What rates 40% for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 (DC 5242), a 40% rating for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What rates 50% for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 (DC 5242), a 50% rating for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What rates 100% for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 (DC 5242), a 100% rating for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

What happens during a C&P exam for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease?

Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease (DC 5242) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

Q: What rates 10% for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 (DC 5242), a 10% rating for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

Q: What rates 20% for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 (DC 5242), a 20% rating for Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease VA claim?

Key evidence for a Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease claim includes: 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. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 5242 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 | 

Multi-Level Degenerative Disc Disease 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% / 40% / 50% / 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

Disc deterioration affecting multiple spinal levels simultaneously, causing widespread pain, stiffness, and significant loss of spinal mobility

RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)

10%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

20%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

40%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

50%

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar 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.

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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.

→ View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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