VASRD 5243 · Musculoskeletal System
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) at 10% VA Disability Rating
Range-of-motion route: 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. Bed-rest route: at least 1 but less than 2 weeks of physician-prescribed bed rest in the past 12 months. Meeting either one is enough — VA applies whichever of the two methods pays more.
10%: single veteran, no dependents
$180.42
$2,165.04/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 10%
Under the General Rating Formula: forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height. Or, under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes: with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months. VA applies whichever of the two methods results in the higher evaluation.
10% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) rated at 10%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $180.42 |
| With spouse | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $180.42 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $180.42 |
Higher tier
20% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
$356.66 /mo single
Common questions about 10% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How much does a 10% VA rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) pay?
- A single veteran rated 10% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) receives $180.42 per month ($2,165.04/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 $180.42.
- What does it take to get a 10% rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- Under the General Rating Formula: forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not…
- What's the difference between 10% and 20% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- 10%: Range-of-motion route: 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. Bed-rest route: at least 1 but less than 2 weeks of physician-prescribed bed rest in the past 12 mo…
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 10%?
- Yes. If a condition like Radiculopathy is service-connected as secondary to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 10% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5243)
- 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 Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) are on the main condition page.
View full Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) guide
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