EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Cervical Strain
DC 5237 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5237 |
Cervical Strain is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5237 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5237 across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). 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 Cervical Radiculopathy or Migraines under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Strain or sprain of the cervical (neck) muscles and ligaments causing pain, stiffness, and limited neck mobility
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis
Severe limitation of motion or ankylosis of the affected joint. Specific percentages depend on the joint and whether dominant/non-dominant.
20% -- Moderate limitation
Moderate limitation of motion with significant functional impairment. DeLuca factors may increase the effective rating.
10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion
Mild limitation of motion, or X-ray evidence of arthritis with painful motion under DC 5003.
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
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (13 MAPPED)
DC
Chronic strain causes inflammation compressing cervical nerve roots
DC
Cervical strain triggers cervicogenic headaches and migraines
DC
Chronic neck muscle tension causes headaches
DC
Postural changes and muscle tension compress neurovascular bundle
DC
Referred pain and compensatory movement affect shoulders
DC
Cervical dysfunction affects both shoulders
DC
Cervical radiculopathy contributes to upper extremity nerve symptoms
DC
Nerve root irritation causes arm and hand weakness
DC
Cervical proprioceptive dysfunction causes dizziness
DC
Cervical dysfunction affects jaw alignment and function
DC
Compensatory changes develop in lumbar spine
DC
Chronic neck pain causes depressive symptoms
DC
Neck positioning issues worsen airway obstruction
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.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026