YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine (Spondylosis, DDD) VA Disability Rating
The VA rates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine under diagnostic code 5242, in 38 CFR § 4.71a (musculoskeletal system), and the schedule provides six evaluation levels for it: 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Plan your preparationTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Wear and tear in the spine causing stiffness, pain, or nerve issues.
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a). Diagnostic code 5242 is officially "Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome", so it covers degenerative disc disease unless there is disc herniation with compression and/or irritation of the adjacent nerve root, which is assigned diagnostic code 5243 instead. X-rays or MRI establish the degenerative changes; the percentage comes from measured forward flexion and combined range of motion, muscle spasm or guarding, and ankylosis. Any associated objective neurologic abnormality — including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment — is evaluated separately under an appropriate diagnostic code rather than raising the spine percentage.
- Diagnostic code
- 5242
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Schedule levels
- 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
Which level applies is set by the criteria the evidence meets, not by the diagnosis. Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations applies, 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher one if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
This code prints no 0% row. Under 38 CFR § 4.31, a 0% evaluation is assigned where the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine VA rating criteria (DC 5242)
Choose a percentage to see what that level means. Open the full comparison to read all the criteria in one place.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
IN THE REGULATION’S OWN WORDS
What 38 CFR also says about Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
The notes 38 CFR Part 4 prints with these criteria, quoted. They govern how the evaluation is made without being a rating level themselves.
- “Note (1): Evaluate any associated objective neurologic abnormalities, including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment, separately, under an appropriate diagnostic code.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (2): (See also Plate V.) For VA compensation purposes, normal forward flexion of the cervical spine is zero to 45 degrees, extension is zero to 45 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 45 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 80 degrees. Normal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is zero to 90 degrees, extension is zero to 30 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 30 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 30 degrees. The combined range of motion refers to the sum of the range of forward flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. The normal combined range of motion of the cervical spine is 340 degrees and of the thoracolumbar spine is 240 degrees. The normal ranges of motion for each component of spinal motion provided in this note are the maximum that can be used for calculation of the combined range of motion.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (3): In exceptional cases, an examiner may state that because of age, body habitus, neurologic disease, or other factors not the result of disease or injury of the spine, the range of motion of the spine in a particular individual should be considered normal for that individual, even though it does not conform to the normal range of motion stated in Note (2). Provided that the examiner supplies an explanation, the examiner's assessment that the range of motion is normal for that individual will be accepted.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (4): Round each range of motion measurement to the nearest five degrees.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (5): For VA compensation purposes, unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision; restricted opening of the mouth and chewing; breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration; gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the costal margin on the abdomen; dyspnea or dysphagia; atlantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation; or neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching. Fixation of a spinal segment in neutral position (zero degrees) always represents favorable ankylosis.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (6): Separately evaluate disability of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine segments, except when there is unfavorable ankylosis of both segments, which will be rated as a single disability.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
VA's page says: “You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers.”
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
THE EVERYDAY PICTURE
What the Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine examination has to record
The criteria above are read off an examination, and three sections of Part 4 govern what that examination has to contain. None of them is a diagnostic code, so none of them appears in the 5242 table, and all three apply to it. 38 CFR § 4.40: “Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled.”
38 CFR § 4.45 lists what an examination of a joint is directed to consider:
- Less movement than normal (due to ankylosis, limitation or blocking, adhesions, tendon-tie-up, contracted scars, etc.).
- More movement than normal (from flail joint, resections, nonunion of fracture, relaxation of ligaments, etc.).
- Weakened movement (due to muscle injury, disease or injury of peripheral nerves, divided or lengthened tendons, etc.).
- Excess fatigability.
- Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly.
- Pain on movement, swelling, deformity or atrophy of disuse.
38 CFR § 4.59: “It is the intention to recognize actually painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint.” So a joint that is painful on use is not a finding of nothing, even where the measured motion is close to normal.
The same section says how the joint is to be tested: “The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint.” An examination that records one measurement, taken once, sitting down, has not done what the section asks, and that is worth reading the exam report for.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim6 tips
- 01
Document impact on lifting or walking
- 02
Use imaging to show disc damage
- 03
Tie pain to occupational history
- 04
Include X-ray or MRI with claim
- 05
Use therapy notes on stiffness or function loss
- 06
Describe flare-ups and movement limitations
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind5 tips
- 01
No ROM measurements or imaging
- 02
Failing to note flare-ups during exams
- 03
No imaging provided
- 04
Failure to assess ROM across full spine
- 05
Confusion with muscle strain instead of joint disease
Common filing mistakes5 tips
- 01
Only submitting self-report without ROM tests
- 02
No nexus to physical work during service
- 03
Not distinguishing arthritis from back strain
- 04
Missing ROM exam
- 05
Lack of imaging documentation
When symptoms may first appear4 tips
- 01
Often begins with mild back pain in service
- 02
Progresses slowly with age and use
- 03
Progressive condition from overuse or injury
- 04
Pain and stiffness increase with age
LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE
Nerve symptoms are rated separately from the spine
Evaluate any associated objective neurologic abnormalities, including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment, separately, under an appropriate diagnostic code.
