My C&P Results or confusing

[TJMarine]

This is my latest C&P what am I looking at? Can anyone break this down?

Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions
                        Disability Benefits Questionnaire

    
    Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P
Examination
    Request?
    [X] Yes   [ ] No
   

  

    Evidence Comments:
      BOARD REMAND

    

    1. Diagnosis
    ------------
    Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a cervical
    spine (neck) condition?
    [X] Yes   [ ] No

    Cervical Spine Common Diagnoses:
      No diagnosis provided.

       Diagnosis #1:  CERVICO-OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA
       ICD code:  ==
       Date of diagnosis:  9/28/2015

       Diagnosis #2:  CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY WITH BULGING DISC
       ICD code:  ==
       Date of diagnosis:  2016

       Diagnosis #3:  MECHANICAL CERVICAL PAIN SYNDROME
       ICD code:  ==
       Date of diagnosis:  4/29/2015

       If there are additional diagnoses that pertain to cervical spine (neck)
       conditions, list using above format:
         CERVICAL VERTEBRAE(NECK MUSCLE SPASM), DATE OF DIAGNOSIS, 6/25/1996.
         CERVICAL HERNIATED AND BULGING DISC, MUSCLE SPASM, AND CORD CONTUSION
         WITH COMPRESSION MYELOMALACIA, 8/14/12
         CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS AND DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE, 9/25/2014.
        
         On today's C&P examination, 11/21/17, Veteran reports several incidents
in
       1992-1995 of blunt trauma including carrying 50 caliber machine gun
       barrels and ammunition.  Involved in ground defensive tactic also known
as
       "Bull in the Ring" in which the marine is in full gear and is potentially
       tackled by several marines.  Following this , Veteran incurred
       concussion-1992 or 1993).  Also went to Bethesda for back school(approx.
       week).  Currently, Veteran reports daily neck pain.  Denies neck surgery.
       Denies no recent physical therapy.  Uses Flexeril, Ibuprofen, Oxycodone,
       and Tens unit for pain relief.  Last treated by chiropractor in
2016(Tampa
       Bay, Florida).
      

    b. Dominant hand:
       [ ] Right   [ ] Left   [X] Ambidextrous

    c. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the cervical spine (neck)?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
  
 d. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional
       impairment of the cervical spine (neck) (regardless of repetitive use)?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
           If yes, document the Veteran's description of functional loss or
           functional impairment in his or her own words:
              Can't do much of any type of physical activity, that's really
              limited.  Obviously a hindrance, job related stuff.  Multiple days
              off from work(pain, stiffness).  Can't do lawn activities.  Can't
              wash dishes.  Can't play with your kids like you want to. 
Sleeping
              is impossible-Sometimes you have to sleep sitting up in a chair.
             
             
    3. Range of motion (ROM) and functional limitations
    ---------------------------------------------------
    a. Initial range of motion
   
       [ ] All Normal
       [X] Abnormal or outside of normal range
       [ ] Unable to test (please explain)
       [ ] Not indicated (please explain)
      
           Forward Flexion (0-45):           0 to 46 degrees
           Extension (0-45):                 0 to 15 degrees
           Right Lateral Flexion (0-45):     0 to 23 degrees
           Left Lateral Flexion (0-45):      0 to 14 degrees
           Right Lateral Rotation (0-80):    0 to 48 degrees
           Left Lateral Rotation (0-80):     0 to 44 degrees

           If abnormal, does the range of motion itself contribute to a
           functional loss? [X] Yes, (please explain)   [ ] No
          
              If yes, please explain:
              Limited bending.
             

       Description of pain (select best response):
         Pain noted on examination and causes functional loss
        
         If noted on examination, which ROM exhibited pain (select all that
         apply)?
           Forward flexion, Extension, Right lateral flexion, Left lateral
           flexion, Right lateral rotation, Left lateral rotation
          
       Is there evidence of pain with weight bearing? [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
       Is there objective evidence of localized tenderness or pain on palpation
       of the joint or associated soft tissue of the cervical spine (neck)?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
          If yes, describe including location, severity and relationship to
          condition(s):
          Tenderness on palpation of the cervical spine.
         
    b. Observed repetitive use
   
       Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive use testing with at least three
       repetitions? [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
          If no, please provide reason:
          Unable to perform due to severe pain.
         

    c. Repeated use over time
   
       Is the Veteran being examined immediately after repetitive use over time?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
           If the examination is not being conducted immediately after
repetitive
           use over time:
           [ ] The examination is medically consistent with the Veteran?s
               statements describing functional loss with repetitive use over
               time.
           [ ] The examination is medically inconsistent with the Veteran?s
               statements describing functional loss with repetitive use over
               time.  Please explain.
           [X] The examination is neither medically consistent nor inconsistent
               with the Veteran?s statements describing functional loss with
               repetitive use over time.
              
