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Lumbar 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 Neurogenic Claudication or Foot Drop under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina in the lower (lumbar) spine that compresses the spinal cord, the cauda equina, or exiting nerve roots. It is most commonly degenerative, arising from disc bulging, facet-joint hypertrophy, ligamentum flavum thickening, and osteophyte formation, though it may also be congenital or post-traumatic. The hallmark feature is neurogenic claudication - back, buttock, and leg pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens with standing and walking (lumbar extension) and is relieved by sitting or forward flexion - which often produces measurable limitation of motion and an antalgic, flexed posture.
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.