September 9, 2025

Ankylosing Spondylitis VA Ratings Explained: From 10% to 100%

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert.


Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226

Living with ankylosing spondylitis can be painful, frustrating, and life-changing, especially if your military service made it worse. 

While an ankylosing spondylitis VA rating won’t fix your condition, it can get you the benefits you rightfully deserve. 

This post will cover how the VA rates ankylosing spondylitis, potential secondary conditions, and the first steps to filing a VA claim.

Summary of Key Points

  • VA Rating Range: Ankylosing spondylitis VA ratings range from 10% to 100%, depending on spinal motion limits, fusion (ankylosis), and severity of symptoms. 
  • Key Factors: The VA considers flexion limits, spinal fusion, abnormal posture, spasms, and mobility restrictions when assigning a rating. 
  • Service Connection Requirements: To qualify, you need a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event or aggravation, and a medical nexus linking the two.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

ankylosing spondylitis VA rating

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term disease that causes inflammation in the spine and can make the bones slowly fuse together, leading to stiffness and loss of movement. 

“Ankylosing” refers to abnormal stiffening or fusion of joints, while “spondylitis” refers to inflammation of the spine. 

Ankylosing spondylitis affects many veterans because the physical demands and injuries of military service can trigger or worsen spine and joint inflammation over time. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis VA Ratings

The VA rates ankylosing spondylitis under diagnostic code (DC) 5240 in the Schedule of Ratings for the Musculoskeletal System, using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

It can also be rated as an active disease under DC 5009, applying the criteria from DC 5002. 

Your VA disability rating for ankylosing spondylitis depends on how much your spine can move, whether parts of it are fused (ankylosis), the degree of forward bending (flexion), and whether symptoms like spasms or abnormal posture are present. 

Here’s a closer look at how the VA rates ankylosing spondylitis: 

100% VA Rating

  • Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine 

50% VA Rating

  • Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine 

40% VA Rating

  • Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or 
  • Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or 
  • Favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine 

30% VA Rating

  • Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or 
  • Favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine 

20% VA Rating

  • 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 
  • The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or 
  • The 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 

10% VA Rating

  • Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or 
  • Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or 
  • Combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or 
  • Combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or 
  • Muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or 
  • Vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height 

See Also: How to Get a VA Rating for Spondylosis 

Proving Service Connection for Ankylosing Spondylitis

To qualify for an ankylosing spondylitis VA disability rating, you’ll need to prove: 

  • A current diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis 
  • An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness 
  • A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness 

How can you prove the link? Medical records, imaging results, specialist opinions, and even lay statements from you or those who know you can aid in establishing the connection between your ankylosing spondylitis and your military service. 

VA Secondary Conditions to Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis doesn’t just affect your spine; it can also lead to several secondary conditions, including, but not limited to: 

If eligible, filing a secondary VA claim may increase your overall monthly compensation. 

Check out our VA Disability Ratings by Medical Condition list for more information regarding service-connected conditions. 

Pro Tip: It’s highly recommended to get a credible Nexus Letter when proving secondary service connection. A nexus letter can clearly explain the medical link between your ankylosing spondylitis and any related secondary conditions. 

Ready to File a VA Claim?

If you’re ready to file a VA claim for ankylosing spondylitis, or a secondary VA claim for related conditions, it’s important to get organized before submitting. 

You can start by gathering your medical records, service treatment records, and any private healthcare documentation with your current diagnosis and symptoms. 

Once you’re ready, you can file a VA claim: 

  • By Mail  
  • Via Fax  

Note: If you choose a method other than online, you’ll need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ. 

Conclusion

Ankylosing spondylitis is more than just back pain; it’s a progressive condition that can affect your mobility, overall health, and quality of life. The VA offers disability ratings ranging from 10% to 100%, depending on severity, but the key is proving service connection and presenting strong medical evidence. Whether you’re filing for the first time or pursuing secondary conditions, preparation is everything. 

Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!

