Military Pay & VA Benefits Guides

Plain-English explanations of how military pay, allowances, taxes, VA compensation and retirement actually work — each one sourced to the official tables and regulations behind it.

Pay

GuideMilitary Pay Breakdown 2026What base pay, BAH, BAS and special pays are, and which parts are taxed.GuideMilitary Take-Home Pay ExplainedFrom gross pay to your deposit: every deduction, with a worked E-4 example.GuideHow to Read Your First LESA section-by-section tour of the Leave and Earnings Statement.GuideIs Military Pay Taxable?What the IRS taxes, what it doesn't, and how combat zone pay works.GuideWhen New Military Pay Rates Take EffectThe 2026 calendar for pay raises, BAH, VA COLA and paydays.GuideHow BAH Is Calculated in 2026Where housing rates come from and why your area's rate changed.GuideBAH With vs. Without DependentsHow much more the with-dependents rate pays, by grade and location.GuidePCS Move Financial ChecklistDLA, TLE, MALT, per diem and PPM — what each pays in 2026.

VA Benefits

GuideVA Math ExplainedWhy 50% and 30% make 70%, not 80%, and how the bilateral factor works.GuideVA Disability and Military Retirement PayCRDP, CRSC and the VA waiver: when you can receive both.

Retirement

GuideTSP Matching ExplainedHow to get the full 5% government match — and how to lose it by accident.GuideBRS vs High-3Which retirement system pays more, and when the TSP match closes the gap.

MilPayLab is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Defense, DFAS, DTMO or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Figures are taken from published government rate tables and are provided for information only, not as financial, legal or tax advice. Your finance office, your LES and your VA decision letter are the final word on what you are paid.