this is the kicker—you won’t qualify for caregiver support, many VA grants, or vocational benefits that open up at 70%.
So yeah, at 50%, you’re in the game. But you’re still missing half the playbook.
How It Moved the Needle for Me
When I was rated 50%, I thought that was solid income.
But then I saw my buddy Mike—he hit 70%, and it was a whole new world.
Suddenly, his income jumped nearly $500 more every month. And he had two kids—so his monthly comp went even higher with the dependent bump.
On top of that, he started stacking benefits. Like seriously, stacking them—Voc Rehab, Chapter 31, discounts on state property taxes, and even preferred hiring status when he applied for federal gigs.
I knew I had to make that jump. And trust me, getting from 50% to 70% was the difference between scraping by… and thriving post-military.
Monthly Pay at 70% vs. 50% VA Disability
| Rating | Monthly Pay (Single, No Dependents) |
|---|---|
| 50% | $1,075.16 |
| 70% | $1,716.28 |
That’s a jump of $641.12 every month, or $7,693.44 a year. All tax-free.
And if you have a spouse or kids? That number grows even more.
But this isn’t just about padding your monthly account. It’s about leveling up your access to stuff you already earned by serving.
To get what that 70% rating unlocks, go check out our post on How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating.
Can You Live Comfortably at 50% VA Disability?
Short answer: You can make it work—but it won’t be easy, especially if you’ve got a family or live somewhere with high rent.
$1,075 a month might cover a couple of bills, maybe groceries. But it’s probably not covering health insurance for your family, mortgage, schooling, or even proper therapy if you need it.
That’s why vets are constantly pushing to get rated higher. Because 50% is survival. 70% starts looking like stability.
If you’re hustling right now and juggling pain, appointments, and VA confusion—just know, you’re allowed to ask for more.
Lots of benefits don’t even unlock fully until you hit 70%. Stuff like:
- VA Caregiver Program access (huge if your spouse is helping care for you)
- Individual Unemployability eligibility if you can’t work a steady job
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if you have certain physical/mental limitations
- Additional educational and career training programs
And there’s even a pathway to 100% if you’re stuck at 70%. Start exploring that here: How to Get to 100% VA Disability.
FAQs:
How much more do you get from 50% to 70% VA disability?
About $641.12 more per month if we’re talking 2024 numbers—and more if you’ve got dependents.
Can you work at 50% disability?
Yes. Both 50% and 70% ratings allow you to work. It’s only when you’re pursuing Individual Unemployability that income starts affecting benefits.
Is it worth trying to increase from 50% to 70%?
100%. You get more money, better healthcare access, and a ton of benefits like caregiver support, vocational programs, property tax relief in many states, and SMC eligibility.
How long does it take to go from 50% to 70%?
Depends. If you have strong medical evidence (and maybe even a buddy letter), you could get a bump in a few months. Appeals or higher-level reviews take longer.
Will going for a 70% increase risk my 50% rating?
It’s possible. If the VA re-evaluates your condition and thinks it’s improved, they can lower your rating. Always stack your claim with solid evidence.
The Bottom Line:
The jump from 50% to 70% VA disability isn’t just a bump in pay—it’s a shift in quality of life. We’re talking over $640 more every month, plus expanded healthcare, career support, and real benefits that help vets live, not just get by. If your current rating doesn’t reflect the challenges you face, it’s worth fighting for more. You earned it. You deserve it. And the difference? It’s not just numbers—it’s your future.