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If you’re a veteran dealing with back pain from a herniated or bulging disc, you may qualify for monthly VA disability compensation.
The VA assigns a herniated disc VA rating (or bulging disc VA rating) based on the severity of your symptoms, range of motion, and the number of incapacitating episodes prescribed by your doctor.
In this updated guide, we’ll break down how the VA rates herniated discs, what diagnostic codes apply, and how to prove your condition is service-connected, so you can get the compensation and benefits YOU DESERVE.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The VA rates herniated and bulging discs under Diagnostic Codes 5242 (arthritis) and 5243 (intervertebral disc syndrome), depending on symptoms and range of motion.
- VA ratings range from 10% to 100%, with higher percentages reflecting limited motion, chronic pain, or frequent incapacitating episodes.
- Veterans must prove service connection to receive VA benefits and compensation.
- Secondary conditions, such as sciatica or nerve compression, may increase your overall combined VA rating.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated or bulging disc is an injury that impacts your back, specifically your spine. You may also hear a herniated disc called a slipped disc.
Within your spine, disks sit between your vertebrae. The job of your discs is to keep the bones in your spine together while protecting them. The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when these discs become damaged, they can no longer protect the vertebrae effectively.
The outside is made of a tough substance, while the inside is made of a softer, jelly-like substance. When the outside of the disc tears, the inner substance can be squeezed out. This is called a bulging or herniated disc, and the condition can be extremely painful.
What Causes Herniated Discs in Veterans?
Several things can cause herniated discs in veterans. One common cause is degenerative disc disease. This occurs when the disks in your spine begin to break down and wear out over time with aging. Herniated discs can also be caused by injuries or too much strain on your back, especially relevant for veterans.
Your challenge when filing for a herniated disc VA rating will be to show that your herniated disc is related to your service and not only a result of aging.
Many veterans develop herniated discs because they put too much strain on their backs. For example, they may lift things with their back muscles instead of their leg muscles, which can cause a tear. If you have worked a physically demanding job in the military, you’re more likely to develop a herniated disc or other back problems.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a herniated disc will differ from veteran to veteran. For some, the pain is mild and manageable, while others may experience severe pain that limits their ability to function.
There are a few common symptoms associated with a herniated disc, including:
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Weakness in your muscles
- Pain that radiates from your back or neck into your arms or legs
- Pain that gets worse when you sit, stand, twist, or cough
The pain may worsen with activity or when you are lying down. Remember that it is possible to have a herniated disc without symptoms.
You should see a doctor immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms. Your doctor can confirm whether or not you have a herniated disc and recommend treatment options. Many times this will involve an MRI to examine your discs. The more you document (especially in service), the easier it will be to win a herniated disc disability rating VA claim.
How to Win A Herniated Disc Disability Rating
Once you’ve discovered you have a herniated disc, a diagnosis alone isn’t enough to qualify you for a VA disability rating for a herniated disc. You must show that your military service somehow caused or aggravated your herniated disc. This could be directly or indirectly.
To explain that further, let’s look at service connection.
Service Connection and Herniated Discs
Your herniated disc must be service-connected to qualify for a VA rating. Service connection occurs when an injury or illness is incurred during military service or when your service aggravates a pre-existing condition. There are several different ways to establish service connection for a herniated disc:
- Direct Service Connection – This is when there is a clear link between your herniated disc and your military service. An example would be if you had a back injury while lifting a heavy object while on active duty, which caused your herniated disc.
- Secondary service connection – If another injury or illness caused by service connection eventually leads to your herniated disc.
Diagnosis of a herniated disc during your time in service is the easiest way to service-connect your condition. If you entered service with a herniated disc, you might be able to show that your service worsened your condition (especially if you went to see the doctor and documented how your condition got worse while you were serving).
If you developed a herniated disc (or were first diagnosed with a herniated disc) after you left military service, you could have more difficulty getting the VA to grant your condition service connection unless another service-connected condition later caused your herniated disc.
If you can establish you began having back problems while in the military but didn’t receive a correct diagnosis until later when you left service, this is one way you can support service connection.
You must show that your herniated disk was at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by an in-service event or injury. A nexus letter written by a doctor supporting this claim is crucial in many cases for getting your VA claim approved.
To improve your chances of earning a bulging or herniated disc VA rating, file a fully developed claim the first time.
How the VA Assigns a Herniated Disc VA Rating
The VA rates herniated and bulging discs based on how much the condition limits your spinal movement, daily function, and ability to work. Ratings are assigned under Diagnostic Codes (DC):
- DC 5242 – Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- DC 5243 – Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS)
The VA uses two methods to determine your rating:
- Range of motion (ROM) testing – measures how far you can bend or twist before pain begins.
