VASRD 5240 · Musculoskeletal System
Spinal Stenosis at 20% VA Disability Rating
Severe stiffness
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Forward flexion limited to 30 degrees
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Spinal Stenosis 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 |
Lower tier
10% Spinal Stenosis
$180.42 /mo single
Higher tier
50% Spinal Stenosis
$1,132.90 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Spinal Stenosis
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Spinal Stenosis pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Spinal Stenosis 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 Spinal Stenosis?
- Forward flexion limited to 30 degrees
- What's the difference between 20% and 50% for Spinal Stenosis?
- 20%: Severe stiffness 50%: Severe immobility
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Radiculopathy is service-connected as secondary to Spinal Stenosis, 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.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Spinal Stenosis are on the main condition page.
View full Spinal Stenosis guide