VA Disability COLA 2027: Lemoore Station Veterans Guide
The 2027 VA disability Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is projected at 3.6% to 3.8%, based on current inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This would add approximately $142 to $150 per month for a veteran with a 100% disability rating. The official COLA will be announced by the Social Security Administration in October 2026, based on average CPI-W data from July, August, and September 2026. The increase takes effect December 1, 2026, with the first increased payment arriving in January 2027. Veterans do not need to apply—the COLA is automatic.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Projected COLA | 3.6% – 3.8% (based on July 2026 CPI-W data) |
| Official Announcement | October 2026 |
| Effective Date | December 1, 2026 |
| First Increased Payment | January 2027 |
| 2026 COLA | 2.8% (for comparison) |
| Calculation Method | Average CPI-W: July, August, September 2026 vs. same period 2025 |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Social Security Administration |
| Action Required | None—automatic for all VA disability recipients |
What Is the VA Disability COLA?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is an annual increase in VA disability compensation payments designed to protect veterans’ purchasing power against inflation. When the cost of goods and services rises, the COLA ensures that veterans’ monthly payments keep pace. VA disability compensation increases are tied directly to Social Security COLA adjustments. By law, when the Social Security Administration announces a COLA increase each October, the VA applies that same percentage to all disability compensation rates starting December 1, with payments reflecting the new amounts beginning in January .
How the COLA is calculated: The Social Security Administration calculates the COLA by averaging the CPI-W readings for July, August, and September of the current year and comparing that average to the same three-month average from the prior year. If the current year average is higher, that percentage difference becomes the COLA. If it is lower or unchanged, there is no COLA for that year .
The baseline figure for the 2027 COLA calculation is 317.265, which was the average CPI-W for July through September 2025. Any increase above that baseline over the July to September 2026 window will determine the official adjustment .
2027 COLA Projections
Current Estimates
| Forecast Source | Projected 2027 COLA | Date of Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizens League (TSCL) | 3.8% | May 2026 |
| MOAA statistical model | 3.6% | August 2026 |
| CNBC / Mary Johnson | 3.8% – 4.7% | May 2026 |
| FedSmith / inflation trend models | 3% – 4% | May 2026 |
Why projections changed: Inflation figures released in July 2026 showed the CPI-W at 3.1% year-over-year—the same as June and down from May’s 3.6% . This suggests the final COLA could land around 3.6% to 3.8%, which would be the largest adjustment since the 8.7% COLA in 2023 .
Projected Payment Increases for 2027
Applying a 3.8% COLA projection to 2026 base rates yields the following estimated monthly payments for a veteran without dependents :
| Disability Rating | 2026 Monthly Rate | Estimated 3.8% Increase | Projected 2027 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | +$6.86 | $187.28 |
| 30% | $552.47 | +$20.99 | $573.46 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | +$43.05 | $1,175.95 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | +$68.72 | $1,877.17 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | +$89.77 | $2,452.07 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | +$149.67 | $4,088.25 |
Source: CCK Law and MARCA estimates based on 2026 VA rates
What This Means for Lemoore Station Veterans
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityLemoore Naval Air Station, located about 40 miles south of Fresno, is the largest master jet base in the country and supports the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet with an average of 210,000 flight operations annually . Veterans who served at NAS Lemoore may have unique considerations for their VA disability claims.
Toxic Exposure at NAS Lemoore
According to the Environmental Working Group, the following toxins have been found in the water at NAS Lemoore :
Heavy metals — Arsenic and chromium were found in the water on base and exceed safe drinking water guidelines. Exposure can cause heavy metal poisoning resulting in organ failure.
Haloacetic acids (HAAs) — Chemicals that form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in water. Certain types are considered potentially carcinogenic.
Trihalomethanes (THMs) — Also the result of a reaction between chlorine and organic matter in water. Cancer and reproductive issues have been linked to high exposure levels.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — Synthetic chemicals found in waterproof clothing, fire extinguisher foam, paint, and cleaning supplies. The EWG detected PFAS levels of about 28,060 parts per trillion (ppt) in 2022—significantly exceeding the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels of between 4 and 10 ppt .
