EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Spondylolisthesis
DC 5239 | 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5239 |
Spondylolisthesis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5239 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5239 across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 50% / 100%). 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 Chronic Low Back Pain or Radiculopathy under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Forward displacement of one vertebra over the one below it, causing lower back pain, nerve compression, and instability
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
10%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.
20%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.
40%
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
50%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
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
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC
Vertebral slippage causes persistent pain
DC
Nerve compression from vertebral misalignment
DC
Pelvic compensation causes muscle tension
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.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
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.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026