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
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | The entire spine — neck and back together — is fused rigid in a poor position, meeting VA's definition of unfavorable ankylosis. |
| 50% | The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still moves. |
| 40% | The whole neck is fused rigid in a poor position, the lower back bends forward only 30 degrees or less, or the whole mid and lower back is fused in a neutral position. |
| 30% | The neck bends forward only 15 degrees or less, or the whole neck is fused in a neutral position. |
| 20% | Moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine. |
| 10% | Mild loss of back or neck motion; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness that does not change gait or posture; or a vertebral body that lost half its height or more in a fracture. |
How the VA Evaluates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
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.
Approval outlook
High – common among older or physically demanding MOS.
Veterans service-connected
789,092 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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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
- •Spine X-rays or MRI
- •C&P exam showing limited flexion or stiffness
- •Physical therapy records documenting chronic pain
Strategy Tips
- •Document impact on lifting or walking
- •Use imaging to show disc damage
- •Tie pain to occupational history
- •Include X-ray or MRI with claim
- •Use therapy notes on stiffness or function loss
- •Describe flare-ups and movement limitations
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •No ROM measurements or imaging
- •Failing to note flare-ups during exams
- •No imaging provided
- •Failure to assess ROM across full spine
- •Confusion with muscle strain instead of joint disease
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Only submitting self-report without ROM tests
- •No nexus to physical work during service
- •Not distinguishing arthritis from back strain
- •Missing ROM exam
- •Lack of imaging documentation
Onset Patterns
- •Often begins with mild back pain in service
- •Progresses slowly with age and use
- •Progressive condition from overuse or injury
- •Pain and stiffness increase with age
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine is frequently claimed.
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%. Examples: 100%: The entire spine — neck and back together — is fused rigid in a poor position, meeting VA's definition of unfavorable ankylosis.; 50%: The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though th…
- 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), 789,092 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine as of September 30, 2025. Estimated a…
- 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.
- 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 are commonly secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine include: Radiculopathy, Sciatica, Spinal Stenosis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5242)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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