Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

DC 5242Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5242

Wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the spinal vertebrae, causing stiffness, pain, and reduced flexibility. The VA rates this under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine based on how much your spinal range of motion is limited, whether you have muscle spasm severe enough to cause abnormal gait or spinal contour, or whether your spine is frozen (ankylosed).

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 5242

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5242. 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 unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, meaning your whole spine — neck through lower back — is frozen in a fixed, unfavorable position. This is the maximum schedular rating.

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine documented
Complete loss of spinal mobility from cervical through lumbar
Spine fixed in abnormal position affecting posture and breathing
Total inability to flex, extend, or rotate the spine

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not reporting your worst days — tell the examiner about flare-ups when your range of motion is at its worst, not just how you feel on exam day. The VA must consider functional loss during flare-ups under DeLuca.
⚠Forgetting to document radiculopathy separately — if you have nerve pain, numbness, or tingling shooting down your legs, that warrants a separate rating under the peripheral nerve codes in addition to your spine rating.
⚠Not getting range of motion measured in degrees — the spine rating formula depends on specific degree measurements. If the examiner does not use a goniometer or inclinometer, the exam may be inadequate.
⚠Overlooking incapacitating episodes — if your degenerative spine disease causes episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a doctor, you may qualify for a higher rating under the Incapacitating Episodes formula (DC 5243).

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions
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…

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5242

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, meaning your whole spine — neck through lower back — is frozen in a fixed, unfavorable position. This is the maximum schedular rating.

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine documented
Complete loss of spinal mobility from cervical through lumbar
Spine fixed in abnormal position affecting posture and breathing
Total inability to flex, extend, or rotate the spine

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not reporting your worst days — tell the examiner about flare-ups when your range of motion is at its worst, not just how you feel on exam day. The VA must consider functional loss during flare-ups under DeLuca.

⚠Forgetting to document radiculopathy separately — if you have nerve pain, numbness, or tingling shooting down your legs, that warrants a separate rating under the peripheral nerve codes in addition to your spine rating.

⚠Not getting range of motion measured in degrees — the spine rating formula depends on specific degree measurements. If the examiner does not use a goniometer or inclinometer, the exam may be inadequate.

⚠Overlooking incapacitating episodes — if your degenerative spine disease causes episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a doctor, you may qualify for a higher rating under the Incapacitating Episodes formula (DC 5243).