This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Lumbar Strain / Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spine ratings are based primarily on forward flexion measurements of the thoracolumbar spine.
- DeLuca factors (pain, fatigability, incoordination) can increase a rating above what ROM alone supports.
- IVDS can be alternatively rated based on the total duration of incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months.
- Radiculopathy in each extremity is rated separately from the spine condition itself.
- The VA must consider functional loss during flare-ups, even if the exam occurs on a good day.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Lumbar spine conditions are among the most commonly claimed musculoskeletal disabilities by veterans. These conditions include lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease (DDD), herniated discs, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). They are rated under Diagnostic Codes 5237 (lumbar strain), 5242 (degenerative arthritis of the spine), and 5243 (IVDS).
The VA rates spinal conditions primarily based on range of motion (ROM) measurements, specifically forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine. Additional consideration is given to factors such as pain on motion, flare-ups, functional loss, and the DeLuca factors (pain, weakened movement, excess fatigability, and incoordination). IVDS may also be rated based on the frequency and duration of incapacitating episodes.
Back conditions commonly lead to secondary claims for radiculopathy, sciatica, hip conditions, knee conditions, and erectile dysfunction. These secondary conditions can significantly increase a veteran's combined rating.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. |
| 20% | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. |
| 40% | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. |
- 10%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- 20%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis.
- 40%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- 50%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- 100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Range of motion measurements
Goniometric measurements of thoracolumbar spine flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, including measurements after repetitive use.
Imaging studies
MRI or X-ray results documenting disc degeneration, herniation, or other spinal pathology.
Recommended
DeLuca factors documentation
Medical opinions addressing additional functional loss due to pain, weakened movement, excess fatigability, and incoordination during flare-ups.
Buddy statements
Statements from family or friends describing observed physical limitations and changes in mobility.
Helpful
Flare-up documentation
A log or personal statement documenting the frequency, duration, and severity of flare-ups and how they limit activities.
IVDS incapacitating episodes
Medical records documenting physician-prescribed bed rest for incapacitating episodes if IVDS is present.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Lumbar Strain / DDD. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
DC 8520, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Sciatica
DC 8520, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%
Hip Condition
DC 5252, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Erectile Dysfunction
DC 7522, Typical range: 0%, 20%
Knee Condition
DC 5260, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
C&P Exam Preparation
What to Expect
- The examiner will measure your range of motion (ROM) using a goniometer, testing forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion (both sides), and rotation (both sides).
- ROM will be tested in both active and passive modes, and in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions, as required by Correia v. McDonald.
- You will be asked to repeat movements multiple times (repetitive use testing) to assess whether pain, weakness, or fatigue cause additional loss of motion.
How to Prepare
- Consider keeping a flare-up log for several weeks before the exam, noting the date, duration, severity (on a 0-10 scale), triggers, and what activities you could not perform during each flare-up.
- Think about how back pain affects specific daily activities: bending, lifting, sitting for extended periods, walking distances, and sleeping.
- You may want to prepare to describe your worst days in concrete terms, such as "during a flare-up I cannot bend to tie my shoes or sit for more than 15 minutes."
View the full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips and common mistakes.
Related DBQs
Initial PTSD
Form 21-0781
Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions
Form 21-0960M-14
Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions
Form 21-0960M-13
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.