Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (Spine) VA disability rating criteria

The VA rates Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (Spine) under 38 CFR 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237. Below are the schedular rating levels exactly as written in the rating schedule.

Rating levels

• 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.

Educational 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.