LOADING
Scoliosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5237 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5237 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.
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine, frequently with a rotational component, measured radiographically by the Cobb angle and most often idiopathic, though it can be congenital, degenerative, or neuromuscular in origin. Mild curves may be asymptomatic, but moderate-to-severe or degenerative curves produce chronic back pain, paraspinal muscle fatigue and spasm, reduced and asymmetric spinal motion, postural imbalance, and sometimes nerve-root compression with radiating leg or arm symptoms. Because scoliosis is not separately listed in the VA rating schedule, it is rated by analogy to the closest spine code and scored on functional impairment -- limitation of motion, ankylosis, muscle spasm or guarding, and altered gait or contour -- rather than on the curve magnitude itself.
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.