What rates 50% for Spinal Stenosis under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 (DC 5238), a 50% rating for Spinal Stenosis requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

What rates 100% for Spinal Stenosis under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 (DC 5238), a 100% rating for Spinal Stenosis requires: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

What happens during a C&P exam for Spinal Stenosis?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Spinal Stenosis

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal Stenosis (DC 5238) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238. Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

Q: What rates 10% for Spinal Stenosis under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 (DC 5238), a 10% rating for Spinal Stenosis requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

Q: What rates 20% for Spinal Stenosis under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 (DC 5238), a 20% rating for Spinal Stenosis requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

Q: What rates 40% for Spinal Stenosis under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238?

Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 (DC 5238), a 40% rating for Spinal Stenosis requires: Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Spinal Stenosis VA claim?

Key evidence for a Spinal Stenosis claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 523838 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Diagnostic Code

DC 5238

38 C.F.R. § 4.71a

Rating Range

10–100%

5 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Spinal Stenosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 5238 of 38 CFR § 4.71a, DC 5238 across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 50% / 100%). 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.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms

Rating Criteria

10%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.

20%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

40%

Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

50%

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

100%

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

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.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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