Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5237
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain Secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck.
Primary condition · VASRD 5322
Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
Injury to the muscles at the front of the neck — the sternocleidomastoid, the hyoid group and their neighbours — which turn the head forward and to the side and help with breathing and swallowing.
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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck — 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% Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck + 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.
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Get the rating criteria for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain, the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck — 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
- Can Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain be service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?
- 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. You'll need a current Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of fron…
- 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles…
- 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck combined with a 10% rating for Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (example figures) produces a combined rating of 28%, not 30%. Approving Lumbosacral or Cervical Str…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain as secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?
- 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck guide
Secondary condition
Full Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain guide
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See how Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck and Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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