Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
The VA rates Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) under Diagnostic Code 5243 across 8 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 2 documented secondary conditions linked to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS).
Rating schedule — DC 5243 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 8
- CFR section
- § 4.71a, DC 5243, Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal System
- Secondary conditions
- 2
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
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”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
View 2 secondary conditions linked to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
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, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5243, Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes. 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.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)?
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) is associated with 2 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
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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