Cervical Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (Cervical IVDS)

DC 5243Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5243

Disc problems in the neck (cervical spine) causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. The VA rates cervical IVDS based on limitation of motion of the cervical spine or on incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a doctor.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition primarily based on range-of-motion measurements. During your C&P exam, the examiner will use a goniometer to measure how far you can move the affected joint. Pain, flare-ups, and repetitive-use limitations also factor into the final rating.

Diagnostic code

DC 5243

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5243. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have cervical IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

What the VA looks for

Incapacitating episodes totaling 6 or more weeks per year
Doctor-prescribed bed rest for each episode documented
Severe multilevel cervical disc disease on MRI
Failed conservative treatment including physical therapy
Surgical intervention history or recommendation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that "incapacitating episodes" require doctor-prescribed bed rest — simply staying in bed on your own does not count. You must have a physician document prescribed bed rest for each episode.
⚠Not claiming radiculopathy separately — if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands from cervical nerve compression, each affected extremity can receive a separate rating under the peripheral nerve codes.
⚠Not documenting range of motion during flare-ups — ask the C&P examiner to estimate your range of motion during flare-ups, as DeLuca factors may support a higher rating.
⚠Not getting an MRI — X-rays cannot show disc herniations. An MRI is essential to document the disc pathology causing your symptoms.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Cervical Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (Cervical IVDS)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5243

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have cervical IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months.

What the VA looks for

Incapacitating episodes totaling 6 or more weeks per year
Doctor-prescribed bed rest for each episode documented
Severe multilevel cervical disc disease on MRI
Failed conservative treatment including physical therapy
Surgical intervention history or recommendation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that "incapacitating episodes" require doctor-prescribed bed rest — simply staying in bed on your own does not count. You must have a physician document prescribed bed rest for each episode.

⚠Not claiming radiculopathy separately — if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands from cervical nerve compression, each affected extremity can receive a separate rating under the peripheral nerve codes.

⚠Not documenting range of motion during flare-ups — ask the C&P examiner to estimate your range of motion during flare-ups, as DeLuca factors may support a higher rating.

⚠Not getting an MRI — X-rays cannot show disc herniations. An MRI is essential to document the disc pathology causing your symptoms.