Back strain
Lumbosacral strain. Diagnostic Code 5237.
Overview
A lumbar strain is an injury to muscles or tendons of the lower back. Heavy gear, lifting, parachute landings, and long hours in vehicles are common parts of military life. VA rates most spine conditions by range of motion using one general formula.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 5237 · 38 CFR 4.71a
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis (fixation) of the entire spine. |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 40% | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 30% | Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. (Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine is rated 40.) |
| 20% | Thoracolumbar flexion greater than 30 but not greater than 60 degrees, cervical flexion greater than 15 but not greater than 30 degrees, reduced combined range of motion, or spasm or guarding severe enough to cause an abnormal gait or spinal contour. |
| 10% | Thoracolumbar flexion greater than 60 but not greater than 85 degrees, cervical flexion greater than 30 but not greater than 40 degrees, mildly reduced combined motion, spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness without abnormal gait or contour, or certain vertebral fractures. |
The regulation also says to rate related nerve problems, such as radiculopathy, separately. Pain on motion, flare ups, and repeated use are also considered under 38 CFR 4.40 and 4.45.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Back strain. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Radiculopathy
- Hip or knee conditions
- Depression
Presumptive notes
VA does not list this condition on its main presumptive lists covered in this library. Service connection is generally shown with evidence of a current condition, an in service event, and a link between them. See VA hazardous materials exposure for other presumptive programs.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- Range of motion measurements from an exam
- Imaging such as X ray or MRI
- Records of physical therapy or treatment
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.71a on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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