- Incapacitating episodes – periods where your doctor prescribed bed rest due to severe symptoms.
You’ll receive the higher rating of the two methods.
VA Ratings for Herniated or Bulging Discs (IVDS Method)
Based on doctor-prescribed bed rest in the past 12 months:
| VA Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | At least 1 week of incapacitating episodes |
| 20% | At least 2 weeks |
| 40% | At least 4 weeks |
| 60% | At least 6 weeks |
VA Ratings by Range of Motion (ROM Method)
Measured by forward flexion, combined movement, or spinal ankylosis:
| VA Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild loss of motion, muscle spasm, or tenderness without abnormal gait |
| 20% | Forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine ≤ 60° or abnormal spinal contour |
| 30% | Forward flexion of cervical spine ≤ 15° or favorable ankylosis of cervical spine |
| 40% | Unfavorable ankylosis of cervical spine or forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine ≤ 30° |
| 50% | Unfavorable ankylosis of entire thoracolumbar spine |
| 100% | Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine |
Pro Tip: If you have nerve pain, sciatica, or radiculopathy related to your herniated disc, the VA can assign a separate secondary rating for nerve impairment. This can significantly increase your overall combined VA disability rating.
Be Honest at Your VA C&P Exam
You can expect a few things if you have a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for your herniated disc disability rating. The doctor will be considering which rating method to use during your evaluation. The doctor will likely ask you questions to see if you have incapacitating episodes and determine your range of motion. You may have to bend and twist in multiple directions during the exam.
Make sure you don’t push through the pain for these range of motion tests. Stop when you begin to feel discomfort. Many veterans tend to downplay symptoms. It’s critical to be open and honest with your evaluator during your C&P exam to get the rating you deserve.
Here are more tips for your C&P exam.
Other Considerations
The VA will consider a few other things when rating your herniated disc.
If your herniated or bulging disc prevents you from working, you can also apply for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU is a benefit that allows veterans to receive 100% disability compensation even if they aren’t technically rated at 100%.
Once your herniated disc is service-connected, the VA will also consider whether your herniated disc has caused any secondary conditions. For example, a herniated disc in your lower back could cause many conditions, including sciatica and multiple sclerosis.
You served; you deserve! If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, make sure you apply for the VA benefits you earned. Our team of expert veteran coaches is here to help make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today if you have questions about a herniated disc VA rating or any other disability.
Conclusion
A herniated disc can affect nearly every part of your life, from pain and mobility issues to your ability to work or sleep.
The good news is that the VA recognizes herniated and bulging discs as compensable disabilities. Whether you’re filing your first claim or seeking an increase, remember that current medical evidence, clear documentation of service connection, and a strong nexus are key to success.
If your back pain limits your ability to work, you may also qualify for TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability), which pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower.
You served your country; now make sure you receive every benefit you’ve earned.
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FAQs
What is the VA disability rating for a herniated disc?
The VA rates herniated discs between 10% and 100% depending on severity. Ratings are based on limited range of motion, muscle spasms, or incapacitating episodes. The most common rating falls between 10% and 40%, though severe cases with nerve involvement or spinal fusion may qualify for higher ratings.
What diagnostic codes does the VA use for herniated or bulging discs?
The VA rates herniated and bulging discs under DC 5242 (Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine) or DC 5243 (Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, or IVDS). The higher of the two ratings applies if both range of motion and incapacitating episodes are documented.
Can you get VA disability for a bulging disc?
Yes. A bulging disc can qualify for a VA rating if it limits mobility, causes chronic pain, or results in doctor-prescribed bed rest. You must provide evidence linking it to your military service or a secondary condition such as arthritis or sciatica.
How does the VA define an “incapacitating episode”?
An incapacitating episode occurs when a veteran’s doctor prescribes bed rest and medical treatment due to back pain or disc symptoms. The VA uses the total number of weeks of incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months to assign a rating.
Can I work with a herniated disc VA rating?
Yes, but if your herniated disc prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability), which pays at the 100% rate.
Can a herniated disc cause secondary VA disabilities?
Yes. Herniated discs often lead to sciatica, radiculopathy, or nerve damage, which can each be rated separately under the appropriate diagnostic code and added to your combined VA rating.
Author
Trisha Penrod
Trisha Penrod is a former active-duty Air Force officer. As an Intelligence Officer, she led teams of analysts to apply advanced analytic skills to identify, assess, and report potential threats to U.S. forces.
Trisha attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Webster University. After receiving an honorable discharge in 2018, Trisha worked as a growth marketer and utilizes her analytic skills to help others accomplish their business goals.
