Cervical Strain
Cervical Strain is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5235, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, Diagnostic Code 5235, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 5235 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 7
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5235, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Cervical Strain?
Cervical spine condition diagnosed but with forward flexion greater than 40 degrees, combined range of motion greater than 335 degrees, no muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness, and no vertebral body fracture.
Note: Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Cervical spine normal forward flexion is 45 degrees; combined ROM is 340 degrees. Any associated neurological abnormalities (e.g., radiculopathy) are rated separately.
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
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
Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine
Note: Favorable ankylosis means fixation of the cervical spine in a neutral position (0 degrees).
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
Note: Unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine is fixed in flexion or extension and the ankylosis results in difficulty walking, restricted opening of the mouth, or breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration.
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine
Note: Via (For diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243 unless 5243 is evaluated under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes):
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine
Note: This 100% rating applies when the ENTIRE spine (cervical + thoracolumbar) is ankylosed in an unfavorable position.
“Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine”
Common Questions About Cervical Strain VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Cervical Strain?
The VA rates Cervical Strain under Diagnostic Code 5235 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Cervical spine condition diagnosed but with forward flexion greater than 40 degrees, combined range of motion greater than 335 degrees, no muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness, and no vertebral body fracture.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Cervical Strain?
The VA rates Cervical Strain under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5235, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5235, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Cervical Strain?
A 0% rating requires: Cervical spine condition diagnosed but with forward flexion greater than 40 degrees, combined range of motion greater than 335 degrees, no muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness, and no vertebral body fracture.. A 100% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Cervical Strain qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Cervical Strain may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Cervical Strain?
Service connection for Cervical Strain requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Cervical Strain?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Cervical Strain uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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