Getting a VA Disability Rating for Neck Pain

Neck pain affects many veterans due to the physical strain and high-risk environments they face during military service. The frequent use of heavy gear, constant exposure to jarring movement, and prolonged periods of poor posture in vehicles or aircraft can all take a toll on the cervical spine. These demands can lead to lasting damage that doesn’t always show up right away. 

For some veterans, the pain becomes a daily burden of limited movement, interfering with concentration, and even disrupting sleep. What starts as a mild ache can escalate into a serious health issue, especially without early treatment or proper support. 

The VA recognizes that chronic neck pain caused or worsened by military service can impact your quality of life. Understanding when this pain meets the criteria for compensation is the first step toward getting the help you deserve. 

When Does Neck Pain Qualify for VA Disability?  

For neck pain to qualify for VA disability compensation, it must meet the VA’s definition of a service-connected condition. This means your pain must be directly linked to your time in the military, either through a specific injury, repeated physical stress, or a condition that developed or worsened during service. 

The VA does not offer compensation for neck pain that is temporary or fully resolved. To be considered, the pain must be ongoing and significantly impact your physical function or daily life. Chronic neck pain, especially when caused by documented medical conditions, is what the VA evaluates when determining eligibility for benefits. 

Each case is evaluated based on medical records, service treatment documentation, and the veteran’s own account of how the condition began or worsened during active duty. Having a current diagnosis is only one part of the process, there must also be clear evidence of how the condition is tied to your service. 

Neck Injuries 

Certain types of injuries are commonly responsible for long-term neck problems in veterans. These injuries may happen suddenly during a specific event or develop gradually from repeated stress or impact. The effects can range from occasional discomfort to serious, life-altering limitations. Common service-related neck injuries include: 

• Whiplash: Sudden, forceful movement of the neck from events like parachute landings, falls, or vehicle accidents. 
• Spinal cord injury: Trauma from blasts, heavy impacts, or gunshots. 
• Herniated discs: Pressure on nerves from slipped or bulging discs after heavy lifting or impact. 
• Pinched nerves: Caused by nearby muscles, bones, or tendons placing pressure on a nerve in the neck.  

These types of injuries often result in long-term effects that don’t always respond well to rest or basic treatment. When that’s the case, the VA may recognize the injury as disabling and connected to service. 

Neck Strain 

Neck strain is a common issue for service members due to the physical demands and equipment requirements of military life. While it may not seem as severe as a traumatic injury, the long-term effects of repeated strain can be just as debilitating over time. Common causes include: 

Cervical strain – overuse or overstretching of the neck muscles due to: 

• Heavy gear on shoulders 
• Long-term Kevlar helmet use 
• Sudden movements 
• Awkward or prolonged postures  

Worn joints – cartilage breakdown from years of use, leading to: 

• Osteoarthritis in the neck 
• Bone spurs that cause pain or stiffness 

Though neck strain may start as a mild nuisance, it often leads to long-term complications if not properly treated. 

Diseases 

Several diseases can lead to chronic neck pain in veterans, especially those with years of physically demanding service. These conditions may develop slowly over time but can cause lasting pain, stiffness, and nerve complications once they become advanced. 

• Degenerative Disc Disease: Deterioration of spinal discs causing nerve pain, weakness, or numbness. 
• Intervertebral Disc Disease: Chronic disc damage affecting movement and nerve function. 
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation in neck joints tied to autoimmune issues. 
• Cancer: When tumors or metastasis affect the spine and cause pain.  

If either of these diseases is linked to service, directly or as a secondary condition, you may qualify for additional VA compensation for your neck pain.

Service Connecting Neck Pain 

To receive VA disability compensation, a veteran must prove that their neck pain is connected to their military service. Even if neck problems existed before joining the military, they can still qualify for benefits if their service made the condition worse. This is called aggravation, and the VA treats it as valid grounds for compensation.  

To establish service connection, veterans generally need to show three things:  

• A current medical diagnosis for a neck condition. 
• Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or exposure that could have caused or worsened the condition. 
• A medical nexus, or expert opinion, linking the current condition to military service.  

