VASRD 5241 · Musculoskeletal System
Spinal Fusion at 50% VA Disability Rating
Fusion in lower spine
50%: single veteran, no dependents
$1,132.90
$13,594.80/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 50%
Unfavorable ankylosis of entire thoracolumbar spine
50% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Spinal Fusion rated at 50%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $1,132.90 |
| With spouse | $1,241.90 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $1,322.90 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $1,376.90 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $1,205.90 |
Lower tier
40% Spinal Fusion
$795.84 /mo single
Higher tier
100% Spinal Fusion
$3,938.58 /mo single
Common questions about 50% for Spinal Fusion
- How much does a 50% VA rating for Spinal Fusion pay?
- A single veteran rated 50% for Spinal Fusion receives $1,132.90 per month ($13,594.80/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 $1,322.90.
- What does it take to get a 50% rating for Spinal Fusion?
- Unfavorable ankylosis of entire thoracolumbar spine
- What's the difference between 50% and 100% for Spinal Fusion?
- 50%: Fusion in lower spine 100%: Total spine fusion
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 50%?
- 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 50% 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