VASRD 5003 · Musculoskeletal System
Degenerative Arthritis at 20% VA Disability Rating
X-rays show arthritis in two or more joints and you have occasional incapacitating flares
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
In the absence of limitation of motion: "With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations." Note (1): this rating "will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion."
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Degenerative Arthritis 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 |
Lower tier
10% Degenerative Arthritis
$180.42 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Degenerative Arthritis
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Degenerative Arthritis pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Degenerative Arthritis 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 Degenerative Arthritis?
- In the absence of limitation of motion: "With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations." Note (1): this rating "will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion."
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Joint Instability is service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis, 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.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5003)
- VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Degenerative Arthritis are on the main condition page.
View full Degenerative Arthritis guide
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