So pain, numbness or weakness travelling down a limb is not what raises a Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine evaluation. It is claimed on its own and evaluated under the peripheral-nerve schedule in 38 CFR § 4.124a, then combined with the spine evaluation under 38 CFR § 4.25.
Which nerve code applies is decided by the nerve the evidence identifies, not by where the pain is felt. There is no diagnostic code named radiculopathy, and none named sciatica: both are descriptions of what a nerve is doing, and the schedule rates the nerve.
Two ceilings are worth knowing before claiming one. Under 38 CFR § 4.123, neuritis characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances and constant pain is rated on the scale for the nerve involved up to a maximum equal to severe incomplete paralysis; without those organic changes the maximum is moderate, or moderately severe where the sciatic nerve is involved. Under 38 CFR § 4.124, neuralgia, usually a dull and intermittent pain of typical distribution, is capped at moderate incomplete paralysis.
- DC 8520
Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
Claimed for the low back and leg
- DC 8620
Sciatic Nerve, Neuritis
Claimed for the low back and leg
- DC 8510
Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
Claimed for the neck, shoulder and arm
- DC 8511
Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
Claimed for the neck and arm
SECONDARY TO SOMETHING ELSE
Conditions that can lead to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Each links to a page on claiming Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine as secondary to that condition.
YOUR SERVICE STORY
Military jobs associated with Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
THE BROADER PICTURE
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- High – common among older or physically demanding MOS.
- Service-connected disabilities (VBA count)
- 789,092 disabilities
- Typical rating awarded
- ~20%
Count of service-connected disabilities from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025; the report counts disabilities, not veterans. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Is Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine under VASRD diagnostic code 5242 (Musculoskeletal System). Wear and tear in the spine causing stiffness, pain, or nerve issues.
What VA disability rating can I get for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
Possible VA ratings for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine are 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. The 0% level comes from 38 CFR 4.31, which assigns it wherever no compensable level is met. Examples: 100%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine; 50%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; 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.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), veterans receiving VA compensation as of September 30, 2025 had 789,092 service-connected disabilities rated as Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine. The report counts disabilities, not veterans. Estimated approval outlook: High – common among older or physically demanding MOS.
What evidence helps prove Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine claim includes: Range of motion tests from VA or ortho; MRI or X-ray showing degenerative disc disease; Doctor notes on back pain frequency; Spine X-rays or MRI.
Which DBQ is used for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
VA's Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's Neck (Cervical Spine) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's page says: "You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers."
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
Common pitfalls when filing for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine: Only submitting self-report without ROM tests; No nexus to physical work during service; Not distinguishing arthritis from back strain; Missing ROM exam.
What conditions can be secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
Conditions that can be service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine, when a medical opinion links them, include: Spinal Stenosis. A secondary condition gets its own rating, which VA combines with the veteran's other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25.
What VA rating does degenerative disc disease get?
Degenerative disc disease is rated under diagnostic code 5242, whose title in the schedule is "Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010)". The exception in that title is the part that decides the code: where there is disc herniation with compression and/or irritation of the adjacent nerve root, the schedule directs diagnostic code 5243 instead, and DC 5243 is the only spine code with a second formula, for incapacitating episodes. Either way the percentage is produced by the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, which reads measured forward flexion, combined range of motion, muscle spasm or guarding, and ankylosis. An MRI that shows disc degeneration establishes the diagnosis; it does not establish a percentage.
Is spondylosis a VA-rated condition?
It is rated, but not under that name. "Spondylosis" appears nowhere in 38 CFR Part 4 - not once in the entire part - because it is a clinical term for degenerative change in the spine rather than a diagnostic code. What a rating decision cites is diagnostic code 5242, degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the spine. So a diagnosis of cervical or lumbar spondylosis is claimed and rated the same way any other degenerative spine finding is, under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, on measured motion rather than on imaging. If the evidence shows disc herniation with nerve root compression or irritation, the code becomes 5243.
Is spondylosis the same as spondylolisthesis or spondylitis?
No, and the three reach different codes. Spondylosis is degenerative change, rated under DC 5242. Spondylolisthesis is one vertebra slipping forward over another, a structural problem with its own code, DC 5239. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that fuses the spine, DC 5240, and an active multi-joint process can reach DC 5002 instead. All three are evaluated by the same General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, so what the diagnosis changes is which code a decision cites and what evidence supports service connection, not how the percentage is calculated.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5242)
- 38 CFR § 4.7, higher of two evaluations
- 38 CFR § 4.31, zero percent evaluations
- 38 CFR § 4.123, neuritis, cranial or peripheral
- 38 CFR § 4.124, neuralgia, cranial or peripheral
- 38 CFR § 4.40, functional loss
- 38 CFR § 4.45, the joints
- 38 CFR § 4.59, painful motion
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), service-connected disabilities count, as of September 30, 2025
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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