Additionally, asbestos was used at NAS Lemoore according to disposal records. Navy veterans who served as pipefitters, welders, boiler operators, building renovators, or demolition specialists are at higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses .
Filing VA Disability Claims for Toxic Exposure
Important: Despite evidence of toxins at NAS Lemoore, the VA does not currently presumptively recognize any adverse health conditions associated with service at the base . However, veterans who believe their health condition is tied to NAS Lemoore toxic exposure may still be eligible for VA disability benefits if they can establish a connection between their service and their condition.
To prove service connection, veterans typically need :
A current medical diagnosis of the condition
A medical nexus opinion linking the diagnosis to an in-service cause
Supporting evidence including military records and lay statements
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
For active-duty service members transitioning from NAS Lemoore, the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows you to file a claim 90 to 180 days before separation, which can significantly speed up processing .
On-Base VA Services
A Veterans Benefits Administration Intake Site is located at NAS Lemoore, with itinerant service available 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM . A pre-discharge site is also available at 937 W Franklin Ave in Lemoore . Veterans can contact the VA Benefits hotline at 800-827-1000.
California State Benefits for Disabled Veterans
California offers significant property tax benefits for disabled veterans, which can provide substantial savings for Lemoore Station veterans who own homes in the state.
Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption
California law provides a property tax exemption for the primary residence of a disabled veteran or an unmarried spouse of a qualifying deceased disabled veteran .
Who qualifies :
Veterans rated 100% disabled or 100% unemployable due to a service-connected injury or disease
Unmarried surviving spouses of a qualifying veteran whose death was service-connected
Two exemption levels :
| Exemption Type | 2026 Exemption Amount | Approximate Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Exemption | $180,671 | ~$2,168 |
| Low-Income Exemption | $271,009 | ~$3,252 |
*Based on a 1.2% tax rate. Actual tax rates may vary .
Income limit for low-income exemption (2026): $81,131 total household income .
How to apply :
Complete Claim for Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption form (BOE-261-G)
Provide the veteran’s VA Rating Decision Letter showing the effective date
Provide DD-214 showing discharge under other than dishonorable conditions
For low-income applicants: complete the Disabled Veterans Low Income Worksheet
Surviving spouses must also provide marriage certificate and death certificate
Filing deadlines: By December 31st for the tax year in which you wish to receive the exemption, or within 30 days of receiving a Notice of Supplemental Assessment .
Proposed Legislation: SB 296
Senate Bill 296, currently under consideration, would expand the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption to exempt 50% of the full value of the property for veterans who are blind in both eyes, have lost the use of two or more limbs, or are totally disabled, with full exemption for those with household income below the specified limit .
California Resources for Lemoore Station Veterans
California has 52 VA facilities and serves approximately 1,600,000 veterans statewide . Local resources for Lemoore Station veterans include:
Kings County Veterans Service Representative — Based at NAS Lemoore, provides local support
Fresno VA Medical Center — Located approximately 40 miles north of Lemoore
Pending Legislation Affecting COLA
Shari Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026 (H.R. 6047)
This legislation includes two significant provisions affecting VA benefits :
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients: The bill would provide two additional COLAs to DIC recipients:
December 2026: COLA of 1 percentage point higher than the Social Security COLA
December 2027: COLA of 0.5 percentage points higher than the Social Security COLA
Aid and Attendance benefit: The bill would create a new monthly benefit of $833 for veterans receiving aid and attendance allowances, with payments beginning in December 2026 .
What Veterans Should Do Now
1. Verify Your Information with the VA
The COLA will be applied automatically, but ensure:
Your current mailing address is up to date
Your direct deposit information is correct
The VA has your current phone number and email
Update information: Log in to VA.gov or call 800-827-1000.
2. Check Your Disability Rating
The COLA applies to all disability ratings. If your condition has worsened, you may be entitled to a higher rating and a larger COLA increase. Contact a Veterans Service Officer to discuss filing for an increased rating.
3. Review Your Dependents
Ensure the VA has all dependents (spouse, children, parents) properly listed on your award. Adding or updating dependents can increase your monthly compensation.
