Thoracic Spine Strain

DC 5237Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5237

Pain and limited motion in the middle and upper back caused by muscle strain or injury. The VA rates thoracic spine strain using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Spine, based on how much your forward bending and overall range of motion is limited.

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

⚠The thoracic spine is rated together with the lumbar spine as "thoracolumbar" — you cannot receive separate ratings for thoracic and lumbar strain. However, if you also have cervical (neck) spine problems, that is rated separately.
⚠Not reporting pain and limitations on your worst days — DeLuca factors (pain, weakness, fatigability, flare-ups) can support a higher rating even with borderline range of motion.
⚠Not filing for radiculopathy separately — if thoracic nerve roots are compressed, causing pain that radiates around the trunk, this may warrant a separate neurological rating.
⚠Not connecting thoracic spine problems to military activities — heavy lifting, rucking, parachute jumps, and vehicle vibration during service are common causes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Thoracic Spine Strain

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

⚠The thoracic spine is rated together with the lumbar spine as "thoracolumbar" — you cannot receive separate ratings for thoracic and lumbar strain. However, if you also have cervical (neck) spine problems, that is rated separately.

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

⚠Not filing for radiculopathy separately — if thoracic nerve roots are compressed, causing pain that radiates around the trunk, this may warrant a separate neurological rating.

⚠Not connecting thoracic spine problems to military activities — heavy lifting, rucking, parachute jumps, and vehicle vibration during service are common causes.