VASRD 5241 · Musculoskeletal System
Spinal Fusion at 40% VA Disability Rating
Some fusion but okay alignment
40%: single veteran, no dependents
$795.84
$9,550.08/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 40%
Favorable ankylosis of thoracolumbar spine
40% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Spinal Fusion 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
30% Spinal Fusion
$552.47 /mo single
Higher tier
50% Spinal Fusion
$1,132.90 /mo single
Common questions about 40% for Spinal Fusion
- How much does a 40% VA rating for Spinal Fusion pay?
- A single veteran rated 40% for Spinal Fusion 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 Spinal Fusion?
- Favorable ankylosis of thoracolumbar spine
- What's the difference between 40% and 50% for Spinal Fusion?
- 40%: Some fusion but okay alignment 50%: Fusion in lower spine
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 40%?
- Yes. If a condition like Nerve Pain is service-connected as secondary to Spinal Fusion, 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 Spinal Fusion are on the main condition page.
View full Spinal Fusion guide