★ Rating percentages & 2026 pay
VA Rating for Cervical Spine (Neck)
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237
Every percentage, and what it pays in 2026
| Rating | 2026 monthly | What that level generally requires |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180/mo | Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30° but not greater than 40°; or combined range of motion greater than 170° but not greater than 335°. |
| 20% | $357/mo | Forward flexion greater than 15° but not greater than 30°; or combined range of motion not greater than 170°; or muscle spasm/guarding causing abnormal gait or spinal contour. |
| 30% | $552/mo | Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15° or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. |
| 40% | $796/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. |
| 100% | $3,939/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. |
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237. Rates are the published 2026 schedule (effective December 1, 2025, 2.8% COLA) and are shown for reference only — they are not an estimate of what any individual claim will pay. 10% and 20% pay a flat amount with no dependent increase.
What it adds to your existing rating
Combine it with your current rating
VA does not add ratings together — it combines them on a "whole person" basis under 38 CFR § 4.25, then rounds to the nearest 10.
Illustrative math on the published 2026 rate schedule for a veteran with no dependents. It is not a prediction, an estimate of your claim, or a statement that any rating is achievable.
Why a rating lands lower than the records suggest
- The exam captured a good day. Ratings are built from what the C&P examiner recorded. If flare-ups, fatigue, or repeated-use loss were not documented, they were not rated — 38 CFR § 4.40 and § 4.45 require them to be considered when they are in the record.
- The criteria were read as a checklist. Under 38 CFR § 4.7, when the disability picture more nearly approximates the higher level, the higher level applies. A partially-met tier is not automatically the lower tier.
- Secondary conditions were never claimed. A separately ratable secondary condition adds to the combined rating; it does not raise this diagnostic code's percentage.
- Pyramiding was applied too broadly. 38 CFR § 4.14 bars rating the same symptom twice — it does not bar rating distinct manifestations under different codes.
For the full evidence checklist, C&P exam detail, and secondary pathways, read the complete Cervical Spine (Neck) claim guide.
Common questions
What is the highest VA rating for Cervical Spine (Neck)?
The schedular maximum under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237 is 100%. A higher combined rating is possible when other service-connected conditions, secondary conditions, or an extraschedular or TDIU pathway apply, but those are separate determinations.
How much does a 100% rating pay in 2026?
$3,939 per month for a veteran with no dependents, under the rate schedule effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA). Ratings of 30% and above increase with dependents.
Can Cervical Spine (Neck) be rated at 0%?
Yes. VA can grant service connection and assign a noncompensable (0%) rating when the condition is established but the findings do not meet the criteria for a compensable level. A 0% rating still preserves the effective date and can be increased later if the condition worsens.
Can neck pain cause my migraines?
Yes — cervicogenic headaches are commonly secondary to cervical strain and can be claimed under DC 8100.
What is normal cervical range of motion under VA's rating chart?
38 CFR § 4.71a lists normal cervical forward flexion and extension as 0–45° each, lateral flexion 0–45° to each side, and rotation 0–80° to each side, for a combined normal range of 340°.
Think your Cervical Spine (Neck) rating is too low?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. No fee unless past-due benefits are awarded on an appeal.
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.