Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
The VA rates Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) under Diagnostic Code 5243 across 8 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS).
Rating schedule · DC 5243 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 8
- CFR section
- § 4.71a
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 100%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Intervertebral disc syndrome diagnosed but with no incapacitating episodes and range of motion not meeting criteria for a compensable rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Note: IVDS may be rated under either the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation. An incapacitating episode is a period of acute signs and symptoms due to IVDS that requires bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician. |
| 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 Note: An incapacitating episode is defined as a period of acute signs and symptoms due to IVDS that requires bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician. If the General Rating Formula yields a higher rating, use that instead. |
| 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: Via (For diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243 unless 5243 is evaluated under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes): |
| 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 |
| 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): |
| 60% | Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months. Note: 60% is the maximum rating under the IVDS incapacitating episodes formula. Consider whether the General Rating Formula yields a higher evaluation. |
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire 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 cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine”
What other musculoskeletal conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 5237Lumbosacral or cervical strainRated up to 100%
- 5238Spinal stenosisRated up to 100%
- 5239Spondylolisthesis or segmental instabilityRated up to 100%
- 5240Ankylosing spondylitisRated up to 100%
- 5241Spinal fusionRated up to 100%
- 5244Traumatic paralysis, completeRated up to 60%
- 5250Hip, ankylosis ofRated up to 70%
- 5251Thigh, limitation of extension ofRated up to 10%
- 5252Limitation of Flexion of the Thigh (Hip)Rated up to 40%
- 5253Impairment of the Thigh (Hip Rotation/Adduction)Rated up to 20%
What to do with a Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Common Questions About Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)?
The VA rates Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) under Diagnostic Code 5243 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Intervertebral disc syndrome diagnosed but with no incapacitating episodes and range of motion not meeting criteria for a compensable rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)?
The VA rates Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5243, published in 38 CFR § 4.71a. 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 Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)?
A 0% rating requires: Intervertebral disc syndrome diagnosed but with no incapacitating episodes and range of motion not meeting criteria for a compensable rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.. 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 Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) qualify for TDIU?
Yes, a 100% rating for Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) 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 Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)?
The key evidence for Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) 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 Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)?
The C&P examiner uses a Musculoskeletal System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 5243 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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