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Spinal Fusion (Surgical) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5241 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5241 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.
Spinal fusion (DC 5241) is the surgical or pathological joining of two or more vertebrae into a single rigid bone segment, most often performed to stabilize the spine after a fracture, severe degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or failed conservative treatment of chronic back or neck pain. Because the fused level no longer moves, the condition is rated under the General Rating Formula for the Spine according to the resulting loss of range of motion and, at higher levels, the presence of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis. A single-level fusion that leaves substantial motion is rated modestly, while multi-level or full-segment fusion that locks the spine drives the higher evaluations; adjacent-segment breakdown and nerve-root involvement frequently develop over time and are rated on top of the orthopedic evaluation.
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.