How does the VA rate lower back conditions?

Most lumbar-spine conditions are rated under the General Rating Formula for the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a) based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine and other range-of-motion measurements: for example, flexion greater than 30 but not greater than 60 degrees rates 20%, and flexion of 30 degrees or less rates 40%.

Can I get a separate rating for sciatica?

Yes. Radiating nerve pain (radiculopathy / sciatica) from a lumbar condition is rated separately under the nerve codes (e.g. DC 8520), in addition to the spine rating — which can meaningfully increase your combined rating.

What is the maximum rating for a back condition?

Under the General Rating Formula, the thoracolumbar spine maxes at 50% (unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine) and 100% requires unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Most strain and disc cases fall in the 10–40% range, with separate ratings for any radiculopathy.

Does range of motion really decide my back rating?

For most lumbar conditions, yes — forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is the primary figure. That's why an accurate range-of-motion measurement at your C&P exam, including any additional loss from pain, weakness, or repetitive use, is so important.

VA Disability for Lower Back (Lumbar): Ratings, Evidence & Secondary Conditions

Lumbar-spine conditions are rated mainly on your range of motion, and they frequently radiate nerve pain into the legs — a separately ratable secondary that veterans often miss.

How the VA rates Lower Back (Lumbar)

Current rule38 CFR 4.71a · Diagnostic Code 5237 · effective 2003-09-26

Lower Back (Lumbar) is rated under 38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237 (ratings of 10%–100%). Each criterion below is transcribed verbatim from the VA rating schedule and verified against the regulation (eCFR / Cornell LII) — never paraphrased.

10%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine >60° but ≤85°; or forward flexion of the cervical spine >30° but ≤40°; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine >120° but ≤235°; or combined range of motion of the cervical spine >170° but ≤335°; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or vertebral body fracture with loss of 50% or more of the height.
20%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine >30° but ≤60°; or forward flexion of the cervical spine >15° but ≤30°; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine ≤120°; or combined range of motion of the cervical spine ≤170°; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.
30%
Forward flexion of the cervical spine ≤15°; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
40%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine ≤30°; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
50%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

See the full Lower Back (Lumbar) rating criteria →Estimate your combined rating (free calculator) →

Common conditions secondary to Lower Back (Lumbar)

Veterans routinely under-claim because they don't know a secondary condition exists. These are commonly claimed as secondary to service-connected Lower Back (Lumbar) — each is a candidate to raise with your provider, not an automatic grant, and each needs a medical nexus opinion.

Radiculopathy / sciatica (lower extremities)
Lumbar spine conditions frequently cause radiating nerve pain (radiculopathy/sciatica) into the legs, separately ratable as secondary.

Full secondary-conditions guide for Lower Back (Lumbar) →Find what you may qualify to claim →

Evidence the VA looks for

A strong Lower Back (Lumbar) claim ties a current diagnosis to your service with a medical nexus. The records that move a Lower Back (Lumbar) claim, in priority order:

A current diagnosis (lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease, IVDS) with imaging where available
A range-of-motion measurement of the thoracolumbar spine (forward flexion is the key figure for the rating)
Documentation of muscle spasm, guarding, abnormal gait, or abnormal spinal contour
Records of any incapacitating episodes / doctor-ordered bed rest (these can raise an IVDS rating)
Evidence of radiating nerve pain (radiculopathy / sciatica) into the legs — separately ratable
A nexus tying the back condition to an in-service injury or repetitive strain

The C&P exam & the nexus

For most Lower Back (Lumbar) claims the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner measures the things the rating schedule turns on and gives a medical opinion on whether your Lower Back (Lumbar) is at least as likely as not connected to your service (the “nexus”). Knowing what the examiner will assess — and bringing the evidence above — is the single biggest thing you control. Prepare for the exam and check that your records support a nexus before you file.

How VA Disability Pro helps with your Lower Back (Lumbar) claim

AI record analysis. Upload your medical records and DD-214 and let the AI surface the evidence — and the secondary conditions — that support a Lower Back (Lumbar) claim.
Combined-rating estimator. Estimate your §4.25 combined rating and monthly payment with Lower Back (Lumbar) and your other conditions — free, no signup.
Presumptive & qualify checks. See whether Lower Back (Lumbar) may be presumptive under the PACT Act and what else you may qualify to claim.

Lower Back (Lumbar) VA disability: frequently asked questions

How does the VA rate lower back conditions?: Most lumbar-spine conditions are rated under the General Rating Formula for the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a) based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine and other range-of-motion measurements: for example, flexion greater than 30 but not greater than 60 degrees rates 20%, and flexion of 30 degrees or less rates 40%.
Can I get a separate rating for sciatica?: Yes. Radiating nerve pain (radiculopathy / sciatica) from a lumbar condition is rated separately under the nerve codes (e.g. DC 8520), in addition to the spine rating — which can meaningfully increase your combined rating.
What is the maximum rating for a back condition?: Under the General Rating Formula, the thoracolumbar spine maxes at 50% (unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine) and 100% requires unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Most strain and disc cases fall in the 10–40% range, with separate ratings for any radiculopathy.
Does range of motion really decide my back rating?: For most lumbar conditions, yes — forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is the primary figure. That's why an accurate range-of-motion measurement at your C&P exam, including any additional loss from pain, weakness, or repetitive use, is so important.

Informational only and not a guarantee of any rating or outcome. The criteria above are quoted from the VA rating schedule; your actual rating depends on a C&P exam and the evidence in your file, and the VA makes the final decision. This is not medical or legal advice. VA Disability Pro is an independent platform — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and not an accredited representative.