VA Disability Rating for Lumbar Spine Strain / Lower Back Pain
Rated 10–100% by forward flexion range of motion. Radiculopathy adds a separate neurological rating.
Lumbar strain (DC 5237) is rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Rating is driven by forward flexion in degrees. Any neurological symptoms (sciatica, radiculopathy) warrant a separate rating under the nerve diagnostic codes.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine >60° but ≤85°, OR combined range of motion >120° but ≤235°, OR muscle spasm/localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Forward flexion >30° but ≤60°, OR combined range of motion ≤120°, OR muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Forward flexion ≤30°, OR favorable ankylosis. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar 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 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for lumbar spine strain / lower back pain
- C&P exam with goniometer measurement — do NOT push through pain. The point at which pain begins counts.
- Imaging (MRI or X-ray) documenting degenerative changes.
- Report any radiating leg pain, numbness, or weakness — this triggers a separate radiculopathy rating.
- DeLuca factors: document pain on use, after repetition, during flare-ups.
Common secondary conditions
- +Radiculopathy (sciatic nerve, DC 8520)
- +Depression from chronic pain
- +Sleep impairment
- +Sexual dysfunction (from nerve involvement or opioid meds)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- In-service event: document any acute back injury (lifting, fall, MVA) in STRs.
- Cumulative/wear-and-tear: MOS that involves heavy carrying (11B, engineer, medic) supports a wear-and-tear theory.
- Always claim radiculopathy separately if you have leg symptoms — it can add 20%+ to the combined rating.
Frequently asked
What if my back pain got worse after the C&P exam?
File a claim for increase. VA is required to rate flare-ups — if your flexion is worse on bad days, the DeLuca factors should be reflected.
Does a "lumbar strain" rating limit me below 40%?
No. If your current flexion is ≤30° (even if originally diagnosed as strain), you qualify for 40%. If you also have IVDS with incapacitating episodes, consider filing under DC 5243 for alternative rating path.
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.