VASRD 5248 · Musculoskeletal System – Spine

Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) VA Disability Rating

Spinal arthritis involves degeneration of the joints in the spine, leading to stiffness and pain.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
20%Spinal arthritis limits movement and may affect your walk.
10%Mild spinal arthritis with some pain and stiffness.

How the VA Evaluates Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)

Spinal X-rays showing arthritic changes, ROM testing confirming stiffness, and physical exam for muscle guarding.

Approval rate

High – commonly awarded when ROM tests are included.

Annual service-connected

43,200 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Spine X-rays or MRI
  • •C&P exam showing limited flexion or stiffness
  • •Physical therapy records documenting chronic pain

Strategy Tips

  • •Include X-ray or MRI with claim
  • •Use therapy notes on stiffness or function loss
  • •Describe flare-ups and movement limitations

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No imaging provided
  • •Failure to assess ROM across full spine
  • •Confusion with muscle strain instead of joint disease

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not distinguishing arthritis from back strain
  • •Missing ROM exam
  • •Lack of imaging documentation

Onset Patterns

  • •Progressive condition from overuse or injury
  • •Pain and stiffness increase with age

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Radiculopathy

    Joint space narrowing can compress spinal nerves.

  • Spinal Stenosis

    Advanced arthritis can contribute to canal narrowing.

Common questions about Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)

Is Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) under VASRD diagnostic code 5248 (Musculoskeletal System – Spine). Spinal arthritis involves degeneration of the joints in the spine, leading to stiffness and pain.
What VA disability rating can I get for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)?
Possible VA ratings for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20% — Spinal arthritis limits movement and may affect your walk.; 10% — Mild spinal arthritis with some pain and stiffness..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)?
The average awarded rating for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) is 10%. Roughly 43,200 veterans are service-connected for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – commonly awarded when ROM tests are included..
What evidence helps prove Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) claim includes: Spine X-rays or MRI; C&P exam showing limited flexion or stiffness; Physical therapy records documenting chronic pain.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes): Not distinguishing arthritis from back strain; Missing ROM exam; Lack of imaging documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) include: Radiculopathy, Spinal Stenosis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Spine Arthritis (Degenerative Changes) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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