VA Disability for Back Pain

Spine conditions rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a. 10%: flexion >60° but ≤85°. 20%: flexion >30° but ≤60°. 40%: flexion ≤30° or favorable ankylosis. 50%: unfavorable ankylosis of thoracolumbar spine. 100%: unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine.

Critical: document your worst days. Under DeLuca v. Brown, VA must consider functional loss during flare-ups. Tell the C&P examiner about worst episodes.

Secondary claims: back injuries commonly cause radiculopathy (nerve pain in legs), rated separately at 10–60% per extremity. A 20% back + bilateral 20% radiculopathy produces a significantly higher combined rating than back alone.