VASRD 5004 · Musculoskeletal

Ankylosing Spondylitis VA Disability Rating

A chronic inflammatory disease causing spine fusion and pain.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Spine is completely immobile and severely deformed.
60%Severe spinal fusion in the lower and mid-back.
40%Lower and mid-back fused in a functional position.
20%Trouble bending forward due to spinal stiffness.

How the VA Evaluates Ankylosing Spondylitis

Diagnosis confirmed by imaging showing sacroiliitis and reduced spinal mobility, with associated inflammatory symptoms.

Approval rate

Moderate – increases with documented imaging and rheumatologist report.

Annual service-connected

4,600 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI or X-ray showing sacroiliac joint fusion
  • •Rheumatologist diagnosis and treatment history
  • •Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) in bloodwork

Strategy Tips

  • •Include imaging reports and treatment history
  • •Document how stiffness limits work/life activities

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Lack of imaging during exam
  • •Incomplete spinal mobility assessment

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No imaging proof
  • •Not showing consistent mobility limitation
  • •Failure to include rheumatologist notes

Onset Patterns

  • •Typically begins before age 40 with morning stiffness
  • •Progresses slowly to spinal fusion

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Uveitis

    Linked to autoimmune nature of ankylosing spondylitis

  • Osteoporosis

    Chronic inflammation increases bone loss risk

Common questions about Ankylosing Spondylitis

Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Ankylosing Spondylitis under VASRD diagnostic code 5004 (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%, 60%, 40%, 20%. Examples: 100% — Spine is completely immobile and severely deformed.; 60% — Severe spinal fusion in the lower and mid-back.; 40% — Lower and mid-back fused in a functional position..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The average awarded rating for Ankylosing Spondylitis is 40%. Roughly 4,600 veterans are service-connected for Ankylosing Spondylitis each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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; Rheumatologist diagnosis and treatment history; Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) in bloodwork.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Ankylosing Spondylitis: No imaging proof; Not showing consistent mobility limitation; Failure to include rheumatologist notes.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Ankylosing Spondylitis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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