VASRD 5243 · Musculoskeletal System
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) at 40% VA Disability Rating
Range-of-motion route: the whole neck is fused rigid in a poor position, the lower back bends forward only 30 degrees or less, or the whole mid and lower back is fused in a neutral position. Bed-rest route: at least 4 but less than 6 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.
40%: single veteran, no dependents
$795.84
$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 40%
Under the General Rating Formula: 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. Or, under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes: with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. VA applies whichever of the two methods results in the higher evaluation.
40% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) rated at 40%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $795.84 |
| With spouse | $882.84 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $947.84 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $990.84 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $853.84 |
Lower tier
30% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
$552.47 /mo single
Higher tier
50% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
$1,132.90 /mo single
Common questions about 40% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
- How much does a 40% VA rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) pay?
- A single veteran rated 40% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) receives $795.84 per month ($9,550.08/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 $947.84.
- What does it take to get a 40% rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- Under the General Rating Formula: 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. Or, under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes: with incapaci…
- What's the difference between 40% and 50% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
- 40%: Range-of-motion route: the whole neck is fused rigid in a poor position, the lower back bends forward only 30 degrees or less, or the whole mid and lower back is fused in a neutral position. Bed-rest route: at least 4 but less than 6 weeks of physician-prescribed bed rest in the past 12 months. Meeting either one…
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
- 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 40% 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
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline