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 is fixed rigid in an abnormal position and cannot move at all. |
| 50% | The mid and lower back is fixed rigid in an abnormal position. |
| 40% | Neck is fixed rigid, or lower-back forward bending is severely restricted to 30 degrees or less. |
| 30% | Neck can barely bend forward, 15 degrees or less. |
| 20% | Moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm severe enough to visibly change posture or walking. |
| 10% | Mild stiffness, reduced motion, or localized muscle tenderness without a visible effect on gait or posture. |
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 neurologic abnormality (e.g., radiculopathy, bowel or bladder impairment) is evaluated separately under its own diagnostic code.
Approval rate
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.
Annual service-connected
89,000 veterans
Average rating
10%
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.
Radiculopathy
Muscle spasm and inflammation near the spine can irritate nearby nerve roots.
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Chronic strain and altered mechanics can accelerate joint degeneration over time.
Depression
Chronic pain and reduced mobility can impact mental health.
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 is fixed rigid in an abnormal position and cannot move at all.; 50% — The mid and lower back is fixed rigid in an abnormal position.; 40% — Neck is fixed rigid, or lower-back forward bending is s…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain?
- The average awarded rating for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain is 10%. Roughly 89,000 veterans are service-connected for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – the most commonly service-connected back/neck condition; typically requires only a documented in-service injury or event,…
- 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.
Estimate your combined rating
See how Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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