VASRD 5248 · Musculoskeletal System – Spine
Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) at 10% VA Disability Rating
Mild spinal arthritis with some pain and stiffness.
10%: single veteran, no dependents
$180.42
$2,165.04/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 10%
Forward flexion greater than 60° but not more than 85°, or muscle spasm without affecting gait.
10% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) rated at 10%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $180.42 |
| With spouse | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $180.42 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $180.42 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $180.42 |
Higher tier
20% Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)
$356.66 /mo single
Common questions about 10% for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)
- How much does a 10% VA rating for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) pay?
- A single veteran rated 10% for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) receives $180.42 per month ($2,165.04/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 $180.42.
- What does it take to get a 10% rating for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)?
- Forward flexion greater than 60° but not more than 85°, or muscle spasm without affecting gait.
- What's the difference between 10% and 20% for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)?
- 10%: Mild spinal arthritis with some pain and stiffness. 20%: Spinal arthritis limits movement and may affect your walk.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 10%?
- Yes. If a condition like Radiculopathy is service-connected as secondary to Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes), the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 10% alone.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) are on the main condition page.
View full Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) guide