The VA rating for lower back pain depends on the severity of your condition and how much it limits your daily activities and range of motion.
This rating can range from 10% to 100%, based on factors like pain severity, range of motion, and the presence of related conditions such as nerve damage or spinal disc issues.
During a free consultation, our Houston Veterans Disability lawyers will explain how these factors affect your rating and assist in gathering the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.
We also will guide you through the VA claims process and file your claim while advocating for the highest possible rating you deserve.
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What is the VA Rating for Lower Back Pain?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates low back pain under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, found at 38 CFR § 4.71a.
Here’s a generalized breakdown of the VA disability ratings for lower back pain:
10% Rating
Forward bending (flexion) of the thoracolumbar spine ranges from more than 60 degrees to 85 degrees, or the total range of motion for the thoracolumbar spine falls between 120 and 235 degrees.
This rating may also apply if there are muscle spasms, guarding, or spot-specific tenderness that do not cause an abnormal or uneven gait or spinal contour.
In simpler terms, this rating is assigned for mild stiffness, limited motion, or occasional pain that slightly affects movement without changing your posture or how you walk.
20% Rating
Forward bending (flexion) of the thoracolumbar spine is greater than 30 degrees but not more than 60 degrees, or the combined range of motion is not more than 120 degrees.
This rating also applies if muscle spasms or guarding are severe enough to cause an abnormal gait (an irregular walking pattern) or changes to the spine, such as:
- Scoliosis (a sideways curvature of the spine)
- Reversed lordosis (a flattening or reversal of the spine’s normal inward curve)
- Abnormal kyphosis (an exaggerated outward curve of the upper spine or back)
This rating is for moderate stiffness or pain that limits your ability to bend forward and may affect your posture or how you walk.
40% Rating
Forward flexion (bending) of the thoracolumbar spine is 30 degrees or less, or there is favorable ankylosis (partial fusion) of the entire thoracolumbar spine. This means the spine is significantly stiff or fused in a way that limits movement severely.
This rating applies to severe cases where bending is extremely restricted, or the spine is partially immobilized.
50% Rating
There is unfavorable ankylosis (fusion in an abnormal, stiff position) of the entire thoracolumbar spine. This causes significant discomfort and prevents normal movement of the lower back, making daily activities much more challenging.
100% Rating
There is unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, meaning the entire spine is fused in an abnormal position.
This condition completely stops all movement of the back and neck, severely limiting daily activities and overall quality of life. This rating is reserved for the most severe spinal disabilities.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
How Secondary Conditions Can Affect a Lower Back Pain VA Rating
In addition to these ratings, the VA also considers secondary conditions related to back pain, such as radiculopathy (nerve pain) and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).
These conditions can increase your overall disability rating if they cause further pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or other parts of the body.
Our Houston Disability lawyers will explain how these ratings apply to your situation and properly document all related conditions.
How does the VA Evaluate Lower Back Pain?
The VA uses several methods to evaluate lower back pain, including:
- Range of Motion (ROM) testing: Doctors measure how far you can bend or twist your back.
- Pain impact: Documentation of how pain affects your daily life and ability to work.
- Diagnostic imaging: MRI or X-rays can reveal spinal issues like herniated discs or arthritis.
- Functional loss: The VA assesses how pain limits your physical activities, such as lifting or standing.
Common Conditions Linked to VA Ratings for Lower Back Pain
Veterans often experience lower back pain alongside other medical issues. The VA takes these into account when determining your disability rating:
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica (radiculopathy)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
These conditions can increase your VA rating if they significantly affect your mobility or daily life.
How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating for Lower Back Pain
If you feel your back pain is worse or more limiting than when you first applied for benefits, you might qualify for a higher rating. To increase your rating, you must take these steps:
- Submit new medical evidence: Provide updated medical records or imaging results.
- File for secondary conditions: Claim conditions linked to your back pain, like depression or leg pain.
- Request a VA reexamination: Ask for a new VA claim exam (C&P exam) if your condition has deteriorated. C&P stands for compensation and pension.
- Appeal a denied claim: If your claim was denied or underrated, you can appeal with stronger evidence.
How Our VA Lawyers Can Help with Your Lower Back Pain Claim
Navigating the VA disability process can be complex and frustrating. Our legal team can support you by:
- Discuss your eligibility for VA benefits: We will review your service history and medical records to determine if you are eligible for VA disability benefits and help you understand which ratings and compensation you may be entitled to receive.
- Gathering strong medical evidence: We will help you collect medical records and expert opinions to support your claim.
- Appealing a denial: If the VA denied or underrated your claim, we will handle the appeals process for you
- Linking secondary conditions: We will identify other health issues connected to your back pain that may increase your rating.
- Ensuring compliance: We will handle all paperwork and deadlines properly.
Get Help with Understanding the VA Rating for Your Lower Back Pain Claim
Navigating a claim through the VA disability system can feel like a lot to take on, especially when dealing with lower back pain and related conditions. Our attorneys focus exclusively on disability claims and have been helping veterans and disabled individuals for over 30 years.
Marc Whitehead & Associates know the ins and outs of veterans disability laws and are dedicated to building a strong case that maximizes your benefits. We will explain the VA rating for the pain in your lower back and handle your claim.
As we work on your claim, you can be assured we will fight for the highest possible VA rating for your lower back pain. Contact us today to explore your options during a free consultation.