Spinal fusion — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 5241)

The VA rates Spinal fusion under Diagnostic Code 5241 at the following tiers: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: 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. The maximum 100% rating requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

Diagnostic Code 5241 is the VA rating identifier for Spinal fusion within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a. 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.

The highest schedular rating for Spinal fusion under DC 5241 is 100%. This tier requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Spinal fusion alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Spinal fusion is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5241. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Spinal fusion include: Adjacent Segment Disease. 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.

The key evidence for Spinal fusion depends on the body system. For musculoskeletal conditions, range of motion measurements (active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing per Correia v. McDonald) and documented flare-ups are the most impactful evidence. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Yes — a 100% rating for Spinal fusion alone meets the single-disability TDIU threshold under 38 CFR § 4.16(a). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, compensation is paid at the 100% rate.