VA Disability Rating for Cervical Strain (Neck):…

Bottom Line Up Front

Cervical strain (neck conditions) is rated under Diagnostic Code 5237 with ratings from 10% to 100% using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Most veterans receive 10-20% for limitation of motion. Cervical conditions often involve upper extremity radiculopathy (nerve symptoms in arms) which is rated separately, potentially increasing your total rating significantly. Neck problems are common from carrying heavy equipment, wearing Kevlar helmets, and vehicle accidents. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

What Is Cervical Strain and How Does Military Service Cause It?

Cervical strain refers to injury or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the neck (cervical spine).

Related cervical conditions:

Cervical strain/sprain
Degenerative disc disease
Cervical spondylosis (arthritis)
Herniated discs
Cervical stenosis

Military causes:

Helmet/NVG wear: Heavy helmets and night vision cause strain
Heavy loads: Rucksacks putting stress on neck
Vehicle accidents: Whiplash injuries
Airborne/parachute operations: Landing impacts
Combat: Blast exposure, carrying heavy weapons
Desk work: Military desk jobs with poor ergonomics
Repetitive movements: Looking up/down, turning head

VA Rating Criteria

Cervical spine is rated under 38 CFR § 4.71a, General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

Rating Based on Range of Motion

Rating	Criteria
10%	Forward flexion greater than 30° but not greater than 40°; OR combined ROM greater than 170° but not greater than 335°; OR muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
20%	Forward flexion greater than 15° but not greater than 30°; OR combined ROM not greater than 170°; OR muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
30%	Forward flexion 15° or less; OR favorable ankylosis of entire cervical spine
40%	Unfavorable ankylosis of entire cervical spine
100%	Unfavorable ankylosis of entire spine

Normal cervical ROM:

Forward flexion: 0-45°
Extension: 0-45°
Left/right lateral flexion: 0-45° each
Left/right rotation: 0-80° each
Combined ROM: 340°

IVDS Rating (Incapacitating Episodes)

Rating	Criteria
10%	Episodes at least 1 week but less than 2 weeks in past 12 months
20%	Episodes at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks
40%	Episodes at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks
60%	Episodes at least 6 weeks in past 12 months

Critical: Upper Extremity Radiculopathy

Cervical nerve issues in arms rated separately:

Neck rating + separate rating for each affected arm
Radiculopathy ratings: 10% (mild) to 70% (complete paralysis)
Dominant arm receives higher rating

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

Service treatment records showing neck complaints
Vehicle accident reports
MOS involving helmet wear, heavy loads
Physical profiles for neck

Current Diagnosis Evidence

Orthopedic/neurological evaluation
MRI showing disc bulges, herniations
X-ray showing arthritis, stenosis
EMG/nerve studies if radiculopathy

Severity Evidence

Range of motion measurements
Documentation of radiculopathy symptoms
Treatment records
Functional limitations

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will measure:

Forward flexion (chin to chest)
Extension (looking up)
Lateral flexion (ear to shoulder, each side)
Rotation (looking side to side)

They'll also check for:

Muscle spasm and guarding
Radiculopathy symptoms
Neurological deficits in arms

What to tell them:

Where pain begins during movement
Any arm symptoms (pain, numbness, tingling, weakness)
Flare-up frequency and severity
Functional limitations

Secondary Conditions

Claim separately:

Upper extremity radiculopathy (each arm)
Headaches/migraines - cervical issues cause headaches
Shoulder conditions - related structures

Neck can be secondary to:

Lower back conditions (compensating)
Shoulder injuries (related area)
TBI (related mechanism)

Personal Statement Template

Personal Statement for Cervical Strain

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for cervical strain (neck condition).

Military Causes:

[Helmet/NVG wear, heavy loads, vehicle accident, etc.]
Duration/frequency of exposure

In-Service Symptoms:

When neck pain began
Treatment during service

Current Symptoms:

Pain: [location, severity, frequency]
Stiffness: [when, severity]
Arm symptoms: [numbness, tingling, weakness, pain—specify which arm(s)]
Headaches: [if related to neck]

Range of Motion:

[Describe limitations in turning, bending neck]

Functional Impact:

Driving: [difficulty checking blind spots]
Work: [limitations]
Sleep: [position difficulties]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim neck and lower back separately?

Yes. Cervical (neck) and thoracolumbar (mid/lower back) spine are rated separately.

What if I have arm symptoms from my neck?

Claim radiculopathy separately. Each arm with nerve symptoms from cervical spine gets its own rating.

Does degenerative disc disease rate differently?

No. DDD, cervical strain, and other cervical conditions use the same rating formula based on range of motion or incapacitating episodes.

Resources

VA Forms:

This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration