Claiming Neck Pain / Cervical Strain?
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VA Rating Tiers
50%
unfavorable ankylosis
40%
Meets minimum criteria
20%
flexion 31 to 40
10%
Meets minimum criteria
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›50%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the cervical spine.
- ›40%: Flexion limited to 30° or less, OR favorable ankylosis of the cervical spine.
- ›20%: Flexion limited to 31°–40°.
- ›10%: Flexion over 40° with spasm or guarding documented on exam.
- ›0%: Symptoms present but below minimum threshold — service connection still established.
- ›Rated under DC 5237 using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- ›Cervical radiculopathy with neurological findings is rated separately under peripheral nerve codes (DC 8510–8516).
- ›Flare-up frequency and severity are considered — describe your worst functional state, not just the average.
- ›Actual rating depends on inclinometer measurements taken at the C&P exam.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Imaging is helpful but not required — lay evidence of in-service onset and continuity is accepted.
- •Cervical spine is rated using the same General Rating Formula as the lumbar spine.
- •Radiculopathy from cervical disc disease may be rated separately as a neurological condition.
- •Flare-ups and functional loss during flare-ups are key factors for higher ratings.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call visits for neck pain or stiffness
- •vehicle accident reports (MVA, Humvee rollover, aircraft incident)
- •physical therapy records during service
- •profile or limited duty for neck condition
- •separation physical noting cervical spine issues
Medical Evidence
- •primary care notes documenting neck pain
- •orthopedic or spine specialist records
- •physical therapy records
- •X-ray, MRI, or CT of cervical spine
- •pain management records
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing in-service injury or physical demands that caused neck problems
- •statement describing ongoing symptoms and daily limitations since service
- •buddy statement noting observed neck pain or limitations during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •X-ray of cervical spine
- •MRI of cervical spine
- •CT scan of cervical spine
- •EMG / nerve conduction study (if radiculopathy suspected)
- •range of motion goniometer measurement
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Spine / Cervical
Be ready to describe
- •when and how neck pain started during or after service
- •current pain location and whether it radiates to the arm or hand
- •how far you can turn, bend, and flex your neck
- •how flare-ups affect your function and how long they last
- •what makes the pain worse (driving, looking up, carrying, etc.)
Prep notes
- •Move through the full range of motion honestly — do not push past real pain.
- •Describe your typical worst day, not just a good day.
- •If pain radiates into your shoulder, arm, or fingers, mention this clearly.
- •Mention all activities that worsen symptoms (driving, desk work, sleeping).
- •Bring any imaging reports (X-ray, MRI) if you have copies.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5237
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Spine
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 50%
Also Known As
neck paincervical straincervical paincervical spinecervicalgianeck injurycervical discneck stiffnesswhiplashcervical radiculopathycervical spondylosisneck spasmcervical stenosis
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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