What steps should veterans take to update claims after the recent VA compensation law changes?
Executive summary
Veterans do not generally need to file new paperwork to get the recent VA COLA increase: federal law ties VA disability COLAs to Social Security’s COLA and the VA applies the increase automatically to payments effective December 1, 2025, with new rates appearing in January 2026 deposits (2.8% COLA reported) [1] [2]. Veterans should, however, verify their dependent and direct-deposit records and monitor claim status or file a supplemental/increase claim if their condition or dependent situation has changed [3] [4] [5].
1. What changed and who it affects — the numbers that matter
Congress required VA disability compensation to increase by the same percentage as Social Security’s COLA effective December 1, 2025; reporting outlets and VA trackers used a 2.8% COLA for 2026 and show that updated pay tables take effect December 1, 2025 and appear in January 2026 payments [1] [2] [6]. Multiple specialty outlets confirm prior-year COLA practice (2.5% for 2025) and that SMC and dependent add-ons are adjusted as well [7] [8] [9].
2. Automatic increase — what veterans should and shouldn’t do first
You do not need to file a new claim or submit forms for the COLA itself; the increase is applied automatically to existing VA payments under the statute that links VA adjustments to SSA’s COLA [1] [6]. Secondary reporting from veteran-law advisers likewise states there is no action required to receive the adjusted amount — the higher figure will show in your next applicable deposit [6] [2].
3. Confirm your personal data — a small step with big consequences
Even though COLA is automatic, veterans must confirm VA records (dependents, direct deposit, mailing address) so the correct adjusted amount and any dependent add-ons reach you. Advisory pieces and VA guidance emphasize updating dependent information and direct-deposit/address details via VA contact channels [3] [5] [10]. Veterans who recently added dependents were specifically advised to verify updates before December 1, 2025 to ensure accurate payments [3].
4. If your rating or situation changed — file for an increase or supplemental claim
If your service-connected condition worsened, or you have new evidence that should raise your rating, you must file a claim for increased compensation — the VA’s supplemental-claim process and form 21-526EZ are the standard routes for new or increased claims [4]. Reporting makes clear the automatic COLA does not alter ratings; it only increases dollar amounts on existing ratings [4].
5. How to check status and who to call if payments look wrong
Use the VA’s online “Check your claim, decision review, or appeal status” and “Track Claims” tools to verify payment and claim status; call 1‑800‑827‑1000 or use VA.gov contact pages for problems or to update information [11] [12] [5]. VA resources explain what each status means and how to provide additional evidence if requested [13] [14].
6. When to involve a VSO or attorney — practical thresholds
If the VA’s payment doesn’t reflect dependents, if a claimed increase is denied, or if the math looks off, contact an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative or an accredited attorney; VSOs are recommended for keeping both the VA and your representative informed and can assist with appeals or decision reviews [15] [16]. Sources note that decision reviews replace the older legacy appeals process and outline options if you disagree with a decision [16].
7. Timeline reality and limits — what reporting reveals about timing
Multiple sources show the effective date is December 1 but the adjusted cash appears in the next scheduled payment (January 2026 deposits reflecting December 2025 rates), so expect timing lags even when the law is straightforward [6] [17] [2]. Available sources do not mention any special accelerated process for backpay beyond existing VA procedures; if you believe you’re owed retroactive amounts, check your decision letter or contact VA [13].
8. Competing perspectives and hidden agendas to watch
Legal-advice sites and law firms stress “no action needed” to claim COLA but also sell representation for appeals or increases — their encouragement to contact counsel may reflect business incentives even while their factual point (automatic COLA) matches VA-linked law [6] [18]. Government pages focus on self-service tools and phone support; private sites add value around timing examples and appeals but may push paid services [11] [8].
Limitations: reporting used here is from VA pages and veteran-law/advice outlets in the provided set; available sources do not mention any emergency exceptions, special categories beyond dependents/SMC, or changes to appeals deadlines tied specifically to the 2025–2026 COLA (not found in current reporting). Use VA.gov and your accredited VSO for case-specific guidance [12] [15].