★ Rating percentages & 2026 pay
VA Rating for Lumbar Spine (Low Back)
38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237 (General Rating Formula for Spine)
Every percentage, and what it pays in 2026
| Rating | 2026 monthly | What that level generally requires |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180/mo | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60° but not greater than 85°; or combined range of motion greater than 120° but not greater than 235°; or muscle spasm/guarding/localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. |
| 20% | $357/mo | Forward flexion greater than 30° but not greater than 60°; or combined range of motion not greater than 120°; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. |
| 40% | $796/mo | Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30° or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 50% | $1,133/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. |
| 100% | $3,939/mo | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. |
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237 (General Rating Formula for Spine). 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 Lumbar Spine (Low Back) claim guide.
Common questions
What is the highest VA rating for Lumbar Spine (Low Back)?
The schedular maximum under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5237 (General Rating Formula for Spine) 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 Lumbar Spine (Low Back) 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.
What's the maximum schedular rating for the low back?
50% for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. 100% requires unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Most veterans add radiculopathy and IVDS for higher combined ratings.
Can I get separate ratings for left and right radiculopathy?
Yes — each lower extremity is rated separately under DC 8520, and the bilateral factor adds an extra bump.
Think your Lumbar Spine (Low Back) 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.