YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability under diagnostic code 5239, in 38 CFR § 4.71a (musculoskeletal system), and the schedule provides six evaluation levels for it: 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Plan your preparationTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability
Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward over another, often causing back pain and nerve compression.
Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (38 CFR 4.71a) on measured forward flexion, combined range of motion, muscle spasm or guarding, and ankylosis. X-rays, MRI, or flexion-extension views document the slippage or instability; the Meyerding grade a radiologist assigns is not a VA rating scale and does not set the percentage. 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.
- Diagnostic code
- 5239
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Schedule levels
- 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
Which level applies is set by the criteria the evidence meets, not by the diagnosis. Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations applies, 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher one if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
This code prints no 0% row. Under 38 CFR § 4.31, a 0% evaluation is assigned where the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability VA rating criteria (DC 5239)
Choose a percentage to see what that level means. Open the full comparison to read all the criteria in one place.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
IN THE REGULATION’S OWN WORDS
What 38 CFR also says about Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability
The notes 38 CFR Part 4 prints with these criteria, quoted. They govern how the evaluation is made without being a rating level themselves.
- “Note (1): Evaluate any associated objective neurologic abnormalities, including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment, separately, under an appropriate diagnostic code.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (2): (See also Plate V.) For VA compensation purposes, normal forward flexion of the cervical spine is zero to 45 degrees, extension is zero to 45 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 45 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 80 degrees. Normal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is zero to 90 degrees, extension is zero to 30 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 30 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 30 degrees. The combined range of motion refers to the sum of the range of forward flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. The normal combined range of motion of the cervical spine is 340 degrees and of the thoracolumbar spine is 240 degrees. The normal ranges of motion for each component of spinal motion provided in this note are the maximum that can be used for calculation of the combined range of motion.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (3): In exceptional cases, an examiner may state that because of age, body habitus, neurologic disease, or other factors not the result of disease or injury of the spine, the range of motion of the spine in a particular individual should be considered normal for that individual, even though it does not conform to the normal range of motion stated in Note (2). Provided that the examiner supplies an explanation, the examiner's assessment that the range of motion is normal for that individual will be accepted.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (4): Round each range of motion measurement to the nearest five degrees.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (5): For VA compensation purposes, unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision; restricted opening of the mouth and chewing; breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration; gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the costal margin on the abdomen; dyspnea or dysphagia; atlantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation; or neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching. Fixation of a spinal segment in neutral position (zero degrees) always represents favorable ankylosis.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
- “Note (6): Separately evaluate disability of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine segments, except when there is unfavorable ankylosis of both segments, which will be rated as a single disability.”General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability?
VA's page says: “You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers.”
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
THE EVERYDAY PICTURE
What the Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability examination has to record
The criteria above are read off an examination, and three sections of Part 4 govern what that examination has to contain. None of them is a diagnostic code, so none of them appears in the 5239 table, and all three apply to it. 38 CFR § 4.40: “Weakness is as important as limitation of motion, and a part which becomes painful on use must be regarded as seriously disabled.”
38 CFR § 4.45 lists what an examination of a joint is directed to consider:
- Less movement than normal (due to ankylosis, limitation or blocking, adhesions, tendon-tie-up, contracted scars, etc.).
- More movement than normal (from flail joint, resections, nonunion of fracture, relaxation of ligaments, etc.).
- Weakened movement (due to muscle injury, disease or injury of peripheral nerves, divided or lengthened tendons, etc.).
- Excess fatigability.
- Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly.
- Pain on movement, swelling, deformity or atrophy of disuse.
38 CFR § 4.59: “It is the intention to recognize actually painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint.” So a joint that is painful on use is not a finding of nothing, even where the measured motion is close to normal.
The same section says how the joint is to be tested: “The joints involved should be tested for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing and, if possible, with the range of the opposite undamaged joint.” An examination that records one measurement, taken once, sitting down, has not done what the section asks, and that is worth reading the exam report for.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Use dynamic spine imaging (flexion-extension)
- 02
Describe activities limited by instability
- 03
Mention neurologic signs like tingling or weakness
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind3 tips
- 01
Not providing imaging of segmental movement
- 02
Overlapping diagnosis with general back pain
- 03
Lack of detail about nerve symptoms
Common filing mistakes3 tips
- 01
No proof of vertebral instability
- 02
Incomplete ROM or neurologic documentation
- 03
Submitting under general low back pain
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
Often develops from trauma, degeneration, or repetitive stress
- 02
May present with sudden back pain or radiating leg symptoms
LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE
Nerve symptoms are rated separately from the spine
Evaluate any associated objective neurologic abnormalities, including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment, separately, under an appropriate diagnostic code.
