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Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) VA Disability Rating is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5243 of 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a across 4 severity tiers (60% -- Incapacitating episodes 6+ weeks/year / 40% -- 4-6 weeks / 20% -- 2-4 weeks / 10% -- 1-2 weeks). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
IVDS (DC 5243) can be rated under either the General Rating Formula (ROM-based) or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes -- whichever produces the higher rating. An incapacitating episode requires bed rest PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN.
Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) (DC 5243) is evaluated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a using the disc disease rating framework. Because it is rated by analogy to the general schedule, the 4 levels below describe the body-system criteria the VA applies — the percentage assigned to Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) depends on the specific findings (range of motion, frequency, severity, or functional loss) documented at the C&P exam and in the medical record.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.