Neck pain caused by incidents like car crashes, training accidents, or combat explosions are often easier to connect due to the clear nature of the injury. But cases involving strain or degenerative conditions may be harder to prove because their symptoms develop slowly over time.  

If you were denied, a detailed medical opinion, updated records and assistance from an experienced legal professional could make a big difference on appeal. Get a free evaluation of your case here. 

Neck Pain in the Air Force 

Neck pain is especially common among Air Force personnel, particularly pilots and aircrew members. The unique demands of flight put extreme strain on the cervical spine, making this population more vulnerable to chronic neck conditions.  

A study published by the National Library of Medicine emphasized that neck pain in Air Force personnel is not just due to single events, but cumulative exposure to risk factors like vibration, helmet systems, and G-force. 

One cross-sectional study found that 97% of fighter jet crew members reported experiencing neck pain during their careers. This data shows just how widespread the problem is among those in aviation roles. Veterans who served in aviation roles and now suffer from neck pain should be aware that these occupational risks may strengthen their VA claim if properly documented. 

How to Prove a Neck Pain VA Disability Claim 

To support your claim, you’ll need strong evidence that links your current neck condition to your military service. Key items include:

• C&P exam results: To confirms range of motion (ROM) limitations and check for neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness 
• MRI or X-ray reports: To show conditions like herniated discs, spinal arthritis or spinal stenosis 
• Medical nexus letter: A written opinion from a medical provider stating that your neck condition is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military service 
• Personal impact statements written by you, family, or fellow service members, describing how your neck pain affects daily activities, work, and quality of life  

The Best Thing You Can Do for Your VA Claim

Attorney Rachel Cheek talks about how personal statements and advocating for yourself are essential for getting a VA disability rating:

If you were denied VA benefits for your neck pain, our legal team may be able to help you. Get a free evaluation of your case today.

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How the VA Rates Neck Pain 

The VA uses specific criteria to determine how much disability compensation a veteran receives for neck pain. These criteria are listed under eCFR Diagnostic Codes (DC) 5235 to 5243, which cover spinal conditions that affect the cervical spine – the neck portion of the spine. There are two main methods the VA uses to assign a rating: 

Range of Motion (ROM) 

The most common method is based on how much you can move your neck in different directions. A VA provider measures this during your C&P exam. Here’s how the ratings break down: 

• 30%: Forward flexion of 15° or less, or total stiffening (ankylosis) of the entire cervical spine. 
• 20%: Forward flexion more than 15° but not more than 30°, or when the combined ROM of all movements is 170° or less. 
• 10%: Forward flexion more than 30° and total ROM more than 170°.   

In more severe cases involving ankylosis, the ratings increase:

• 40%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the cervical spine. 
• 100%: Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine (not just the neck).   

Incapacitating Episodes (for IVDS) 

If a veteran has Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), the VA might use a different method based on incapacitating episodes. These are periods where a doctor has prescribed bed rest due to the severity of the condition. The ratings for IVDS are:

• 60%: At least 6 weeks of incapacitating episodes in the past year 
• 40%: 4–6 weeks 
• 20%: 2–4 weeks 
• 10%: 1–2 weeks   

The VA will choose the rating system, ROM or IVDS, that gives you the higher benefit. 

What Is the VA Disability Rating for Neck Surgery? 

When a veteran undergoes neck surgery, the VA generally continues to rate the condition based on range of motion just like nonsurgical cases. However, the nature of the surgery and its impact on movement or structure can influence the rating outcome. 

If the procedure involves spinal fusion (arthrodesis), the condition is rated under the ankylosis criteria. Spinal fusion is when two or more vertebrae are permanently joined together to limit motion in a painful area. Since this limits flexibility, the VA may assign a higher rating depending on the severity and location of the fusion. 

In some cases, surgery doesn’t fully resolve the condition. If the veteran continues to experience stiffness, pain, or nerve problems after the operation, the post-surgical symptoms are taken into account when the VA assigns a rating. 

The VA focuses on how much function you’ve lost, not just the fact that surgery occurred. So even after a medical procedure, you’ll need to demonstrate ongoing symptoms and limitations to receive compensation. 