So pain, numbness or weakness travelling down a limb is not what raises a Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability evaluation. It is claimed on its own and evaluated under the peripheral-nerve schedule in 38 CFR § 4.124a, then combined with the spine evaluation under 38 CFR § 4.25.
Which nerve code applies is decided by the nerve the evidence identifies, not by where the pain is felt. There is no diagnostic code named radiculopathy, and none named sciatica: both are descriptions of what a nerve is doing, and the schedule rates the nerve.
Two ceilings are worth knowing before claiming one. Under 38 CFR § 4.123, neuritis characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances and constant pain is rated on the scale for the nerve involved up to a maximum equal to severe incomplete paralysis; without those organic changes the maximum is moderate, or moderately severe where the sciatic nerve is involved. Under 38 CFR § 4.124, neuralgia, usually a dull and intermittent pain of typical distribution, is capped at moderate incomplete paralysis.
- DC 8520
Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
Claimed for the low back and leg
- DC 8620
Sciatic Nerve, Neuritis
Claimed for the low back and leg
- DC 8510
Upper Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
Claimed for the neck, shoulder and arm
- DC 8511
Middle Radicular Group (Nerve Damage)
Claimed for the neck and arm
THE BROADER PICTURE
Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- Moderate – higher with imaging and neuro symptoms.
- Veterans service-connected
- ~11,100 veterans
- Typical rating awarded
- ~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability
Is Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability under VASRD diagnostic code 5239 (Musculoskeletal System). Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward over another, often causing back pain and nerve compression.
What VA disability rating can I get for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability?
Possible VA ratings for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability are 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%. The 0% level comes from 38 CFR 4.31, which assigns it wherever no compensable level is met. Examples: 100%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine; 50%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine; 40%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 11,100 veterans are service-connected for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – higher with imaging and neuro symptoms.
What evidence helps prove Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability claim includes: Flexion-extension spinal X-rays; MRI or CT showing slippage; ROM testing and nerve assessments; Personal statements describing flare-ups.
Which DBQ is used for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability?
VA's Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's Neck (Cervical Spine) Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's page says: "You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers."
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability?
Common pitfalls when filing for Spondylolisthesis or Segmental Instability: No proof of vertebral instability; Incomplete ROM or neurologic documentation; Submitting under general low back pain.
Does Grade 3 spondylolisthesis get a specific VA rating?
No. Meyerding grading (1-4) measures how far a vertebra has slipped and comes from your radiologist or surgeon. It isn't a VA rating scale. VA rates spondylolisthesis (VASRD 5239) under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, based on measured forward flexion, combined range of motion, muscle spasm or guarding, and ankylosis. Two veterans with the same Grade 3 slippage can receive very different VA ratings depending on those functional findings, not the grade itself. The Incapacitating Episodes formula is not an alternative here, Note (2) restricts it to diagnostic code 5243, intervertebral disc syndrome. Any associated objective neurologic abnormality is evaluated separately under its own diagnostic code rather than raising the spine percentage.
Is grade 1 spondylolisthesis worth claiming?
A low Meyerding grade does not mean a low VA rating, because the grade is not what VA reads. The General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine applies with or without symptoms such as pain, stiffness or aching, and it assigns a percentage from measured forward flexion, combined range of motion, muscle spasm or guarding, and ankylosis. A Grade 1 slip that limits thoracolumbar forward flexion to 60 degrees or less reaches a higher evaluation than a Grade 3 slip in a veteran whose motion is still near normal. Two things decide whether it is worth claiming: whether the examination records range of motion in degrees, and whether muscle spasm or guarding is documented - the schedule assigns a compensable evaluation for muscle spasm, guarding or localized tenderness even where it does not change gait or spinal contour. Any objective neurologic abnormality is claimed separately under its own code.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a, Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5239)
- 38 CFR § 4.7, higher of two evaluations
- 38 CFR § 4.31, zero percent evaluations
- 38 CFR § 4.123, neuritis, cranial or peripheral
- 38 CFR § 4.124, neuralgia, cranial or peripheral
- 38 CFR § 4.40, functional loss
- 38 CFR § 4.45, the joints
- 38 CFR § 4.59, painful motion
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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