Your 90% disability rating is a significant asset in qualifying for a VA home loan, and your lack of traditional employment does not automatically disqualify you, but you must strategically document your income. Under **38 CFR 3.307**, your service-connected disability is presumed compensable, and your monthly VA benefits can be used as qualifying income for a mortgage without taxation or garnishment risk, a principle supported by case law like *Buchanan v. Nicholson* which reinforces the VA's duty to maximize benefits. Critically, veterans with a 10% or higher rating are exempt from the VA Funding Fee, providing substantial savings. Your primary challenge will be satisfying the lender’s residual income and debt-to-income ratio requirements; you must compile at least two years of consistent income documentation, which can include your Uber earnings (via tax returns and profit/loss statements) and your VA disability payments (via award letters and bank statements). Lenders will conduct a thorough analysis of this "effective income" per VA Pamphlet 26-7, Chapter 4. Your actionable next steps are: 1) Obtain your VA award letter and most recent tax returns, 2) Contact a VA-approved lender experienced in working with disabled veterans to review your complete financial picture, and 3) Explore state-specific property tax exemptions for disabled veterans in Illinois. Consider consulting a VSO to ensure all your benefits are properly accounted for in your application.
*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA benefits and processes and is not intended as legal, financial, or medical advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult with a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or a qualified financial advisor.*
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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