VASRD 5249 · Musculoskeletal System – Spine

Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) VA Disability Rating

Spine fractures may cause lasting stiffness, pain, or nerve damage, even after healing.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Complete spinal fusion and nerve damage from a fracture.
50%Major spinal injury causing permanent stiffness and disability.
30%Stiff spine from a fracture, but nerves are mostly okay.
10%Back pain after a healed fracture that still affects daily life.

How the VA Evaluates Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement)

Spine imaging, neurologic testing, ROM assessments, and physical exam for function loss.

Approval rate

High – often awarded with fracture proof and C&P exam results.

Annual service-connected

5,800 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •X-ray or MRI of the spine showing fracture site
  • •Neurologist report for cord symptoms
  • •C&P exam including spine mobility testing
  • •Pain logs or therapy notes

Strategy Tips

  • •Use complete imaging showing fracture and healing
  • •Document nerve effects if present
  • •Describe daily limitations due to residuals

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Incomplete imaging of fracture site
  • •Missing neurologic assessment if symptoms present
  • •Only documenting general back pain

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No fracture imaging submitted
  • •ROM or function not documented
  • •Fracture not linked to service injury

Onset Patterns

  • •Typically caused by trauma, fall, or impact
  • •Pain may remain even after healing

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Spinal Cord Injury

    Fractures near the cord can cause motor deficits.

  • Chronic Pain Syndrome

    Pain may persist long after the fracture heals.

Common questions about Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement)

Is Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) under VASRD diagnostic code 5249 (Musculoskeletal System – Spine). Spine fractures may cause lasting stiffness, pain, or nerve damage, even after healing.
What VA disability rating can I get for Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement)?
Possible VA ratings for Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) are 100%, 50%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Complete spinal fusion and nerve damage from a fracture.; 50% — Major spinal injury causing permanent stiffness and disability.; 30% — Stiff spine from a fracture, but nerves are mostly okay..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement)?
The average awarded rating for Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) is 30%. Roughly 5,800 veterans are service-connected for Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – often awarded with fracture proof and C&P exam results..
What evidence helps prove Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) claim includes: X-ray or MRI of the spine showing fracture site; Neurologist report for cord symptoms; C&P exam including spine mobility testing; Pain logs or therapy notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement): No fracture imaging submitted; ROM or function not documented; Fracture not linked to service injury.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) include: Spinal Cord Injury, Chronic Pain Syndrome. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Spine Fracture Residuals (With or Without Cord Involvement) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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