VASRD 5243 · Musculoskeletal System
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) at 20% VA Disability Rating
Range-of-motion route: moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine. Bed-rest route: at least 2 but less than 4 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.
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Under the General Rating Formula: forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Or, under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes: with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months. VA applies whichever of the two methods results in the higher evaluation.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) 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% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
$180.42 /mo single
Higher tier
30% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) 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 Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- Under the General Rating Formula: forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees…
- What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- 20%: Range-of-motion route: moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine. Bed-rest route: at least 2 but less than 4 weeks of physician-prescribed bed rest in the past 12 months. Meeting either one is enough — VA applies whichever of the two met…
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- 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 20% 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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