Effective December 1, 2025 · checked 2026-10-20

20% VA disability pay

A 20% VA disability rating pays $356.66 a month, the same for every veteran whatever the family size, under the rates effective December 1, 2025. Over twelve months that is $4,279.92 for a veteran alone. The previous table, effective December 1, 2024, paid $346.95, so the 20% rate rose $9.71 (2.8%).

120% alone $356.66
2Next step, 30% $552.47

Why dependents do not change 20% pay

VA's table sets one rate for 10% and one for 20%: a spouse, children or dependent parents add nothing until the combined rating reaches 30%. At 20% that rate is $356.66. The next step, 30%, pays $552.47, and from there the family rows start. One step down, 10% pays $180.42.

Monthly rate at 10% to 40%, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025. Bars to scale from zero.

Next step and previous step

Moving from 20% to 30% adds $195.81 a month for a veteran alone ($552.47). Dropping to 10% would pay $180.42, $176.24 less.

Ways to reach 20%

1 of the 45 two-rating pairs from 10% to 90% combine to 20%: 10% and 10% (19).

A single condition can also be rated 20%: on this site, Degenerative arthritis (DC 5003), Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion (DC 5201), Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion (DC 5206), Back strain (lumbosacral or cervical strain) (DC 5237), Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (DC 5243), Knee instability (DC 5257), Knee limitation of flexion (DC 5260), Knee limitation of extension (DC 5261) and 18 more have a 20% level. For Degenerative arthritis, Ankle limited motion, Hemorrhoids, 20% is the highest level the schedule offers.

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5206, Elbow (forearm) limitation of flexion, at 20%: “Flexion limited to 90 degrees.”

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5237, Back strain (lumbosacral or cervical strain), at 20%: “Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis or abnormal kyphosis.”

38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5243, Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), at 20%: “Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months.”

To check how your own ratings combine, and what they pay with your dependents, use the calculator. To ask VA for a higher rating, see how to request an increase.

Source: VA, Current Veterans disability compensation rates (effective December 1, 2025) and VA, Past rates: 2025 Veterans disability compensation rates, both checked 2026-10-20.

Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.