VASRD 5002 · Musculoskeletal System
Rheumatoid Arthritis at 20% VA Disability Rating
One or two flares a year with the diagnosis already established
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
"One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis."
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Rheumatoid Arthritis 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 |
Higher tier
40% Rheumatoid Arthritis
$795.84 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Rheumatoid Arthritis pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Rheumatoid Arthritis 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 Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- "One or two exacerbations a year in a well-established diagnosis."
- What's the difference between 20% and 40% for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- 20%: One or two flares a year with the diagnosis already established 40%: Definite health impairment on exam, or three or more incapacitating flares a year
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- 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 20% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5002)
- 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 Rheumatoid Arthritis are on the main condition page.
View full Rheumatoid Arthritis guide
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