VASRD 5004 · Musculoskeletal
Ankylosing Spondylitis at 20% VA Disability Rating
Trouble bending forward due to spinal stiffness.
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Ankylosing Spondylitis rated at 20%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
| With spouse | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $356.66 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $356.66 |
Higher tier
40% Ankylosing Spondylitis
$795.84 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Ankylosing Spondylitis
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Ankylosing Spondylitis pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Ankylosing Spondylitis receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $356.66.
- What does it take to get a 20% rating for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.
- What's the difference between 20% and 40% for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- 20%: Trouble bending forward due to spinal stiffness. 40%: Lower and mid-back fused in a functional position.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Uveitis is service-connected as secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Ankylosing Spondylitis are on the main condition page.
View full Ankylosing Spondylitis guide