★ Musculoskeletal
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5242
Overview
DC 5242 covers X-ray-confirmed degenerative changes of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
Like DC 5237 and DC 5238, it uses the General Rating Formula for the spine — ratings are based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.
Where ROM is non-compensable (0%), VA may apply DC 5003 (general degenerative arthritis) for a minimum 10% if there is painful or limited motion of a major joint group.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service back/neck injury or chronic strain followed by radiographic arthritis on later imaging.
- Within 1 year of separation: arthritis is a chronic disease subject to presumptive service connection if compensable within 12 months of discharge (38 CFR § 3.309(a)).
- Secondary: aggravation from service-connected lower-extremity or back conditions.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5242
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Forward flexion 60–85° (thoracolumbar) / 30–40° (cervical), OR DC 5003 minimum for X-ray confirmed arthritis with painful motion. |
| 20% | Forward flexion 30–60° / 15–30°, or muscle spasm causing abnormal gait/spinal contour. |
| 40% | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine ≤30°, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. (30% for the cervical spine at this tier.) |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- X-ray, CT, or MRI showing degenerative changes.
- Goniometer-measured ROM at C&P exam.
- Treatment records documenting chronicity.
- Lay statements describing functional limits and flare-ups.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Related Conditions
Lumbar Spine (Low Back Strain)
Range of motion, IVDS, and the General Rating Formula for the spine.
Cervical Spine (Neck Strain)
Cervical ranges of motion and how flare-ups affect the rating.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal — rated under the General Spine Formula (DC 5238).
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
Disc syndrome rated by incapacitating-episode formula or by ROM, whichever is higher (DC 5243).
Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
X-ray confirmed arthritis rated under DC 5003 with limitation of motion analysis.