Claiming Lower Back Pain / Lumbosacral Strain?
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VA Rating Tiers
100%
unfavorable entire spine ankylosis
50%
unfavorable thoracolumbar ankylosis
40%
Meets minimum criteria
20%
Meets minimum criteria
10%
Meets minimum criteria
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›100%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
- ›50%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
- ›40%: Flexion limited to 30° or less, OR favorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
- ›20%: Flexion limited to 31°–60°, OR abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour from muscle spasm.
- ›10%: Flexion limited to 61°–85°, OR localized tenderness or muscle spasm 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.
- ›Associated neurologic abnormalities (radiculopathy) are rated separately under peripheral nerve codes.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Imaging is helpful but not always required.
- •Functional loss and flare-ups are often important.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call visits for back pain
- •profile or limited duty
- •physical therapy during service
- •injury reports
Medical Evidence
- •primary care notes
- •orthopedic notes
- •physical therapy records
- •urgent care records
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing injury or repetitive strain in service
- •statement describing ongoing pain and limitations
Diagnostic Tests
- •x-ray
- •MRI
- •CT
- •range of motion evaluation
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Spine
Be ready to describe
- •where pain is located
- •how often pain occurs
- •what movements worsen symptoms
- •how flare-ups affect movement and work
Prep notes
- •Describe pain honestly during movement testing.
- •Explain flare-ups clearly, including what you cannot do when they happen.
- •Focus on real functional limitations in daily life.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 5237
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Spine
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 100%
Also Known As
lumbar strainlumbosacral strainback painlow back pain
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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