What CFR section governs Lower Back Pain (Lumbosacral Strain) ratings?

38 CFR 4.71a — General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Always verify current criteria at va.gov before filing.

VA Disability Rating Guide

Lower Back Pain (Lumbosacral Strain) — VA disability rating

38 CFR 4.71a — General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine

Rated 10-100% under DC 5237 + 5242 based on range of motion measurements OR incapacitating-episode frequency.

Rating tiers

10%

Forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine greater than 60° but not greater than 85°, OR combined range of motion 120°-235°, OR muscle spasm/guarding/localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait.

$ pay rate at 10% →

20%

Forward flexion 30°-60°, OR combined range 120°, OR muscle spasm/guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

$ pay rate at 20% →

40%

Forward flexion 30° or less, OR favorable ankylosis of entire thoracolumbar spine.

$ pay rate at 40% →

50%

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire thoracolumbar spine.

$ pay rate at 50% →

100%

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine (cervical + thoracolumbar).

$ pay rate at 100% →

Evidence checklist

C&P examination measuring range of motion in degrees (forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation)
In-service back injury documentation (sick call records, line-of-duty determination)
Imaging (MRI, X-ray) showing degenerative disc disease, herniation, or other pathology
Treatment records: physical therapy, chiropractic, pain management, surgery if applicable

Common filing mistakes

Filing without range-of-motion measurements (in degrees) — VA can't apply the rating formula without this
Not claiming radiculopathy (sciatica) — peripheral nerve damage from lower back is rated SEPARATELY (DC 8520-8530) and can add 10-80% per leg
Not claiming secondary conditions: scar disability (from surgery), erectile dysfunction (from nerve damage), depression (from chronic pain)

How to file

File VA Form 21-526EZ with the diagnosis evidence above. A free CVSO will assemble your claim and file it on your behalf at no cost.

VA Form 21-526EZ → Find a free CVSO →

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Related conditions

Other VA rating guides

About this guide

VA disability rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). Criteria are subject to revision; always verify current rules at va.gov/disability/ before filing. This page is informational and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a CVSO, VSO representative, or VA-accredited attorney. Free claim help available from CVSOs and VSOs in every U.S. county.