Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 5239: Spondylolisthesis / Segmental Instability Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.71a
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Musculoskeletal system
The VA rates Spondylolisthesis / Segmental Instability under diagnostic code 5239 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 5239 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Forward flexion 60-85 degrees What raters look formild limitation |
| 20% | Forward flexion 30-60 degrees What raters look formoderate limitation |
| 40% | Forward flexion 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine What raters look forsevere limitation; favorable ankylosis |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis thoracolumbar |
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine What raters look forunfavorable ankylosis 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).
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 5239 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 5239?
Diagnostic code 5239 is the VA rating schedule entry for Spondylolisthesis / Segmental Instability, 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 5239?
DC 5239 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 5239 require?
The 100% rating for Spondylolisthesis / Segmental Instability requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.