70% Disabled Veteran? Here’s How Caring for Your Parents Can Increase Your VA Pay

Let’s face it — navigating the VA system isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Between forms, rates, and all the fine print, it’s easy to miss out on money you’ve rightfully earned. If you’re a veteran rated at 70% disability and you’re financially supporting your parents, the good news is: you might be leaving money on the table — and we’re here to help you fix that.

Let’s break this down in real talk.

First Off, What Does a 70% Rating Really Mean?

If the VA has given you a 70% disability rating, it means your service-connected conditions are serious enough to interfere with your daily life — but not quite at the 100% level. Many vets at 70% are dealing with major issues like PTSD, chronic pain, or other long-term health challenges that affect their ability to work or live like they used to.

So the monthly check matters. A lot.

Here’s What You’re Getting in 2025 (Base Rate)

If you’re a single veteran with no dependents, the monthly compensation for a 70% rating in 2025 is $1,759.19.

That’s your base. But you can increase that amount — significantly — if you’re taking care of people in your family. And yes, that includes your parents.

Got Two Parents You Help Out? You’ll Get More

Here’s the part that a lot of folks miss: the VA actually bumps up your payment if you have dependent parents — meaning they rely on you financially. If you’re supporting both parents, the VA recognizes that responsibility.

In 2025, with two dependent parents and no spouse or kids, your new monthly payment goes up to:
$1,999.19 per month.

That’s about $240 more every month, just for having your mom and dad depend on you — which adds up to almost $3,000 a year. Not a small difference, right?

Can You Claim Your Parents as Dependents?

You sure can — but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to show:

• That you’re providing financial support for them

• That their income is low enough to be considered dependent

• And yes, you’ll need to file some paperwork (specifically, VA Form 21-509)

It’s a bit of a process, but totally worth it. And there are people (like Veterans Service Officers) who can help walk you through it for free.

What If You’ve Got a Spouse or Kids Too?

That monthly number can go even higher.

For example, if you’ve got a spouse and two dependent parents, your 2025 monthly payment jumps to $2,148.19. And if you have kids? Even more. The VA has a whole rate chart for different combinations, and each dependent adds a little more to help you out.

Real Talk: Why This Matters

A lot of veterans don’t know about the parent-dependent benefit — or assume they won’t qualify. But if you’re helping your parents with groceries, bills, housing, or anything else, you may very well be eligible. And in today’s economy, that extra few hundred bucks a month can be a real lifeline.

You’ve served your country. If you’re supporting family on top of dealing with a service-connected disability, the VA should be supporting you in return. That’s what this benefit is for.

• 70% disability with no dependents = $1,759.19/month

• 70% disability with two dependent parents = $1,999.19/month

• Add a spouse or kids = even more

If you haven’t updated your dependent status with the VA, now’s a good time to check. You could be missing out on money you’ve earned — and deserve.