Every VA Benefit Explained: 2026 Rates & How to Claim

Every major VA benefit explained with 2026 dollar amounts — disability pay, SMC, TDIU, the PACT Act, VA health care, the GI Bill, the VA home loan, pension, and family benefits. Plus the 4-step plan to start your claim and the two traps that cost veterans thousands. CHAPTERS: 0:00 The Two Benefits Most Veterans Miss 0:16 The Full VA Benefits Map 0:39 The Two Traps That Cost Thousands 1:01 VA Disability Compensation Explained 1:19 2026 Disability Rates (10% to 100%) 2:26 How Combined Ratings Really Work 2:44 Extra Pay for Dependents 3:15 The 2.8% COLA Raise 3:29 No Rating? This Is Still For You 3:41 SMC — Pay Above 100% 6:40 TDIU — Paid at the 100% Rate 7:39 Trap #1: The Filing Date Mistake 7:55 The PACT Act Expansion 9:14 VA Health Care 10:19 Mental Health & the Crisis Line 10:40 The Post-9/11 GI Bill 12:10 VR&E, Chapter 35 & Fry Scholarship 12:54 Texas Hazlewood Act 13:25 The VA Home Loan 15:24 VA Pension 16:39 Family & Survivor Benefits (CHAMPVA, DIC, Burial) 17:49 Where to Start — Your 4-Step Claim Plan 21:16 Quick Disclaimer 21:37 What's Next on Azimuth Check LINKS: 2026 disability pay rates: https://www.va.gov/disability/compens... 2026 SMC rates: https://www.va.gov/disability/compens... 2026 DIC (survivor) rates: https://www.va.gov/disability/survivo... 2026 pension rates: https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-p... VA forms hub: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/ VA health care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/ GI Bill comparison tool: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-... VA home loans: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/ Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1. In immediate danger, call 911. DISCLAIMER: General education only — not legal, financial, or medical advice. Azimuth Check is not affiliated with the VA. VA rates change every December with the cost-of-living adjustment. Verify everything at VA.gov or with a free accredited Veterans Service Organization (DAV, American Legion, VFW, or your state veterans agency).