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Home / VA Ratings A–Z / Neck Pain (Cervical Spine)

VA Rating for Neck Pain (Cervical Spine)

DC 5237–5243 Max schedular: 100% Category: Musculoskeletal Updated for 2026 rates
The Official Criteria

Neck Pain (Cervical Spine) Rating Chart

Criteria from 38 CFR Part 4 (DC 5237–5243). Pay shown is the 2026 monthly rate for a veteran alone at that percentage by itself.

RatingWhat qualifies2026 monthly pay*
100%Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.$3,938.58
40%Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.$795.84
30%Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15° or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.$552.47
20%Forward flexion greater than 15° but not greater than 30°; or combined range of motion not greater than 170°; or muscle spasm/guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait or spinal contour.$356.66
10%Forward flexion greater than 30° but not greater than 40°; or combined range of motion greater than 170° but not greater than 335°; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness.$180.42

*Rate for that single rating with no dependents. Your combined rating and household may differ — run your exact numbers in our calculator.

How the VA Rates Neck Pain (Cervical Spine)

The cervical spine uses the same General Rating Formula as the low back, with its own degree thresholds. Normal cervical forward flexion is 45°; the combined range of motion (all six directions) is normally 340°. Radiating symptoms into the shoulders, arms, or hands (cervical radiculopathy) are rated separately.

Evidence That Wins This Claim

  • Headaches that stem from your neck can support a separate migraine rating — document the connection.
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms/hands is upper radiculopathy — a separate nerve rating per arm.
  • Report pain onset during each movement; the examiner must record where pain begins.

Common Questions

What is the highest VA rating for neck pain?

40% for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine (100% if the entire spine is ankylosed). Most compensable neck claims rate 10-30% based on forward flexion.

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