Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine at 30% VA Disability Rating

Data last updated September 23, 2026

The neck bends forward only 15 degrees or less, or the whole neck is fused in a neutral position.

30% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents

$552.47

$6,629.64/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 30% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.

The full 30% pay chart, with dependents Combine this rating with others

VA Rating Criteria for 30%

Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.

30% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation at a 30% combined rating. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.

Single (no dependents)	$552.47
With spouse	$617.47
With spouse + 1 child	$666.47
With spouse + 2 children	$698.47
Single + 1 child (no spouse)	$596.47

Lower tier

20% Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

$356.66 /mo single

Higher tier

40% Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

$795.84 /mo single

Common questions about 30% for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

How much does a 30% VA rating for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine pay?

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 30% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 30% combined rating, a single veteran receives $552.47 per month ($6,629.64/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 $666.47.

What does it take to get a 30% rating for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?

Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.

What's the difference between 30% and 40% for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?

30%: Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. 40%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 30%?

Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine gets its own rating, which VA combines with your other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25, so your combined rating can end up higher than 30%.

Official sources

38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5242)
VA.gov, 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025

Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on September 22, 2026.

How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.

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See all rating tiers and evidence guidance

Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine are on the main condition page.

View full Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine guide