VA Claim Discovery Call.
  • Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you to VA claim victory.  
  • 25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.  
  • 30% average VA rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

Is ankylosing spondylitis a VA disability?

Yes. Ankylosing spondylitis can qualify for VA disability if you have a current diagnosis and evidence that it is service-connected. 

What is the VA rating for spondylosis?

The VA rating for spondylosis ranges from 10% to 100%, with breaks at 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%.

Is it hard to get disability for ankylosing spondylitis?

It can be challenging because the VA requires proof that your condition either began or was aggravated during military service. However, with strong medical evidence, clear service records, and a well-written nexus letter, you can improve your chances of getting approved.

How do you prove you have ankylosing spondylitis?

You can confirm a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis by providing a current diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider, typically supported by imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.

Can I get TDIU for ankylosing spondylitis?

You may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if your service-connected ankylosing spondylitis prevents you from maintaining and securing substantially gainful employment. 
In addition, one of these must be true: 
You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, OR  
You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.

Is ankylosing spondylitis a VA presumptive condition?

No. Ankylosing spondylitis isn’t on the VA’s list of presumptive conditions. You must show a direct service connection or a secondary service connection to qualify.

Author

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse. 

Share
More
Share
Reddit
0 Shares

Related Articles

Elite Membership

Dear Veteran,
Here’s the brutal truth about VA disability claims:

According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA…

This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month.

As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and I’m on a mission to change it.

Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider.

Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time.

If accepted into our ELITE membership program, you’ll get up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time.

Click “Go Elite Now” below to complete our 3-step intake process.

  1. Complete Basic Information
  2. Sign Members Agreement
  3. Join the Mastermind Group

If you’re stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you!

Click “Go Elite Now” below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes.

Go Elite Now!

Why Choose VA Claims Insider

You’ve exhausted your free resources

You're not alone. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you.

Veteran Community

You’re ready to get the rating you deserve

We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you.

Explore Elite Membership

We win ONLY when YOU win

Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Ambassadors having gone through our programs.

Schedule a Call

Fellow Veterans:

For a limited time, you can book a no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

Book A Call

Fellow Veterans:

For a limited time, you can book a no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

Book A Call

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER

VA Claims Insider, LLC, and its affiliates (“we,” “us”, or “our”) are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, any state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, or any other federally chartered veterans service organization. Other organizations, including, but not limited to, your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, your local county veterans service agency, and other federally chartered veterans service organizations, may be able to provide you with these services free of charge. Products or services offered by VA Claims Insider, LLC, and its affiliates are not necessarily endorsed by any of these organizations. You may qualify for other veterans' benefits beyond the services that VA Claims Insider, LLC and its affiliates offer.

None of our employees are accredited agents, VSOs, attorneys, or entities recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, and none of our employees will assist you with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for VA disability benefits. Before engaging with us, we strongly encourage you to discuss your disability claims matter with an accredited VSO, accredited attorney, or accredited claims agent, at www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp, all of whom are free to use. You are not required to use our website or services to submit a claim for VA disability benefits. You may receive a positive VA disability claim outcome without using our paid services. Furthermore, your use of our paid services does not and cannot affect the speed at which the VA processes your disability claims, as processing times are determined solely by the VA. VA CLAIMS INSIDER, LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY SPECIFIC OUTCOMES OR RESULTS BY YOUR USE OF ITS WEBSITE OR SERVICES AND YOUR RESULTS MAY VARY FROM THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN OUR ADVERTISEMENTS AND, ON THIS WEBSITE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SUCCESS PERCENTAGES, DISABILITY RATING INCREASES, AND PROCESSING TIMELINES ARE HISTORICAL AVERAGES ONLY, ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE RESULTS, AND ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO ANY ONE CLAIM. SUCH INFORMATION VARIES OVER TIME, AND WE MAKE NO OBLIGATION TO KEEP SUCH INFORMATION CURRENT. The VA Claims Insider® name and logo are registered trademarks of VA Claims Insider, LLC.