Temporary Total Disability for Neck Surgery 

You may qualify for temporary 100% VA disability compensation while you recover from neck surgery. This benefit is granted under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30, which covers convalescent ratings for veterans unable to work due to surgery or serious treatment. To be eligible, your neck surgery must meet one of the following conditions: 

• It required at least one month of recovery time, OR 
• It resulted in severe post-operative residuals such as wearing a neck brace or other immobilizing device, ongoing intense pain that limits activity, or slow healing/surgical complications.   

The VA typically awards temporary total disability for 1 to 3 months, but extensions are possible. In some cases, this benefit may last up to 6 months or more if the recovery is especially long or difficult. This short-term 100% rating is designed to support you during your most vulnerable post-surgical period, when you are unable to return to work or daily activities. 

Ratings for Post-Surgical Residuals 

Once your temporary total disability period ends, the VA will evaluate your long-term symptoms and assign a new rating based on the effects of your neck surgery. These post-surgical residuals can vary widely depending on the type of procedure and your recovery progress. 

If the surgery leaves you with limited range of motion, you may receive a rating of 10%, 20%, or 30%, depending on how much movement you’ve lost. These ratings follow the same criteria used for non-surgical neck conditions. 

If you have lingering neurological symptoms, like arm numbness, tingling, or weakness, the VA may award a separate rating. These are evaluated under peripheral nerve diagnostic codes (DC 8510 to 8719) based on the specific nerves involved and the severity of the impairment. 

In some cases, the surgical scar itself may also qualify for compensation. If the neck scar is painful, unstable, or large, it can be rated under Diagnostic Code 7804, which covers skin conditions and surgical outcomes. 

Each of these residuals is rated separately, and the VA combines them using its formula to determine your overall disability percentage. So, even after neck surgery, you may be entitled to multiple ratings for different aspects of your condition. 

Getting Even More Compensation for Neck Pain 

Neck pain doesn’t always stop at the spine. In many cases, it sets off a chain reaction affecting other parts of the body or making it harder to manage everyday life. If your neck condition leads to new medical issues or disrupts your ability to work, you might qualify for more benefits.  

Secondary Conditions to Neck Injuries or Neck Surgery 

Neck injuries and surgeries can lead to other health problems that qualify for separate VA disability ratings. Common secondary conditions are: 

• Radiculopathy: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands from nerve compression. 
• Ankylosis: Stiffness or immobility of the neck joints. 
• Migraine headaches: Often triggered by cervical nerve irritation or muscle strain. 
• Depression or anxiety: Mental health struggles related to chronic pain. 
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble resting due to ongoing pain or discomfort. 

Each of these conditions may qualify for additional compensation if properly diagnosed and linked to your service-connected neck condition. The more thoroughly you document how your neck pain affects other areas of your life, the stronger your case will be. 

VA Unemployability For Neck Pain 

If your neck condition prevents you from holding steady, full-time employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This benefit pays at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined VA rating is lower, when service-connected conditions make it impossible to maintain substantially gainful work. To qualify for TDIU, you must meet the VA’s minimum rating thresholds: 

• One service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, OR 
• Two or more service-connected disabilities, with one rated at 40% or more, and a combined rating of 70% or higher.    

For example, if your cervical spine condition is rated at 40% and you also have radiculopathy in each arm rated at 20%, that combination could meet the 70% threshold. 

You also have to prove that you are unable to perform regular work due to neck pain or related symptoms. This could include: 

• Trouble sitting or standing for long periods due to stiffness or discomfort 
• Reduced range of motion that limits tasks like typing, driving, or lifting 
• Frequent absences from work caused by pain flares or medical appointments 
• Nerve symptoms that interfere with fine motor skills or cause arm weakness   

If your service-connected conditions make it impossible to maintain employment, even in a sedentary setting, the VA may grant TDIU. This allows veterans to receive compensation at the full 100% rate, reflecting the real-life impact of their disability; even when the standard ratings don’t fully capture it. Our TDIU attorneys may be able to help you – call us today for a free case evaluation.