Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) at 50% VA Disability Rating

Data last updated September 23, 2026

The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still moves. This level is reached only through the range-of-motion formula, not through incapacitating episodes.

50% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents

$1,132.90

$13,594.80/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 50% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.

The full 50% pay chart, with dependents Combine this rating with others

VA Rating Criteria for 50%

Under the General Rating Formula: unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

50% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation at a 50% combined rating. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.

Single (no dependents)	$1,132.90
With spouse	$1,241.90
With spouse + 1 child	$1,322.90
With spouse + 2 children	$1,376.90
Single + 1 child (no spouse)	$1,205.90

Lower tier

40% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)

$795.84 /mo single

Higher tier

60% Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)

$1,435.02 /mo single

Common questions about 50% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)

How much does a 50% VA rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) pay?

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 50% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 50% combined rating, a single veteran receives $1,132.90 per month ($13,594.80/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 $1,322.90.

What does it take to get a 50% rating for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?

Under the General Rating Formula: unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What's the difference between 50% and 60% for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?

50%: Under the General Rating Formula: unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. 60%: Under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes: with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 50%?

Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) gets its own rating, which VA combines with your other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25, so your combined rating can end up higher than 50%.

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 September 22, 2026.

How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.

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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.

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