VA Disability Rating for Cervical Spine Strain / Neck Pain
Rated 10–100% by forward flexion. Radiculopathy into the arms is rated separately.
Cervical spine strain (DC 5237) is rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine — same framework as lumbar. Rating is driven by forward flexion in degrees. Arm symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness) warrant a separate cervical radiculopathy rating.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Forward flexion of the cervical spine >30° but ≤40°, OR combined range of motion >170° but ≤335°, OR muscle spasm/localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Forward flexion >15° but ≤30°, OR combined range of motion ≤170°, OR muscle spasm/guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Forward flexion of the cervical spine ≤15°. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for cervical spine strain / neck pain
- C&P exam with goniometer — document the point pain begins, not your max effort through pain.
- MRI or X-ray documenting degenerative changes.
- Report any arm symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness) for a separate radiculopathy rating.
- Document flare-ups, pain on repetitive motion, and impact on work.
Common secondary conditions
- +Cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain into arms)
- +Headaches / cervicogenic headaches
- +Shoulder impingement (from altered mechanics)
- +TMJ disorder (from clenching / altered posture)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Document in-service events — helmet/vehicle rollover, parachute landing, IED blast, MVA.
- Cumulative trauma from heavy gear (Kevlar + body armor) is a well-established wear-and-tear theory.
Frequently asked
Can I rate both my lumbar and cervical spine separately?
Yes. Each segment of the spine is rated independently under its own diagnostic code. File both if both are affected.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.