VASRD 5320 · Musculoskeletal System

Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles at 20% VA Disability Rating

Moderately severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moderate damage in the lower back.

20%: single veteran, no dependents

$356.66

$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA Rating Criteria for 20%

Moderately severe injury of Muscle Group XX in the cervical or thoracic region; or moderate injury in the lumbar region.

20% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation amounts for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles 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% Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles

$180.42 /mo single

Higher tier

40% Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles

$795.84 /mo single

Common questions about 20% for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles

How much does a 20% VA rating for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles pay?
A single veteran rated 20% for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles 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 Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles?
Moderately severe injury of Muscle Group XX in the cervical or thoracic region; or moderate injury in the lumbar region.
What's the difference between 20% and 40% for Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles?
20%: Moderately severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moderate damage in the lower back. 40%: Severe damage in the neck or mid-back, or moderately severe damage in the lower back.
Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
Yes. If a condition like Chronic back pain is service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles, 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

  1. 38 CFR § 4.73 — Schedule of ratings — muscle injuries (Diagnostic Code 5320)
  2. 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 Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles are on the main condition page.

View full Muscle Group XX - Spinal muscles guide
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