How Does the VA Rate Back Pain?

Back problems are common among veterans, and many qualify the veteran for a VA disability rating and the associated veterans disability benefits. But “back pain” isn’t a medical condition. How the VA determines a disability rating for back problems will depend on the service-connected condition (or secondary-connected condition) causing the back pain.

That means the possible VA disability rating varies significantly, depending on the condition and the degree of limitation caused by the condition.

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Common Conditions Causing Back Pain Among Veterans

Some of the most common conditions the VA pays disability benefits for are back/spinal-related conditions.

These include:

Lumbosacral and cervical strain – 1,325,248 VA disability recipients
Degenerative arthritis of the spine – 640,449 VA disability recipients
Intervertebral disc syndrome – 418,586 VA disability recipients

Some of these conditions are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, while others have their own rating systems. Under the general rating formula, a veteran may be assigned a disability rating of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or 100%. The rating is determined based on the degree of flexion and extent and type of ankylosis. So, very specific medical documentation will be critical to ensuring that you’re assigned the right VA disability rating and receive all of the veterans disability benefits you deserve.

Intervertebral disc syndrome may be evaluated under the general rating formula or a separate rating table, the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes. The VA is supposed to apply whichever rating system results in the highest disability rating.

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Getting Rated for Back Pain Can Be Complicated

The examples above cover just two of the most common conditions and how they’re rated. Though it may be back pain that drives you to pursue disability benefits, getting rated and receiving benefits requires a diagnosed condition and–for most conditions–physical measurements on limitation of motion.

An Experienced VA Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help

Receiving a fair disability rating for your back injury or condition depends in large part on the type of medical evidence you provide, and on the outcome of any exams the VA requires. Submitting your claim without the right documentation can result in delays, or even denial. At Disabled Vets, our advocates have a thorough understanding of the process and the type of evidence the VA needs to make the right decision on your claim.

We’re here to help you submit the strongest possible claim right out of the gate, or to help you with a supplemental claim or appeal if you’ve already received a negative determination or a disability rating you think is too low.

To learn more about how we can help, call (888) 373-4722 right now, or contact our team here.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form