Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
DC 5243 §4.71a Musculoskeletal — Spine ICD-10: M51.9 Direct
Disc herniation/degeneration. Rated either under general spine formula OR by incapacitating episodes — whichever is higher.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months |
| 40% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months |
| 20% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months |
| 10% | With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months |
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.71a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.