VASRD 5237 · Musculoskeletal System – Spine
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain VA Disability Rating
A strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments supporting the neck or lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion — often from lifting, impact, or repetitive strain during service.
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 Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a) based on forward flexion and combined range of motion measured by goniometer during a C&P exam, compared to normal ranges (cervical: 0–45 degrees; thoracolumbar: 0–90 degrees), or on ankylosis, muscle spasm, or guarding severe enough to affect gait or spinal contour. 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 – the most commonly service-connected back/neck condition; typically requires only a documented in-service injury or event, a current strain diagnosis, and exam-confirmed loss of motion or muscle spasm.
Veterans service-connected
1,791,869 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
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
- •C&P or orthopedic exam showing measured loss of range of motion, muscle spasm, or guarding
- •Service treatment records documenting the in-service injury, incident, or repetitive strain
- •Buddy statements or personnel records corroborating the in-service event (e.g., heavy lifting, vehicle accident, parachute jumps)
Strategy Tips
- •Get ROM measured with a goniometer and specifically note pain-limited motion, not just end-range degrees
- •Document muscle spasm, guarding, and any abnormal gait or spinal contour on exam
- •File for radiculopathy separately if you have radiating numbness, tingling, or weakness — it's evaluated under a different code and paid in addition to the strain rating
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •ROM measured without noting pain-limited motion or additional loss on repetition (DeLuca factors)
- •No documentation of muscle spasm or guarding, even when present on exam
- •Gap between service separation and first treatment cited against the claim without a medical opinion addressing it
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not requesting a goniometer-based range-of-motion exam
- •Failing to document flare-ups and their functional impact under 38 CFR 4.40/4.45
- •Omitting muscle spasm or guarding findings from lay statements
Onset Patterns
- •Acute injury from lifting, a vehicle accident, or a fall during service
- •Repetitive strain from carrying gear, prolonged standing, or repeated impact (e.g., airborne operations, motor pool work)
- •Gradual worsening after an undocumented or minimally documented in-service incident
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Is Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain under VASRD diagnostic code 5237 (Musculoskeletal System – Spine). A strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments supporting the neck or lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion — often from lifting, impact, or repetitive strain during service.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain?
- Possible VA ratings for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain 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 the nec…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 1,791,869 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval…
- What evidence helps prove Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain claim includes: C&P or orthopedic exam showing measured loss of range of motion, muscle spasm, or guarding; Service treatment records documenting the in-service injury, incident, or repetitive strain; Buddy statements or personnel records corroborating the in-servic…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain: Not requesting a goniometer-based range-of-motion exam; Failing to document flare-ups and their functional impact under 38 CFR 4.40/4.45; Omitting muscle spasm or guarding findings from lay statements.
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain include: Radiculopathy, Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine, Depression. 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 5237)
- 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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