VASRD 5244 · Musculoskeletal System

Intervertebral disc syndrome VA Disability Rating

Spinal disc problems that can cause back pain and nerve issues.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Incidents of incapacitating episodes lasting less than 2 weeks annually
20%2 to 4 weeks of incapacitating episodes
40%4 to 6 weeks of incapacitating episodes
60%More than 6 weeks of incapacitating episodes

How the VA Evaluates Intervertebral disc syndrome

MRI evidence, frequency and duration of incapacitating episodes.

Approval rate

High

Annual service-connected

28,000 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •MRI reports
  • •Physical therapy logs
  • •Neurology consults

Strategy Tips

  • •Track episodes using medical records
  • •Include rehab or PT notes

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not documenting episode frequency
  • •Lack of imaging

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No documented medical treatment
  • •Relying on self-reported pain

Onset Patterns

  • •Repetitive motion injury
  • •Disc herniation

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Intervertebral disc syndrome. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common questions about Intervertebral disc syndrome

Is Intervertebral disc syndrome a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Intervertebral disc syndrome under VASRD diagnostic code 5244 (Musculoskeletal System). Spinal disc problems that can cause back pain and nerve issues.
What VA disability rating can I get for Intervertebral disc syndrome?
Possible VA ratings for Intervertebral disc syndrome are 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. Examples: 10% — Incidents of incapacitating episodes lasting less than 2 weeks annually; 20% — 2 to 4 weeks of incapacitating episodes; 40% — 4 to 6 weeks of incapacitating episodes.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Intervertebral disc syndrome?
The average awarded rating for Intervertebral disc syndrome is 40%. Roughly 28,000 veterans are service-connected for Intervertebral disc syndrome each year. Typical approval likelihood: High.
What evidence helps prove Intervertebral disc syndrome for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Intervertebral disc syndrome claim includes: MRI reports; Physical therapy logs; Neurology consults.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Intervertebral disc syndrome?
Common pitfalls when filing for Intervertebral disc syndrome: No documented medical treatment; Relying on self-reported pain.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Intervertebral disc syndrome?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Intervertebral disc syndrome include: , , . Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Intervertebral disc syndrome combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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