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VA diagnostic code directory

Browse VA Diagnostic Codes by Body Area

Start with the place that hurts or is not working normally. You can still browse every VA body system below.

Back and spine

18 diagnostic codes

DC 5235Vertebral fracture or dislocation

This diagnostic code covers vertebral fractures or dislocations - basically broken or displaced bones in your spine, whether in your neck (cervical) or back...

DC 5236Sacroiliac injury and weakness

Sacroiliac injury affects the joint where your lower back connects to your pelvis, often causing pain and weakness in that area. The VA rates this condition...

DC 5237Lumbosacral or cervical strain

Diagnostic Code 5237 covers lumbosacral strain (lower back) or cervical strain (neck), injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues around your spine...

DC 5238Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is when your spinal canal narrows and squeezes your spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. The VA rates this condit...

DC 5239Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability

Spondylolisthesis is when one of your vertebrae (spine bones) slips forward or backward over the one below it. Segmental instability means parts of your spin...

DC 5240Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects your spine, causing inflammation that can eventually lead to vertebrae fusing together (ank...

DC 5241Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion covers vertebrae that have been surgically joined together, often due to injury or degenerative conditions. The VA rates this condition under t...

DC 5242Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010)

Diagnostic Code 5242 covers degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease in your spine (wear-and-tear damage that causes your vertebrae and discs to...

DC 5243Intervertebral disc syndrome

Diagnostic Code 5243 covers intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), assigned only when disc herniation compresses or irritates an adjacent nerve root; other dis...

DC 5244Traumatic paralysis, complete

Diagnostic Code 5244 covers complete traumatic paralysis (when an injury has caused total loss of movement). DC 5244 itself has no rating percentage; the VA...

DC 5298Coccyx, removal of

This diagnostic code covers veterans who have had their coccyx (tailbone) surgically removed, either partially or completely. The VA rates this condition bas...

DC 5320Group XX. Function: Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine. Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions)

This code covers injuries to the sacrospinalis muscles - the deep back muscles that run along your spine from your tailbone up through your neck and help you...

DC 6841Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency

Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency is spinal cord damage at a level that impairs the muscles of respiration (especially cervical injuries affe...

DC 8010Myelitis

Myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and problems with bladder or bowel control. The VA gives a minimum 10% r...

DC 8012Hematomyelia

Hematomyelia is bleeding into the spinal cord tissue, usually from trauma or injury. The VA initially rates this condition at 100% for the first 6 months to...

DC 8021Spinal cord, new growths of, malignant

DC 8021 covers malignant (cancerous) new growths of the spinal cord. The VA rates DC 8021 at 100% during active malignant disease, with a 30% minimum rating...

DC 8022Benign, minimum rating

Diagnostic Code 8022 covers benign (non-cancerous) neurological conditions that don't fit into other specific categories. The VA sets a minimum rating of 60%...

DC 8024Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a condition where fluid-filled cysts (called syrinxes) form in your spinal cord, which can cause pain, weakness, and numbness. The VA rates...

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Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.