3 Common Back Conditions Veterans Experience

CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law

Veterans frequently experience back conditions after their time in service, from an injury or wear and tear due to the physical demands of their time in service. Back conditions, depending on their severity, can greatly impact a veteran’s ability to perform activities of daily living, or perform work responsibilities.

In this article, you will learn about three common back conditions veterans experience and other VA disability benefits available to veterans with service-connected back conditions.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) usually occurs in the lower back or neck. DDD is a condition where the discs between vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and herniate. This condition does not always result in pain, but pain can frequently occur with DDD. In some cases, this condition can result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities.

VA rates DDD under Diagnostic Code 5003. The criteria is based on how many major and minor joints are impacted and the frequency of incapacitating episodes. Based on severity of symptoms, DDD can be assigned a 10 or 20 percent rating.

What Is a Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain?

Lumbosacral or cervical strain is an injury of the ligaments, tendons and/or muscles of the low back or neck, respectively. The injury usually results from stretching that causes a small tear in these tissues. Lumbosacral and cervical strain are typically caused by overuse and trauma. Pain is a very common symptom of lumbosacral and cervical strain, as well as trouble bending or having limited range of motion.

According to the VA FY2025 Annual Benefits Report, over 1.7 million veterans currently receive VA compensation for lumbosacral or cervical strain, making it the fourth-most prevalent service-connected disability among all VA compensation recipients.

VA rates lumbosacral and cervical strain under Diagnostic Code 5237, with ratings ranging from 10 to 100 percent. The ratings from 10 to 40 percent are based, at least in part, on forward flexion and range of motion. The ratings from 50 to 100 percent are based on the amount of unfavorable ankyloses present.

What Is Intervertebral Disc Syndrome?

Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), also known as a bulging or herniated disc, is a back condition that involves the irritation of the nerve root and causes sharp, chronic pain. Additional symptoms can include numbness or tingling in the lower extremities and weakness.

VA rates IVDS under Diagnostic Code 5243, and each rating is based on how frequently, and for how long, a veteran is prescribed bed rest for their IVDS.

Currently, physicians generally agree that the practice of prescribing bed rest for IVDS can actually be harmful for a veteran’s recovery. Bed rest can lead to stiffening of the joints and weaken muscles. As a result, physicians generally do not prescribe bed rest for IVDS. Instead, physical therapy and medication for pain are considered common treatments.

Over 540,000 veterans currently receive VA compensation for IVDS, according to the VA FY2025 Annual Benefits Report, placing this condition among the most prevalent musculoskeletal system disorders for which veterans receive VA compensation.

Are There Other VA Benefits for Back Conditions?

Yes, depending on your unique circumstances. Veterans who cannot work due to their service-connected back condition can apply for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). TDIU allows veterans to be paid at the 100 percent disability rate if their service-connected condition(s) prevent them from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if their schedular rating is lower.

Veterans with severe service-connected back conditions may also be entitled to a VA benefit called Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A). A&A benefits are for veterans who need regular aid and attendance due to their service-connected condition(s).

Regular aid and attendance is generally seen as needing help with activities of daily living such as:

• Dressing
• Bathing
• Cooking
• Eating
• Putting on or removing a prosthetic of any kind

The veteran’s need for aid and attendance does not have to be constant, only regular.

Below, watch CCK Law Partner Christian McTarnaghan and Supervising Attorney Alyse Phillips discuss VA disability claims for back pain:

Play

Did VA Deny Your Disability Claim for a Back Condition? Contact CCK