VASRD 5245 · Musculoskeletal System – Pelvis/Spine

Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness VA Disability Rating

Sacroiliac joint problems cause lower back and pelvic pain, especially when standing or climbing stairs.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%SI joint pain and weakness that affects walking or mobility.
10%SI joint discomfort that causes minor activity limits.

How the VA Evaluates Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness

Physical exam, imaging of the SI joint, and positive provocative tests (FABER, Gaenslen).

Approval rate

Moderate – strong if combined with ROM loss and exam findings.

Annual service-connected

6,100 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •SI joint MRI or CT
  • •VA or ortho exam with positive tests (FABER, compression)
  • •Pain diary or gait assessment
  • •Physical therapy records

Strategy Tips

  • •Ask for SI-specific imaging and testing
  • •Use therapy notes showing functional loss
  • •Show impact on stair climbing or sitting

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •ROM taken from spine not pelvis
  • •Failure to use specific SI joint maneuvers
  • •Subjective pain without clinical correlation

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Claiming general back pain instead of SI-specific issue
  • •No SI joint imaging or physical exam documentation

Onset Patterns

  • •Often follows uneven weight-bearing or lifting injury
  • •May flare with prolonged standing or walking

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Sciatica

    SI joint inflammation can irritate sciatic nerve.

  • Hip Bursitis

    Altered movement stresses the hip area.

Common questions about Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness

Is Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness under VASRD diagnostic code 5245 (Musculoskeletal System – Pelvis/Spine). Sacroiliac joint problems cause lower back and pelvic pain, especially when standing or climbing stairs.
What VA disability rating can I get for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness?
Possible VA ratings for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — SI joint pain and weakness that affects walking or mobility.; 10% — SI joint discomfort that causes minor activity limits..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness?
The average awarded rating for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness is 10%. Roughly 6,100 veterans are service-connected for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – strong if combined with ROM loss and exam findings..
What evidence helps prove Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness claim includes: SI joint MRI or CT; VA or ortho exam with positive tests (FABER, compression); Pain diary or gait assessment; Physical therapy records.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness?
Common pitfalls when filing for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness: Claiming general back pain instead of SI-specific issue; No SI joint imaging or physical exam documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness include: Sciatica, Hip Bursitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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