Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5237
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain Secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain when it develops after Arm, Limitation of Motion.
Why Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain Is Linked to Arm, Limitation of Motion
Compensating for limited motion
Primary condition · VASRD 5201
Arm, Limitation of Motion
Difficulty or inability to raise the arm due to injury or joint damage.
Secondary condition · VASRD 5237
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
A strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments supporting the neck or lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion — often from lifting, impact, or repetitive strain during service.
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion — severity of Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | The entire spine — neck and back together — is fused rigid in a poor position, meeting VA's definition of unfavorable ankylosis. |
| 50% | The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still moves. |
| 40% | The whole neck is fused rigid in a poor position, the lower back bends forward only 30 degrees or less, or the whole mid and lower back is fused in a neutral position. |
| 30% | The neck bends forward only 15 degrees or less, or the whole neck is fused in a neutral position. |
| 20% | Moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine. |
| 10% | Mild loss of back or neck motion; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness that does not change gait or posture; or a vertebral body that lost half its height or more in a fracture. |
Example combined rating
20% Arm, Limitation of Motion + 10% Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain = 28%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 10% combine to 28%, not 30%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Email me this Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain secondary guide
Get the rating criteria for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain, the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Arm, Limitation of Motion — delivered to your inbox.
Evidence for a Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain Secondary Claim
- •C&P or orthopedic exam showing measured loss of range of motion, muscle spasm, or guarding
- •Service treatment records documenting the in-service injury, incident, or repetitive strain
- •Buddy statements or personnel records corroborating the in-service event (e.g., heavy lifting, vehicle accident, parachute jumps)
Common questions about Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion
- Can Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain be service-connected as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Compensating for limited motion You'll need a current Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Arm…
- What VA rating can I get for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain as a secondary condition?
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5237 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain itself, not on the severity of Arm, Limitation of Motion.
- How does a secondary Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 20% rating for Arm, Limitation of Motion combined with a 10% rating for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain as secondary st…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain as secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain diagnosis includes: C&P or orthopedic exam showing measured loss of range of motion, muscle spasm, or guarding; Service treatment records documenting the in-service injury, incident, or repetitive strain; Buddy statements or personnel records corroborat…
Primary condition
Full Arm, Limitation of Motion guide
Secondary condition
Full Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Arm, Limitation of Motion and Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline