VASRD 5246 · Musculoskeletal System – Spine

Interspinous Ligament Injury VA Disability Rating

Damage to ligaments between vertebrae causing spine pain, stiffness, or instability.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%Back ligament injury that makes bending forward difficult.
10%Back pain from ligament damage causing minor stiffness.

How the VA Evaluates Interspinous Ligament Injury

Diagnosis through MRI or ultrasound, plus ROM testing and manual spine exam.

Approval rate

Moderate – particularly when combined with muscle spasms.

Annual service-connected

4,800 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI showing ligament disruption or inflammation
  • •ROM exam showing flexion limits
  • •Spinal palpation notes
  • •Pain logs or gait testing

Strategy Tips

  • •Use soft tissue imaging and gait testing
  • •Include C&P results showing ligament-specific pain
  • •Describe how pain affects posture and lifting

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failure to use appropriate spine tests
  • •No imaging of ligament or soft tissue
  • •Mislabeling as muscular strain

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Submitting under general back pain
  • •No specific imaging or ROM testing
  • •Not distinguishing from disc or joint issues

Onset Patterns

  • •Often caused by lifting or hyperflexion injury
  • •Pain worsens with bending and twisting

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Interspinous Ligament Injury. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Facet Joint Syndrome

    Instability stresses nearby spinal joints.

  • Chronic Low Back Pain

    Ligament damage contributes to long-term pain.

Common questions about Interspinous Ligament Injury

Is Interspinous Ligament Injury a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Interspinous Ligament Injury under VASRD diagnostic code 5246 (Musculoskeletal System – Spine). Damage to ligaments between vertebrae causing spine pain, stiffness, or instability.
What VA disability rating can I get for Interspinous Ligament Injury?
Possible VA ratings for Interspinous Ligament Injury are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — Back ligament injury that makes bending forward difficult.; 10% — Back pain from ligament damage causing minor stiffness..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Interspinous Ligament Injury?
The average awarded rating for Interspinous Ligament Injury is 10%. Roughly 4,800 veterans are service-connected for Interspinous Ligament Injury each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – particularly when combined with muscle spasms..
What evidence helps prove Interspinous Ligament Injury for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Interspinous Ligament Injury claim includes: MRI showing ligament disruption or inflammation; ROM exam showing flexion limits; Spinal palpation notes; Pain logs or gait testing.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Interspinous Ligament Injury?
Common pitfalls when filing for Interspinous Ligament Injury: Submitting under general back pain; No specific imaging or ROM testing; Not distinguishing from disc or joint issues.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Interspinous Ligament Injury?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Interspinous Ligament Injury include: Facet Joint Syndrome, Chronic Low Back Pain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Interspinous Ligament Injury combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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