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Degenerative Disc Disease (Thoracic) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5242 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5242 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.
Thoracic degenerative disc disease is age-related or injury-accelerated deterioration of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic (mid-back / dorsal) spine, involving loss of disc height, dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, annular tears, and reactive osteophyte (bone spur) formation at the vertebral endplates. Because the thoracic spine is splinted by the rib cage and is relatively rigid, it produces less gross motion loss than the cervical or lumbar regions, so the disability often presents as mid-back pain, stiffness, painful motion, and muscle guarding rather than dramatic loss of bending. When disc protrusion irritates a thoracic nerve root it can radiate as band-like pain around the chest wall or trunk, and advanced disease can contribute to abnormal spinal contour or, in severe cases, ankylosis.
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.