Lumbosacral Strain — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5237)
The VA rates Lumbosacral Strain under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5237, Diagnostic Code 5237, 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 Lumbosacral Strain?
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees; and no ankylosis, no muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour, and no localized tenderness of the muscles or vertebral spinous processes.
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”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Lumbosacral Strain?
How does the VA rate Musculoskeletal conditions?
Common Questions About Lumbosacral Strain VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Lumbosacral Strain?
The VA rates Lumbosacral Strain under Diagnostic Code 5237 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees; and no ankylosis, no muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour, and no localized tenderness of the muscles or vertebral spinous processes.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
What is Diagnostic Code 5237?
Diagnostic Code 5237 is the VA rating identifier for Lumbosacral Strain within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5237. 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 Lumbosacral Strain?
The highest schedular rating for Lumbosacral Strain under DC 5237 is 100%. This tier requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Lumbosacral 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 Lumbosacral Strain ratings?
Lumbosacral Strain is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5237, Diagnostic Code 5237. 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 Lumbosacral Strain?
Conditions commonly secondary to Lumbosacral Strain include: Bladder Dysfunction (Neurogenic Bladder), Erectile Dysfunction (Neurogenic), Gastritis / GERD / Peptic Ulcer Disease (NSAID-Induced), Hip Pain / Hip Bursitis, Lumbar Radiculopathy / Sciatica, Opioid Use Disorder (Secondary to Prescribed Pain Management). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Lumbosacral Strain?
Service connection for Lumbosacral 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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