Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation

DC 5235Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5235

A broken or displaced vertebra in the spine, often resulting from trauma during military service. The VA rates vertebral fractures under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine based on the residual limitation of motion and any associated neurological problems.

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 5235

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5235. 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 from cervical through lumbar as a result of vertebral fracture or its surgical treatment.

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine
Complete loss of spinal mobility
Spine fixed in abnormal position
Documented inability to perform any spinal motion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original fracture in service records — get buddy statements and in-service medical records showing the injury event if your STRs are incomplete.
⚠Failing to report neurological symptoms — vertebral fractures often cause nerve compression. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities should be documented and claimed separately as radiculopathy.
⚠Not requesting imaging — old fractures may show healed deformity, vertebral height loss, or post-traumatic arthritis that support your claim even years later.
⚠Ignoring DeLuca factors — the examiner must document additional functional loss during flare-ups, with repetitive use, and after prolonged activity.

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…

Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5235

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine from cervical through lumbar as a result of vertebral fracture or its surgical treatment.

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine
Complete loss of spinal mobility
Spine fixed in abnormal position
Documented inability to perform any spinal motion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original fracture in service records — get buddy statements and in-service medical records showing the injury event if your STRs are incomplete.

⚠Failing to report neurological symptoms — vertebral fractures often cause nerve compression. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities should be documented and claimed separately as radiculopathy.

⚠Not requesting imaging — old fractures may show healed deformity, vertebral height loss, or post-traumatic arthritis that support your claim even years later.

⚠Ignoring DeLuca factors — the examiner must document additional functional loss during flare-ups, with repetitive use, and after prolonged activity.