Conditions / Musculoskeletal
38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5243 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
VA rates Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) under diagnostic code 5243 (Intervertebral disc syndrome) at 4 levels from 10% to 60%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 60%, $1,435.02 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025. The levels come from the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes (or the General Rating Formula for the Spine, whichever is higher).
- 1Diagnostic code DC 5243
- 2Highest level 60% · $1,435.02
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 5243
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 60% | Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months. |
| 40% | Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 1 week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of ratings, musculoskeletal system, diagnostic code 5243, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- An incapacitating episode is a period of acute signs and symptoms due to IVDS that requires bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician.
- IVDS is evaluated under either the General Rating Formula for the Spine (range of motion, 10% to 100%) or the incapacitating-episodes formula, whichever results in the higher evaluation.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | 64 → 60% |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | 46 → 50% |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | 28 → 30% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
2 of the 4 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $1,254.60 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
The top level, 60%, is at or above the 60% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) sets for a single disability to qualify for consideration of a total rating based on unemployability. A rating under DC 5243 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Degenerative arthritis (DC 5003)
- Shoulder replacement (DC 5051)
- Hip replacement (DC 5054)
- Knee replacement (DC 5055)
- Shoulder (arm) limitation of motion (DC 5201)
Pay at the top level: 60% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.71a, diagnostic code 5243. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.