VASRD 5235 · Musculoskeletal System

Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation VA Disability Rating

Broken or dislocated spinal bones that may limit movement or cause pain.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe spine stiffness
50%Middle back fused
40%Barely able to bend
20%Moderate limitation or abnormal posture
10%Mild stiffness

How the VA Evaluates Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation

X-rays, range-of-motion testing, and imaging for fusion or instability.

Approval rate

High – if fracture was in-service or led to long-term pain.

Annual service-connected

22,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Imaging reports
  • •Orthopedic evaluations
  • •Service treatment records showing fracture

Strategy Tips

  • •Get updated imaging
  • •Mention guarding, spasms, and pain flare-ups
  • •Show how mobility is limited day-to-day

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not performing proper range-of-motion test
  • •No documentation of injury mechanism

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Failing to get updated imaging
  • •Claiming pain without structural findings

Onset Patterns

  • •In-service trauma, fall, or training-related injury

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Chronic Back Pain

    Due to instability

  • Radiculopathy

    Nerve involvement from vertebra

Common questions about Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation

Is Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation under VASRD diagnostic code 5235 (Musculoskeletal System). Broken or dislocated spinal bones that may limit movement or cause pain.
What VA disability rating can I get for Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation?
Possible VA ratings for Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation are 100%, 50%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Severe spine stiffness; 50% — Middle back fused; 40% — Barely able to bend.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation?
The average awarded rating for Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation is 20%. Roughly 22,000 veterans are service-connected for Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – if fracture was in-service or led to long-term pain..
What evidence helps prove Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation claim includes: Imaging reports; Orthopedic evaluations; Service treatment records showing fracture.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation?
Common pitfalls when filing for Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation: Failing to get updated imaging; Claiming pain without structural findings.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation include: Chronic Back Pain, Radiculopathy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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