4. Consider Toxic Exposure Claims for NAS Lemoore Service
If you served at NAS Lemoore and developed health conditions, consider whether toxic exposure may have contributed. Work with a VA-accredited VSO or attorney to gather evidence and file a claim .
5. Apply for California Property Tax Exemption
If you own a home in California and have a 100% VA disability rating, apply for the Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption through your county assessor’s office .
Common Questions
What is the projected VA disability COLA for 2027?
Based on July 2026 CPI-W data, the current projection is 3.6% . The Senior Citizens League projects 3.8% based on May 2026 data . The official COLA will be announced in October 2026.
When will the 2027 VA COLA be announced?
The Social Security Administration typically announces the official COLA in mid-October. For 2026, the announcement was made on October 24, 2025 . Veterans can expect the 2027 announcement on or around the same date.
Do I need to apply for the COLA increase?
No. The COLA is automatically applied to all VA disability compensation payments. You do not need to fill out any paperwork or submit a claim .
When will the 2027 COLA take effect?
The new rates take effect December 1, 2026, with the first payment reflecting the increase arriving in January 2027 .
How much will a 100% disabled veteran receive after the 2027 COLA?
Based on a 3.8% COLA, a veteran with a 100% rating and no dependents would receive approximately $4,088.25 per month, an increase of $149.67 .
Can I file a VA disability claim for toxic exposure at NAS Lemoore?
Yes. While the VA does not presumptively recognize conditions associated with NAS Lemoore service, veterans can still establish service connection with a medical nexus and supporting evidence . Contact a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for assistance.
What toxins were found at NAS Lemoore?
The Environmental Working Group found heavy metals (arsenic and chromium), haloacetic acids, trihalomethanes, and PFAS in the water at NAS Lemoore. Asbestos was also present in disposal records .
Does California offer property tax benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. California provides a Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans. The basic exemption for 2026 is $180,671, with a low-income exemption of $271,009 for households earning under $81,131 .
Where can I get help with my VA claim at NAS Lemoore?
A Veterans Benefits Administration Intake Site is located at NAS Lemoore with itinerant service available 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM . A pre-discharge site is available at 937 W Franklin Ave in Lemoore . Call 800-827-1000 for assistance.
How is the VA COLA calculated?
The VA COLA is tied to the Social Security COLA. The SSA calculates the adjustment by averaging the CPI-W for July, August, and September of the current year and comparing it to the same period from the prior year .
Key Takeaways
The 2027 VA disability COLA is projected at 3.6% to 3.8%, adding approximately $142-$150 per month to a 100% disability rating .
The official COLA will be announced in October 2026 and takes effect December 1, 2026, with the first increased payment in January 2027.
No application is required—the COLA is automatically applied to all VA disability compensation payments .
NAS Lemoore veterans may be eligible for VA disability benefits based on toxic exposure to heavy metals, PFAS, HAAs, THMs, and asbestos found on the base .
The VA does not presumptively recognize conditions from NAS Lemoore service, so veterans must establish service connection with a medical nexus and supporting evidence .
California provides property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, with the 2026 basic exemption at $180,671 .
California property tax exemption applicants must file by December 31st for the current tax year and provide VA rating letters and DD-214 .
Pending legislation (H.R. 6047) would provide additional COLAs for DIC recipients and a new $833 monthly benefit for veterans receiving aid and attendance allowances .
On-base VA services are available at NAS Lemoore through the Intake Site and pre-discharge site .
Official Resources
VA Disability Benefits: va.gov/disability
VA COLA Information: va.gov/disability/about/disability-ratings/cost-of-living
Social Security Administration (COLA Announcement): ssa.gov/cola
VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000
NAS Lemoore Intake Site: 937 W Franklin Ave, Lemoore, CA 93246
California Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption: Contact your county assessor’s office
Sacramento County Assessor (DV Exemption Info): assessor.saccounty.gov
Santa Cruz County Assessor (DV Exemption Info): assessor.santacruzcountyca.gov
Congress.gov (H.R. 6047): congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6047
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