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Kyphosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5242 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 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.
Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward (convex) curvature of the spine in the sagittal plane, most commonly affecting the thoracic region and producing a rounded-back or hunched posture. It can be postural, congenital, or structural (for example Scheuermann disease), or acquired from vertebral compression fractures, degenerative disc and facet disease, osteoporosis, or prior spinal surgery. Functionally it limits trunk extension and forward flexion, alters spinal contour and gait, and when severe can compress neural structures or reduce chest expansion and pulmonary capacity.
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.