VASRD 5285 · Musculoskeletal System

Vertebra, Fracture of VA Disability Rating

Broken spine bones due to trauma or degeneration, possibly causing nerve pain or instability.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Paralysis or instability
60%Unstable spine
10%Back pain from old break

How the VA Evaluates Vertebra, Fracture of

CT, MRI, spinal X-rays, orthopedic/neurology evaluation.

Approval rate

Moderate (~50%) depending on extent of injury and residuals.

Annual service-connected

2,600 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Spinal imaging
  • •Specialist reports

Strategy Tips

  • •Document mobility issues and pain
  • •Track assistive device use

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No current symptoms from healed fracture
  • •Unclear documentation of location

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No brace documentation for instability
  • •Failing to link pain to fracture

Onset Patterns

  • •After trauma, falls, or osteoporosis

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Vertebra, Fracture of. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Radiculopathy

    Nerve impingement from fracture

  • Spinal Arthritis

    Post-traumatic changes

Common questions about Vertebra, Fracture of

Is Vertebra, Fracture of a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Vertebra, Fracture of under VASRD diagnostic code 5285 (Musculoskeletal System). Broken spine bones due to trauma or degeneration, possibly causing nerve pain or instability.
What VA disability rating can I get for Vertebra, Fracture of?
Possible VA ratings for Vertebra, Fracture of are 100%, 60%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Paralysis or instability; 60% — Unstable spine; 10% — Back pain from old break.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Vertebra, Fracture of?
The average awarded rating for Vertebra, Fracture of is 20%. Roughly 2,600 veterans are service-connected for Vertebra, Fracture of each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~50%) depending on extent of injury and residuals..
What evidence helps prove Vertebra, Fracture of for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Vertebra, Fracture of claim includes: Spinal imaging; Specialist reports.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Vertebra, Fracture of?
Common pitfalls when filing for Vertebra, Fracture of: No brace documentation for instability; Failing to link pain to fracture.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Vertebra, Fracture of?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Vertebra, Fracture of include: Radiculopathy, Spinal Arthritis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Vertebra, Fracture of combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator