2026 Update: VA Disability Compensation for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Written by Tara Strand on January 28, 2026
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability compensation to eligible veterans and their families. The VA uses a disability rating system to assign monthly benefit amounts. Mesothelioma is rated at 100%, so veterans with service-related mesothelioma may qualify for the highest monthly payment. These monthly benefit amounts can change year to year.
Keep reading to learn more about 2026 VA disability compensation for veterans with mesothelioma.
Monthly Benefits for Veterans With Mesothelioma
The VA compensates disabled veterans based on how many and what kind of dependents they have. A veteran with mesothelioma and no dependents receives $3,938.58 per month. Additional compensation is added for each dependent.
The following tables show 2026 payment amounts for veterans with mesothelioma.
| Dependent Type | Monthly Compensation at 100% Disability |
|---|---|
| Veteran only (no dependents) | $3,938.58 |
| Veteran and 1 child | $4,085.43 |
| Veteran and 1 parent | $4,114.82 |
| Veteran and 2 parents | $4,291.06 |
| Veteran, 1 child and 1 parent | $4,261.67 |
| Veteran, 1 child and 2 parents | $4,437.91 |
| Dependent Type | Monthly Compensation at 100% Disability |
|---|---|
| Veteran and spouse | $4,158.17 |
| Veteran, spouse and 1 child | $4,318.99 |
| Veteran, spouse and 1 parent | $4,334.41 |
| Veteran, spouse, 1 child and 1 parent | $4,495.23 |
| Veteran, spouse and 2 parents | $4,510.65 |
| Veteran, spouse, 1 child and 2 parents | $4,671.47 |
Possible Added Amounts
Veterans may qualify for extra monthly compensation. If eligible, the VA adds:
- $109.11 for each additional child under 18 (after the first child)
- $352.45 for each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program
- $201.41 if a spouse qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance
To calculate the total monthly amount, add the correct base rate from the table plus any add-ons. For example, a veteran with 1 spouse, 2 children and 1 parent would receive:
$4,495.23 (veteran, spouse, first child, 1 parent) + $109.11 (second child under 18) = $4,604.34
Monthly DIC Benefits for Spouses and Children of Deceased Veterans
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) supports the surviving families of veterans. If a veteran dies in or as a result of their service, their family may be eligible for monthly, tax-free payments. This includes veterans who developed mesothelioma from service-related asbestos exposure.
For 2026, surviving spouses can receive monthly payments starting at $1,699.36. Additional amounts may be available if the:
- Veteran was rated 100% disabled for at least 8 years while married to the spouse for the full 8 years
- Spouse has a disability or is housebound because of a disability
- Spouse has one or more children under 18
DIC rates for surviving children depend on age and whether there's a qualifying surviving spouse. Surviving parents may also qualify, with monthly amounts based on income and family circumstances.
Applying for VA benefits may feel like a lot to manage, but support is available. Experienced asbestos lawyers can walk veterans and their families through each step of filing a VA claim and exploring other possible forms of compensation.
Sources
Code of Federal Regulations. PART 4—SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Current DIC rates for parents.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Current DIC rates for spouses and dependents.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Current Veterans disability compensation rates.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Survivors Pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
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Tara Strand specializes in writing content about mesothelioma and asbestos. She focuses on topics like mesothelioma awareness, research, treatment, asbestos trust funds and other advocacy efforts.
