EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
Cervical Spondylosis
DC 5242 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 |
Cervical Spondylosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5242 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30% / 40% / 100%). 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.
OVERVIEW
Age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine including bone spurs, disc narrowing, and cartilage wear causing neck pain and stiffness
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
10%
Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.
20%
Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.
30%
Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
40%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
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.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026