What are the VA rating percentages for Lumbar Spine (Secondary)?

Lumbar Spine (Secondary) (DC 5237-5243) is rated at 100%, 50%, 40%, 20%, 10% under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a. Complete fixation of the entire spinal column in a non-functional position.

What happens during a C&P exam for Lumbar Spine (Secondary)?

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.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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Lumbar Spine (Secondary) VA Disability Rating

Q: What evidence do I need for a Lumbar Spine (Secondary) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Lumbar Spine (Secondary) 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 5237-5243 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2

OVERVIEW

Secondary lumbar spine conditions commonly develop from altered gait and compensatory movement due to service-connected lower extremity conditions. Knee, hip, and ankle conditions cause biomechanical changes that stress the lumbar spine over time.

RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)

100% -- Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine

Complete fixation of the entire spinal column in a non-functional position.

50% -- Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine

Complete fixation in a flexed position producing breathing difficulty or neurological symptoms.

40% -- Forward flexion 30 degrees or less

Forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, OR favorable ankylosis. DeLuca factors can push functional ROM into this range.

20% -- Forward flexion 31-60 degrees

Forward flexion 31-60 degrees, OR combined ROM not greater than 120 degrees, OR muscle spasm/guarding producing abnormal gait or spinal contour.

10% -- Forward flexion 61-85 degrees

Forward flexion 61-85 degrees, OR combined ROM 121-235 degrees, OR muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

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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EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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