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Cervical Spinal Stenosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5238 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 across 6 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30% / 40% / 50%…). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Hand Weakness or Balance Problems under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina in the neck (cervical spine), which can compress the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots. It is most often caused by age-related degenerative changes (disc bulging, facet and ligament hypertrophy, bone spurs) but can also follow trauma or repetitive cervical strain. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, reduced range of motion, and radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness; severe cord compression (cervical myelopathy) can produce gait disturbance, hand clumsiness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.