Lumbosacral strain affects over a million U.S. veterans. Military service is full of uniquely strenuous situations that can cause the muscles and tendons in the lower back or lumbosacral plexus to tear, making lumbosacral strain VA disability one of the most common service-connected disabilities. The VA rates this condition between 10% and 100% based on the severity of the condition and the veteran’s range of motion in their back.
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If you’re a veteran who believes you have service-connected lumbosacral strain, read on to learn more about related issues you may experience, the lumbosacral strain VA rating, and what you can do if your back pain keeps you from working.
In this article about lumbosacral strain:
What are the symptoms of lumbosacral strain?
As of 2022, cervical and lumbosacral strain are the 5th most commonly service-connected disabilities. Cervical strain refers to injuries causing pain and discomfort in the upper back and neck: lumbosacral strain can refer to any number of injuries that cause these issues in the lower portion of the back.
Lumbosacral strain is a medical term for an injury that causes lower back pain. The lumbosacral area (low back) is between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the buttocks. The lumbosacral area of the spine consists of the five bones sitting below the twelve chest vertebrae and the triangular-shaped sacrum bone. Veterans with lumbosacral strain have sprains, tears, and other injuries to muscles and tendons in this section of the back. Veterans with lumbosacral strain experience pain, weakness, numbness, swelling, and limited range of motion.
Service connecting lumbosacral strain
Lumbosacral strains may result from carrying heavy-weight rucksacks or from combat injuries. Veterans can also strain the muscles and tendons connected to the spine in several other ways, such as accidents or falls, prolonged periods of sitting or standing in one position, and repetitive movements performed during duties.
Additionally, moving muscles beyond their usual range of motion can also cause sudden back pain, especially when twisting, bending, lifting heavy objects, or performing physically demanding actions like jumping and running. These are all common aspects of military training and are even more prominent in combat settings.
VA rating for lumbosacral strain
The VA uses diagnostic code 5237 to designate lumbosacral strains and uses the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine to determine a veteran’s rating. These ratings can range from 10% to 100%. Ratings between 10% and 40% are based on limitations to the range of motion. The VA provides ratings of 50% and 100% based on the degree to which the spine is immobilized, a condition referred to as unfavorable ankylosis.
General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine | 100% | $3,737.85 |
| Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine | 50% | $1,075.16 |
| Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine | 40% | $755.28 |
| Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine | 30% | $524.31 |
| Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis | 20% | $338.49 |
| Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height | 10% | $171.23 |
“The VA commonly under-rates service-connected back pain,” said VA disability lawyer Lori Underwood. “Back pain ratings are evaluated in the diagnostic code, usually by incapacitating episodes or, in lesser severity, by loss of range of motion.”
Before assigning a rating for their condition, the VA typically requires veterans to undergo a compensation and pension (C&P) examination. During this examination, a physician will measure the veteran’s range of motion, monitor pain, and express limitations based on what they perceive.
Lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease VA rating
Veterans with degenerative disc disease (DDD), a spinal condition, may also experience chronic lumbosacral strain. The discs between the bones of the spine provide cushion for the vertebrae. Veterans with DDD notice their discs begin to break down and no longer absorb the pressure put on the spine.
DDD can cause pain in the back and neck that can radiate into the arms and legs, and like with lumbosacral strains, veterans may experience a limited range of motion. Degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease, but rather a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain. This pain can range from nagging to disabling.
DDD is rated under diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. DC 5003 uses the criteria in the General Rating Formula for Disease and Injuries of the Spine listed above.
In some cases where there is disc herniation, DDD may also be rated using the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes if it leads to a higher rating evaluation. The Intervertebral Disc Syndrome rating criteria is based on how often the veteran has significant symptoms that require bed rest to recover from. Veterans may receive between a 10% and 60% rating.
Other conditions of the lumbosacral spine
Different conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and spinal stenosis may also affect the lumbosacral region of the spine and be eligible for a lumbosacral VA rating. These conditions can cause pain and weakness and restrict a veteran’s range of motion. Conditions within the lumbosacral section of the spine can affect the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet.
Lumbosacral strains can also lead to other disabilities, allowing veterans to receive additional benefits through secondary service connections. Lumbosacral strains may cause:
Veterans may also experience depression, anxiety, and sleep conditions in connection with their lumbosacral spine conditions.
TDIU for lumbosacral strain
Veterans with back conditions like lumbosacral strain that prevent them from keeping “gainful employment” may be entitled to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits. TDIU provides a pathway for veterans to receive the same compensation as a 100% rating, even when their symptoms do not meet the criteria for a schedular 100% rating.
The effects of lower back pain on mobility and functionality can make it much harder for a veteran to perform specific job tasks. Regular flare-ups of pain may lead to many missed work days. Pain and stiffness in the back can lead to difficulty sleeping, which can, in turn, affect motivation, focus, and patience at work.
“Severe back pain can quickly lead to unemployment,” said VA-accredited attorney Lori Underwood. “When a veteran is not able to hold gainful employment because of the symptoms of lumbosacral strains or related spine conditions, the disability can be service-connected as a totally disabling condition or the cause of a TDIU rating.”
To be eligible for TDIU, veterans typically must have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at least 60% OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities, with one condition rated at least 40% and a combined rating of at least 70%.
“They did good by me. I am sick, and the VA was stalling. They got me 100% permanent and total.”
R.W.
How Woods and Woods can help
If you need help getting the VA disability benefits you deserve, contact us at Woods and Woods. Our team of VA-accredited lawyers, legal analysts, case managers, intake specialists, and support staff is here to assist veterans in getting the benefits they deserve. Reach out today for a free case evaluation. You only pay if we win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Veterans with severe spine conditions may be entitled to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The effects of back pain on mobility and functionality can make it much harder for a veteran to perform specific job tasks, and regular flare-ups of pain can lead to many missed work days.
Yes, the VA uses diagnostic code 5237 for lumbosacral strains and uses the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine to determine a veteran’s rating. These ratings can range from 10% to 100%, based on the severity of the condition and how much it affects the veteran’s range of motion
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
