Cervical Strain — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5235)
The VA rates Cervical Strain 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. Related conditions in the Musculoskeletal body system share this rating framework.
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.
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
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
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine
“Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine”
How does the VA rate Musculoskeletal conditions?
Common Questions About Cervical Strain VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Cervical Strain?
The VA rates Cervical Strain under Diagnostic Code 5235 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 5235?
Diagnostic Code 5235 is the VA rating identifier for Cervical Strain within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5235, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Cervical Strain?
The highest schedular rating for Cervical Strain under DC 5235 is 100%. This tier requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Cervical Strain alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Cervical Strain ratings?
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. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Cervical Strain?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Cervical Strain may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
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 that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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