VASRD 5240 · Musculoskeletal
Ankylosing Spondylitis VA Disability Rating
A chronic inflammatory disease causing spine fusion and pain.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | The entire spine — neck and back together — is fused rigid in a poor position, meeting VA's definition of unfavorable ankylosis. |
| 50% | The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still moves. |
| 40% | The whole neck is fused rigid in a poor position, the lower back bends forward only 30 degrees or less, or the whole mid and lower back is fused in a neutral position. |
| 30% | The neck bends forward only 15 degrees or less, or the whole neck is fused in a neutral position. |
| 20% | Moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine. |
| 10% | Mild loss of back or neck motion; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness that does not change gait or posture; or a vertebral body that lost half its height or more in a fracture. |
How the VA Evaluates Ankylosing Spondylitis
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a), which assigns diagnostic code 5240 to ankylosing spondylitis. Imaging showing sacroiliac joint involvement and a clinician's diagnosis establish the inflammatory disease, but the percentage comes from measured forward flexion, combined range of motion, and whether any ankylosis is favorable or unfavorable under Note (5). This formula has no 60 percent level — its levels are 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 percent. An active inflammatory process affecting two or more joints can instead be evaluated under diagnostic code 5002, whose criteria do include a 60 percent level and whose Note (1) names spondyloarthropathies as an example; DC 5002's Note (3) says the active-process evaluation is not combined with the residual ratings for limitation of motion or ankylosis — VA assigns the higher of the two. Any associated objective neurologic abnormality — including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment — is evaluated separately under an appropriate diagnostic code rather than raising the spine percentage.
Approval outlook
Moderate – increases with documented imaging and rheumatologist report.
Veterans service-connected
~4,600 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~40%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •MRI or X-ray showing sacroiliac joint fusion or inflammation.
- •A rheumatologist's diagnosis and ongoing treatment history.
- •Inflammatory lab markers (ESR, CRP) supporting the autoimmune nature of the condition.
Strategy Tips
- •Include imaging reports specifically showing sacroiliac joint changes, since this is the key diagnostic finding that distinguishes ankylosing spondylitis from ordinary back pain or degenerative disc disease.
- •Document how stiffness limits work and daily life, especially morning stiffness, which is a hallmark symptom of this specific condition.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Lack of imaging during the exam, since sacroiliac joint findings are central to confirming this specific diagnosis rather than general back pain.
- •An incomplete spinal mobility assessment that doesn't capture the condition's actual severity.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No imaging proof of sacroiliac involvement, which is what distinguishes this diagnosis from ordinary back conditions.
- •Not showing a consistent pattern of mobility limitation over time.
- •Failure to include a rheumatologist's notes confirming the inflammatory diagnosis.
Onset Patterns
- •Ankylosing spondylitis typically begins before age 40, often presenting first as morning stiffness that improves with activity, and progresses slowly toward spinal fusion over years.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Ankylosing Spondylitis under VASRD diagnostic code 5240 (Musculoskeletal). A chronic inflammatory disease causing spine fusion and pain.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Possible VA ratings for Ankylosing Spondylitis are 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 100%: The entire spine — neck and back together — is fused rigid in a poor position, meeting VA's definition of unfavorable ankylosis.; 50%: The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Ankylosing Spondylitis at around 40%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 4,600 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – increases with documented imaging and rheumatologist report.
- What evidence helps prove Ankylosing Spondylitis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Ankylosing Spondylitis claim includes: MRI or X-ray showing sacroiliac joint fusion or inflammation.; A rheumatologist's diagnosis and ongoing treatment history.; Inflammatory lab markers (ESR, CRP) supporting the autoimmune nature of the condition..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosing Spondylitis: No imaging proof of sacroiliac involvement, which is what distinguishes this diagnosis from ordinary back conditions.; Not showing a consistent pattern of mobility limitation over time.; Failure to include a rheumatologist's notes confirming the inflammatory diag…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis include: Uveitis, Osteoporosis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5240)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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