VASRD 5002 · Musculoskeletal System
Rheumatoid Arthritis at 40% VA Disability Rating
Occasional flare-ups with pain and stiffness
40%: single veteran, no dependents
$795.84
$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 40%
Definite impairment with occasional incapacitating exacerbations
40% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Rheumatoid Arthritis 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
20% Rheumatoid Arthritis
$356.66 /mo single
Higher tier
60% Rheumatoid Arthritis
$1,435.02 /mo single
Common questions about 40% for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- How much does a 40% VA rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis pay?
- A single veteran rated 40% for Rheumatoid Arthritis 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 Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Definite impairment with occasional incapacitating exacerbations
- What's the difference between 40% and 60% for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- 40%: Occasional flare-ups with pain and stiffness 60%: Chronic illness with systemic effects
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
- Yes. If a condition like Fatigue is service-connected as secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis, 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.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Rheumatoid Arthritis are on the main condition page.
View full Rheumatoid Arthritis guide