Cervical Strain
The VA rates Cervical Strain under Diagnostic Code 5235 across 7 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 5235 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 7
- CFR section
- § 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?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | 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. |
| 10% | 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 |
| 20% | 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 |
| 30% | 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). |
| 40% | 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. |
| 50% | 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): |
| 100% | 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?
Yes — a 100% rating for Cervical Strain alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Cervical Strain?
The key evidence for Cervical Strain is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and flare-up documentation are critical. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Cervical Strain?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5235 rating criteria. Expect range of motion testing in multiple positions. Under Correia v. McDonald, the examiner must test active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing range of motion. Report your worst flare-up symptoms — if you cannot attend during a flare, request the exam be rescheduled.
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