Maximizing Your Lower Back Pain VA Rating & Benefits

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If you’re dealing with back issues, you might be eligible for a lower back pain VA rating, but how do you secure one?  

The VA recognizes lower back pain as a compensable condition and provides disability benefits to those who qualify.  

This post will cover: 

• How the VA rates lower back pain  

• What evidence is needed to support your claim 

• What to do if your VA claim is denied  

• How to prepare for a C&P exam, and more 

Keep reading to find out how to maximize your VA compensation and benefits and get the highest lower back pain VA rating you rightfully deserve!

Summary of Key Points

• The VA rates lower back pain under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with lower back pain VA ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.  

• You may be required to attend a compensation & pension (C&P) exam for lower back pain, which helps the VA evaluate the severity of your condition.  

• The VA generally rates lower back pain based on factors such as painful motion, limitation of range of motion (ROM), and functional loss or impairment. 

What Causes Lower Back Pain in Veterans?

Lower back pain in veterans is often caused by the physical demands of military service, including repetitive lifting, carrying heavy equipment, prolonged standing, or engaging in activities that strain the back. 

Additional causes of lower back pain in veterans include: 

1. Service-related injuries 

2. Repetitive strain 

3. Degenerative conditions 

4. Improper posture 

5. Secondary effects of other injuries 

If you can prove your condition is service-connected, you may qualify for a lower back pain VA rating and benefits. 

VA Ratings

The VA rates lower back pain under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with lower back pain ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.  

How the VA Rates Lower Back Pain

 The VA rating for lower back pain (or any spine-related disability) is based on several factors, including: 

• Painful Motion 

• Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM)  

• Functional Loss or Impairment 

The VA also uses the terms “favorable” and “unfavorable” ankylosis to describe the degree of mobility in your spine.  

Ankylosis refers to the stiffness or immobility of a joint caused by abnormal fusion of the bones.  

“Favorable ankylosis” typically describes a spine fixed in a functional position, which allows for some usability.  

In contrast, “unfavorable ankylosis” describes a spine fixed in a non-functional or problematic position, which significantly impacts daily activities. 

See More: Tips to Receiving a Back Pain VA Rating 

VA Rating Chart for Lower Back Pain

General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine	VA Rating
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine	100%
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine	50%
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%
Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine	30%
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%
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%

Note (1): Evaluate any associated objective neurologic abnormalities, including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment, separately, under an appropriate diagnostic code. 

Note (2): (See also Plate V.) For VA compensation purposes, normal forward flexion of the cervical spine is zero to 45 degrees, extension is zero to 45 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 45 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 80 degrees. Normal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is zero to 90 degrees, extension is zero to 30 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 30 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 30 degrees.

The combined range of motion refers to the sum of the range of forward flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. The normal combined range of motion of the cervical spine is 340 degrees and of the thoracolumbar spine is 240 degrees. The normal ranges of motion for each component of spinal motion provided in this note are the maximum that can be used for calculation of the combined range of motion.  

Note (3): In exceptional cases, an examiner may state that because of age, body habitus, neurologic disease, or other factors not the result of disease or injury of the spine, the range of motion of the spine in a particular individual should be considered normal for that individual, even though it does not conform to the normal range of motion stated in Note (2). Provided that the examiner supplies an explanation, the examiner’s assessment that the range of motion is normal for that individual will be accepted.  

Note (4): Round each range of motion measurement to the nearest five degrees.  

Note (5): For VA compensation purposes, unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following:

Difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision; restricted opening of the mouth and chewing; breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration; gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the costal margin on the abdomen; dyspnea or dysphagia; atlantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation; or neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching. Fixation of a spinal segment in a neutral position (zero degrees) always represents favorable ankylosis.  

Note (6): Separately evaluate disability of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine segments, except when there is unfavorable ankylosis of both segments, which will be rated as a single disability.

Service Connection

To receive a VA disability rating for lower back pain, you must prove your condition is connected to your military service.  

