Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5237: Lumbosacral Strain / Cervical Strain Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a. General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Spine
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Lumbosacral Strain / Cervical Strain under diagnostic code 5237 in 38 CFR § 4.71a. General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Spine. 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 5237 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Forward flexion greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined ROM greater than 120 but not greater than 235; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness What raters look formild ROM limitation; muscle spasm; localized tenderness |
| 20% | Forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined ROM not greater than 120; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour What raters look formoderate ROM limitation; abnormal gait; abnormal spinal contour |
| 40% | Forward flexion 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine What raters look forsevere ROM limitation; forward flexion 30 or less; favorable ankylosis |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis of thoracolumbar spine |
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis of entire spine |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Cervical Spine (Neck). The Cervical Spine (Neck) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Other conditions rated under this code: Back (Lumbar Spine), Thoracic Spine.
What happens to Cervical Spine (Neck) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 460 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Cervical Spine (Neck) as the primary issue. The Cervical Spine (Neck) 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 Cervical Spine (Neck) appeals generally rather than DC 5237 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5237?
Diagnostic code 5237 is the VA rating schedule entry for Lumbosacral Strain / Cervical Strain, found in 38 CFR § 4.71a. General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Spine. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 5237?
DC 5237 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 5237 require?
The 100% rating for Lumbosacral Strain / Cervical Strain requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.