VASRD 5241 · Musculoskeletal System

Spinal Fusion at 20% VA Disability Rating

Data last updated September 23, 2026

Moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine.

20% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents

$356.66

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

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.

The full 20% pay chart, with dependents Combine this rating with others

VA Rating Criteria for 20%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis.

20% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation at a 20% combined rating. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.

Single (no dependents)

$356.66

Lower tier

10% Spinal Fusion

$180.42 /mo single

Higher tier

30% Spinal Fusion

$552.47 /mo single

Common questions about 20% for Spinal Fusion

How much does a 20% VA rating for Spinal Fusion pay?

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 20% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 20% combined rating, a single veteran receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. Additional compensation for dependents starts at a combined rating of 30% (38 U.S.C. § 1115), so below that the single rate applies whatever the household.

What does it take to get a 20% rating for Spinal Fusion?

What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Spinal Fusion?

20%: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. 30%: Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?

Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Spinal Fusion 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 20%.

Official sources

38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5241)
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 Spinal Fusion are on the main condition page.

View full Spinal Fusion guide