How to Prove Lower Back Pain is Service Connected

This involves establishing three key elements: 

1. Current Medical Diagnosis: You need a medical diagnosis of a back condition, such as lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, or herniated disc. 

2. In-Service Event: Provide evidence of an injury, illness, or incident during your military service that caused or aggravated your back pain. 

3. Nexus: A medical opinion linking your current back condition to the in-service event. A VA physician or an independent medical expert can establish this connection. 

C&P Exam for Lower Back Pain

The VA typically schedules a compensation & pension (C&P) exam after you file your claim. This exam evaluates the severity of your condition and gathers evidence to determine your disability rating. 

It’s vital you don’t miss your C&P exam, as this may delay your claim.  

In addition, the VA may decide your claim based on the existing evidence, which could affect your low back pain VA rating.  

• Be Honest: Describe your symptoms accurately, including pain levels, functional limitations, and flare-ups. Make sure to STOP the C&P examiner as soon as you feel any pain. 

• Demonstrate Impact: Explain how your back pain affects your ability to work, sleep, or perform daily tasks. 

The C&P examiner will measure your ROM, check for neurological symptoms, and assess any functional loss caused by your back pain. 

See More: How to Conquer Your C&P Exam for Back Pain  

Nexus Letter for Lower Back Pain VA Rating

While the VA doesn’t require nexus letters nor do they guarantee a positive outcome, they frequently prove to be critical evidence when filing a claim.  

Nexus letters are written by qualified medical professionals and connect your condition (lower back pain) to your military service.  

A strong nexus letter should include a detailed medical opinion, supported by evidence from your service records, medical history, and any diagnostic tests. 

See More: What is the Success Rate of a VA Disability Claim With a Nexus Letter? 

Need a Nexus Letter for Your Secondary VA Claim?

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Filing a VA Claim for Lower Back Pain

Online is the quickest way to file a VA claim for lower back pain. However, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it in one of the following ways: 

• By Mail 

• Via Fax 

• In person at a VA regional office 

Supporting Documents

You can support your VA disability for lower back pain claim by providing these documents: 

1. VA medical records and hospital records. These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries, or they could show that your rated disability has gotten worse. 

2. Private medical records and hospital reports. These could relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries, or they could show that your disability has gotten worse. 

3. Supporting statements. These could be from family members, friends, clergy, law enforcement personnel, or fellow service members.  

Pro Tip: Learn How to Get Your Military Medical Records Faster—HERE!

Appeals

If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than you believe is warranted, you have the right to appeal.

Filing an Appeal for Lower Back Pain

Appeal options include: 

• Higher-Level Review: Request a senior VA reviewer to reassess your case. 

• Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence. 

• Board Appeal: Take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a formal review. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average VA rating for lower back pain?

Under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, the VA rating for lower back pain can range from 10% to 30%, depending on the severity of symptoms, including range-of-motion limitations, pain, muscle spasms, and functional impairment. 

What evidence do I need to support my VA claim for lower back pain?

It’s recommended that you provide medical records, range of motion tests, imaging (like X-rays or MRIs), and personal statements detailing how the condition affects your life. 

What conditions are secondary to back pain?

Back pain can lead to or aggravate several secondary conditions, often because it affects posture, mobility, and overall health.  

Common conditions that may be secondary to back pain include: 

Related: Secondary Conditions to Lower Back Pain 

Is lower back pain a presumptive VA disability?

No, lower back pain isn’t a presumptive VA disability; however, you may still qualify for a VA rating if your condition is directly related to your military service or caused by another service-connected disability.  

Is there a lower back strain VA rating?

Yes, there is a VA rating for lower back strain, as it falls under the category of musculoskeletal conditions in the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 

Is low back pain still a ratable VA diagnosis?

Yes, low back pain is still ratable under a VA diagnosis if it meets the criteria for a service-connected disability and is supported by medical documentation. 

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