Spinal Stenosis

DC 5238Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5238

A narrowing of the spaces in your spine that puts pressure on the nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. The VA rates spinal stenosis using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Spine, based on how much your range of motion is limited.

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 5238

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5238. 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. Both your cervical and thoracolumbar spine are fixed in an abnormal position.

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine
Entire spine fixed in abnormal position
Total inability to move the spine
Severe impact on all daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for radiculopathy (nerve pain in the arms or legs) separately — spinal stenosis often compresses nerves, and radiculopathy is rated under separate neurological codes in addition to the spine rating.
⚠Not getting an MRI to document the stenosis — MRI or CT imaging showing the narrowing and nerve compression is critical evidence.
⚠Not reporting pain and limitations on your worst days — DeLuca factors (pain, weakness, fatigability, flare-ups) can support a higher rating.
⚠Not understanding that spinal stenosis can affect either the cervical or thoracolumbar spine — if both are affected, they should be rated separately.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — stenosis commonly causes bladder problems, bowel issues, and sexual dysfunction that may warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions
DBQ Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Spinal Stenosis or rated under the same body system.

Radiculopathy — Sciatic Nerve

DC 8520·Neurological·Possible secondary

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological·Possible secondary

Neurogenic Bladder

DC 7542·Genitourinary·Possible secondary

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Lumbar Strain (Low Back Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Flexion

DC 5260·Musculoskeletal

Knee Limitation of Extension

DC 5261·Musculoskeletal

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5238

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. Both your cervical and thoracolumbar spine are fixed in an abnormal position.

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine
Entire spine fixed in abnormal position
Total inability to move the spine
Severe impact on all daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for radiculopathy (nerve pain in the arms or legs) separately — spinal stenosis often compresses nerves, and radiculopathy is rated under separate neurological codes in addition to the spine rating.

⚠Not getting an MRI to document the stenosis — MRI or CT imaging showing the narrowing and nerve compression is critical evidence.

⚠Not reporting pain and limitations on your worst days — DeLuca factors (pain, weakness, fatigability, flare-ups) can support a higher rating.

⚠Not understanding that spinal stenosis can affect either the cervical or thoracolumbar spine — if both are affected, they should be rated separately.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — stenosis commonly causes bladder problems, bowel issues, and sexual dysfunction that may warrant separate ratings.