VASRD 5242 · Musculoskeletal System

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine VA Disability Rating

Wear and tear in the spine causing stiffness, pain, or nerve issues.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
50%Back totally fused in bad position
40%Severe bending limit or partial fusion
20%Moderate bending restriction
10%Mild spine stiffness

How the VA Evaluates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

Range of motion measurements, pain with movement, and imaging showing disc changes.

Approval rate

High – common among older or physically demanding MOS.

Annual service-connected

400,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Range of motion tests from VA or ortho
  • •MRI or X-ray showing degenerative disc disease
  • •Doctor notes on back pain frequency

Strategy Tips

  • •Document impact on lifting or walking
  • •Use imaging to show disc damage
  • •Tie pain to occupational history

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No ROM measurements or imaging
  • •Failing to note flare-ups during exams

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Only submitting self-report without ROM tests
  • •No nexus to physical work during service

Onset Patterns

  • •Often begins with mild back pain in service
  • •Progresses slowly with age and use

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Radiculopathy

    Nerve pinching from spine damage

  • Sciatica

    Pain radiating down legs from lower spine

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine is frequently claimed.

Air Force2A5X4Refuel/Bomber Aircraft MaintenanceAir Force2A6X1Aerospace PropulsionAir Force2A6X2Aerospace Ground EquipmentAir Force2A6X3Aircrew Egress SystemsAir Force2A6X4Aircraft Fuel SystemsAir Force2A6X5Aircraft Hydraulic SystemsAir Force2A6X6Aircraft Electrical SystemsAir Force2A7X1Aircraft Metals TechnologyAir Force2A7X2Nondestructive InspectionAir Force2A7X3Aircraft Structural MaintenanceAir Force2A7X5Low Observable Aircraft Structural MaintenanceAir Force2A9X3Bomber/Special Mechanical Systems

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 50%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 50% — Back totally fused in bad position; 40% — Severe bending limit or partial fusion; 20% — Moderate bending restriction.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
The average awarded rating for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine is 20%. Roughly 400,000 veterans are service-connected for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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.
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.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine include: Radiculopathy, Sciatica. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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