CLAIM RECON INTEL

DC 5236 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2

OVERVIEW

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes lower back and buttock pain, often mimicking lumbar disc disease. Rated under DC 5236 (sacroiliac injury and weakness) using the General Rating Formula for the Spine. Common in veterans from heavy rucking, parachute landings, running on uneven terrain, and vehicle-borne IED blast injuries. SI joint conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as lumbar spine conditions.

RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-MRI or CT showing SI joint degeneration, inflammation, or instability

-Positive SI joint provocation tests (FABER, Gaenslen, compression, distraction)

-Diagnostic SI joint injection with pain relief (gold standard for diagnosis)

-Service records showing heavy physical demands, airborne service, or blast exposure

SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)

C&P EXAM TIPS (3)

1.SI joint dysfunction is rated under the SPINE criteria, not joint criteria. ROM of the thoracolumbar spine determines the rating.

2.If you have BOTH lumbar spine and SI joint conditions, they are rated as one disability under the spine formula. However, neurological complications are rated separately.

3.A diagnostic injection that relieved your pain is strong evidence the SI joint is the pain source.

DOLLAR IMPACT

SI joint at 20% pays $345.78/mo. The key value is establishing service connection to anchor secondary claims for hip, radiculopathy, and mental health.

RELATED CONDITION GUIDES