VASRD 5243 · Musculoskeletal System
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) at 20% VA Disability Rating
Some rest days required
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
2-4 weeks incapacitating episodes/year
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
40% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
$795.84 /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)?
- 2-4 weeks incapacitating episodes/year
- What's the difference between 20% and 40% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- 20%: Some rest days required 40%: Moderate frequent flareups
- 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.
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