How the VA Rates Lumbar Spondylolisthesis for Disability Claims

Lumbar spondylolisthesis can affect more than just your back. It can limit movement, cause chronic pain, and interfere with daily activities over time.  

For VA disability purposes, a current diagnosis is an important starting point. The VA also looks at measurable physical limitations of the spine, such as range of motion or ankylosis, and whether it can be connected to your military service. 

This post explains how the VA rates lumbar spondylolisthesis, what evidence is required to establish service connection, and how ratings are assigned under VA law. 

Key Takeaways

• Lumbar spondylolisthesis may qualify for VA disability compensation if the condition was caused or worsened by military service. 

• A lumbar spondylolisthesis VA rating is based on how much the condition limits your spine’s movement, with ratings from 10% to 100%. 

• Medical evidence of functional loss, flare-ups, or nerve involvement plays a central role in the VA’s evaluation of a lumbar spondylolisthesis claim. 

Can I Get VA Disability for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Yes, you may qualify for VA disability for lumbar spondylolisthesis if your condition was caused or worsened by your military service. 

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. When it affects the lower back, it’s called lumbar spondylolisthesis. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Lower back pain 

• Muscle tightness 

• Pain, numbness, or tingling in your thighs and buttocks 

• Stiffness 

• Tenderness in the area where the vertebra is out of place 

• Weakness in your legs 

Causes of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis in Veterans

Repetitive physical stress, heavy lifting, carrying loaded packs, and frequent jumping or impact can place strain on the lower back over time and contribute to spinal instability. 

In some cases, lumbar spondylolisthesis may result from an acute injury, such as a fall, vehicle accident, or training-related trauma.  

Degenerative changes related to aging, and long-term wear and tear can also weaken the structures that support the spine, increasing the likelihood of vertebral slippage. 

How the VA Rates Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

The VA rates lumbar spondylolisthesis by measuring how severely your spine’s movement is limited and the presence of pain, stiffness, or abnormal spinal alignment. 

Ratings are assigned at disability percentages of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%, depending on the degree of movement loss, the presence of pain, stiffness, abnormal spinal alignment, or total immobility (ankylosis). 

These ratings are assigned under the Schedule of Ratings for the Spine in 38 CFR § 4.71a, which covers diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243. 

Even if your range of motion appears normal during an exam, increased pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility during flare-ups can still impact your rating if properly documented. 

Establishing Service Connection

To be eligible for a VA rating for lumbar spondylolisthesis, you must provide evidence for service connection. To establish primary (direct) service connection, you need the following: 

• A current medical diagnosis 

• An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness  

• A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness (e.g., via a nexus letter) 

If you file a claim, the VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. During this exam, the examiner evaluates your range of motion, pain levels, functional loss, and any nerve involvement related to your lumbar spine condition.

How a Nexus Letter Connects Your Condition to Service

A nexus letter is a medical document that links your current diagnosis to a specific event, injury, or exposure during your military service. 

Although the VA doesn’t require a nexus letter, having one may significantly strengthen your claim by offering clear medical evidence tying your condition to your service. 

The experienced team at Telemedica provides well-crafted nexus letters.

How to File a VA Claim

You can file a VA claim:  

• Online  

• By mail  

• Via fax  

• In person at a VA regional office  

>> Download and Complete VA Form 21-526EZ 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied? 

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence (such as DBQs and nexus letters) that win claims!  

Schedule your 20-minute consultation call and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spondylolisthesis VA rating?

The VA rates spondylolisthesis under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with possible ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100%. VA ratings depend on how much your lower back condition limits movement, causes pain, or results in functional loss. 

Does the VA rate lumbar spondylolisthesis differently than other back conditions?

No. Lumbar spondylolisthesis is rated the same way as most other spinal conditions, based on limitation of motion, pain during movement, abnormal spinal alignment, or ankylosis, rather than the diagnosis name alone. 

Can you get a VA rating for lumbar spondylolisthesis without surgery?

Yes. Surgery isn’t required to qualify for a lumbar spondylolisthesis VA rating. The VA bases ratings on symptoms, functional impairment, and range-of-motion findings, regardless of whether you have undergone surgical treatment. 

Can lumbar spondylolisthesis be rated as a VA secondary condition?

Yes. You may qualify for service connection if lumbar spondylolisthesis developed secondary to another service-connected condition, such as altered gait from a knee injury, hip condition, or other spinal disability that placed additional strain on your lower back. Learn More: Understanding VA Secondary Conditions 

Does pain alone qualify you for a lumbar spondylolisthesis VA rating?

Pain alone isn’t enough, but pain that causes functional loss can support a compensable rating. The VA considers how pain affects your ability to move, bend, stand, or perform daily activities, especially during flare-ups or repetitive use. 

Can you receive separate ratings for nerve symptoms caused by lumbar spondylolisthesis?

Yes. If lumbar spondylolisthesis causes nerve involvement such as sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, the VA may assign separate ratings for associated neurological conditions in addition to your spine rating.