Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5236: Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness under diagnostic code 5236 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 5236 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Forward flexion 60-85 degrees or combined ROM 120-235 What raters look formild limitation |
| 20% | Forward flexion 30-60 degrees or combined ROM 120 or less What raters look formoderate limitation |
| 40% | Forward flexion 30 degrees or less What raters look forsevere limitation |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Back (Lumbar Spine). The Back (Lumbar Spine) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Back (Lumbar Spine) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,037 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Back (Lumbar Spine) as the primary issue. The Back (Lumbar Spine) condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Back (Lumbar Spine) appeals generally rather than DC 5236 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5236?
Diagnostic code 5236 is the VA rating schedule entry for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5236?
DC 5236 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5236 require?
The 40% rating for Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness requires: Forward flexion 30 degrees or less.