VASRD 5238 · Musculoskeletal System

Spinal Stenosis at 50% VA Disability Rating

Data last updated September 23, 2026

The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still moves.

50% combined rating: single veteran, no dependents

$1,132.90

$13,594.80/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 50% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25.

The full 50% pay chart, with dependents Combine this rating with others

VA Rating Criteria for 50%

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

50% Pay by Household (2026)

Monthly compensation at a 50% combined rating. 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 Stenosis

$795.84 /mo single

Higher tier

100% Spinal Stenosis

$3,938.58 /mo single

Common questions about 50% for Spinal Stenosis

How much does a 50% VA rating for Spinal Stenosis pay?

VA pays on the combined rating, not per condition: this is the amount when 50% is the veteran's combined rating, after all separate ratings are combined under 38 CFR 4.25. At a 50% combined rating, a single veteran 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 Stenosis?

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What's the difference between 50% and 100% for Spinal Stenosis?

50%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. 100%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 50%?

Yes, up to 100%. A condition service-connected as secondary to Spinal Stenosis 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 50%.

Official sources

38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5238)
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 Stenosis are on the main condition page.

View full Spinal Stenosis guide