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All rating criteria

How the VA Rates Cervical Spine

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5235-5243 (Spine General Rating Formula) criteria a VA rater evaluates Cervical Spine against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Diagnostic codes 5235, 5236, 5237, 5238, 5239, 5240, 5241, 5242, 5243

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5235-5243 (Spine General Rating Formula) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

10%

$180.42/month

Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour; or, bilateral or unilateral radiculopathy with combined rating not yet meeting higher levels.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Neck pain with rotation or flexion
  • Muscle spasm or stiffness
  • Forward flexion 30–40 degrees
  • Occasional tingling or numbness in hands

20%

$356.66/month

Forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Forward flexion 15–30 degrees
  • Cannot look down without pain
  • Muscle guarding visible on exam
  • Abnormal posture or contour

30%

$552.47/month

Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Severe restriction of forward flexion (chin cannot approach chest)
  • Ankylosis in slight forward flexion
  • Unable to look up or significantly rotate head

40%

$795.84/month

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine — fused in a position other than slight flexion.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Neck fused in hyperextension, lateral deviation, or rotated position
  • Cannot move neck at all
  • Severe compensatory body posturing

50%

$1,132.90/month

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine combined with unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Both cervical and thoracolumbar spine fused unfavorably
  • Complete loss of spinal mobility — head, neck, and trunk

100%

$3,938.58/month

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine — both cervical and thoracolumbar in unfavorable positions.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Complete spinal fusion in unfavorable position
  • Profound disability across all functional domains

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

The evidence that matters most

Goniometer-measured forward flexion of the neck from the treating provider — degrees and any ankylosis decide the level under the General Rating Formula for the Spine

C&P exam tips for Cervical Spine

  • Range of motion is measured in all planes: flexion, extension, lateral rotation, and lateral flexion. Know your normal ranges (flexion 45°, extension 45°, lateral flexion 45°, rotation 80°).
  • Perform the exam after movement — the repetition effect matters and must be documented.
  • Describe pain during movement, not just at endpoint.
  • Report arm tingling or numbness — this may support a separate radiculopathy claim.
  • Ask the examiner to note 'additional limitation expected on flare-up' in the report.

Common mistakes on Cervical Spine claims

  • Not claiming arm or hand symptoms as associated radiculopathy.
  • Performing at best capacity rather than demonstrating typical daily limitation.
  • Failing to describe occupational impact (cannot look at computer screen, cannot drive safely, etc.).

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Cervical Spine?

Cervical Spine is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 5235-5243 (Spine General Rating Formula) — diagnostic codes 5235, 5236, 5237, 5238, 5239, 5240, 5241, 5242, 5243.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Cervical Spine?

100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Cervical Spine. The criteria at that level describe: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine — both cervical and thoracolumbar in unfavorable positions.

How much does a 100% VA rating for Cervical Spine pay in 2026?

$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Related tools & guides

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Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.