Cervical Strain (Neck Pain)

DC 5237Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5237 — General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine

Pain and limited motion in the neck. The VA rates cervical spine conditions using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with different range-of-motion thresholds than the lumbar spine.

Rating Levels

You have unfavorable ankylosis of your entire spine (cervical and thoracolumbar).

What the VA looks for

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not reporting radiculopathy (pain, numbness, tingling into the arms/hands) — this is rated separately.
⚠Failing to document flare-ups and their impact on daily activities.
⚠Not mentioning headaches that originate from neck problems — these may qualify as a secondary condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…