Back
The VA evaluates lower back conditions using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine under 38 CFR § 4.71a.
This Quiz section covers your middle and lower back known as the Thoraic and Lumbar regions . Vertebrae starting with “T” and “L”.
Please read the instructions and review the picture, then proceed to the quiz questions.
REMEMBER: The VA rating system determines the severity based on your Range of Motion on a “Flare-Up”. Consider a Flare-Up as the worst day in the last year.
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Neuropathy for the Lower Extremities. Neuropathy is pain, tingling, or numbness that runs down the back side of one or both of your legs and/or feet. This is sometimes commonly associated with Diabetes or other nerve conditions. You cannot have both Radiculopathy and Neuropathy rated.
The VA rates Neuropathy based on the frequency. Do you feel the pain, tingling, and/or numbness all day every day, once a day, or multiple times per month?
Step 2: Key Points:
Range of Motion and Symptoms
All spine/back conditions are rated based on:
- Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine
- Combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine
- Muscle spasm, guarding, abnormal gait/posture
- Ankylosis (complete fusion)
- Additional Considerations
Radiculopathy (nerve pain/tingling/numbness down legs) may be rated separately under peripheral nerve codes (usually sciatic nerve – DC 8520).
Scars from surgery may also be rated separately.
Flare-ups must be addressed if they affect the frequency or severity of symptoms.
Summary of Requirements:
- Diagnosis of a spine condition
- Service Connection
- Objective evidence of reduced motion, ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes
- Range of motion measurements from a C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam
- May receive separate ratings for radiculopathy, scars, or surgical effects
Step 3:
Continue with the quiz for both the lower and middle back. When the back is completed, you will be as about sciatic pain in the lower extremities. Then you will view the results of your quiz.
Back Quiz - Lower Back
Step 1 of 3: Back Assessment
This quiz section covers your middle and lower back (thoracic and lumbar vertebrae). Veterans often experience pain from herniated discs, degenerative changes, or injuries.