       Does pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination significantly limit
       functional ability with repeated use over a period of time?
       [ ] Yes   [ ] No   [X] Unable to say w/o mere speculation
      
           If unable to say w/o mere speculation, please explain:
           This examiner is unable to opine and would otherwise be speculating
to
           state whether pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination could
           significantly limit functional ability during flare-ups, or when the
           joint is used repeatedly over a period of time.  Therefore this
           examiner cannot describe any such additional limitation due to pain,
           weakness, fatigability or incoordination.  Furthermore, such opinion
           is also not feasible to give degrees of additional ROM loss due to
           "pain on use or during flare-ups" without speculation.
          
          

    d. Flare-ups
       Not applicable
      
    e. Guarding and muscle spasm
   
       Does the Veteran have guarding, or muscle spasm of the cervical spine?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
       Muscle spasm
          [X] None
          [ ] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
          [ ] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
          [ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below:

       Guarding
          [ ] None
          [ ] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
          [X] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
          [ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below:

    f. Additional factors contributing to disability
   
       In addition to those addressed above, are there additional contributing
       factors of disability?  Please select all that apply and describe:
         Less movement than normal due to ankylosis, adhesions, etc.
        
       Please describe:
       Decreased ROM.
      
    4. Muscle strength testing
    --------------------------
    a. Rate strength according to the following scale:
   
       0/5 No muscle movement
       1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement
       2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated
       3/5 Active movement against gravity
       4/5 Active movement against some resistance
       5/5 Normal strength
      
       Elbow flexion:
         Right: [X] 5/5   [ ] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5
         Left:  [X] 5/5   [ ] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5

       Elbow extension
         Right: [X] 5/5   [ ] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5
         Left:  [X] 5/5   [ ] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5

       Wrist flexion:
         Right: [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5
         Left:  [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5

       Wrist extension:
         Right: [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5
         Left:  [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5

       Finger Flexion:
         Right: [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5
         Left:  [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5

       Finger Abduction
         Right: [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5
         Left:  [ ] 5/5   [X] 4/5   [ ] 3/5   [ ] 2/5   [ ] 1/5   [ ] 0/5

    b. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
       If muscle atrophy is present, indicate location: Upper Arm
      
       Provide measurements in centimeters of normal side and atrophied side,
       measured at maximum muscle bulk:
      
       Normal side: 37.5 cm.
      
       Atrophied side:  36 cm.
      
    5. Reflex exam
    --------------
    Rate deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) according to the following scale:
   
       0  Absent
       1+ Hypoactive
       2+ Normal
       3+ Hyperactive without clonus
       4+ Hyperactive with clonus
      
       Biceps:
         Right: [ ] 0   [ ] 1+   [X] 2+   [ ] 3+   [ ] 4+
         Left:  [ ] 0   [ ] 1+   [X] 2+   [ ] 3+   [ ] 4+

       Triceps:
         Right: [ ] 0   [ ] 1+   [X] 2+   [ ] 3+   [ ] 4+
         Left:  [ ] 0   [ ] 1+   [X] 2+   [ ] 3+   [ ] 4+

       Brachioradialis:

         Right: [ ] 0   [ ] 1+   [X] 2+   [ ] 3+   [ ] 4+
         Left:  [ ] 0   [ ] 1+   [X] 2+   [ ] 3+   [ ] 4+

    6. Sensory exam
    ---------------
    Provide results for sensation to light touch (dermatomes) testing:
   
       Shoulder area (C5):
         Right: [ ] Normal   [X] Decreased   [ ] Absent
         Left:  [ ] Normal   [X] Decreased   [ ] Absent

       Inner/outer forearm (C6/T1):
         Right: [ ] Normal   [X] Decreased   [ ] Absent
         Left:  [ ] Normal   [X] Decreased   [ ] Absent

       Hand/fingers (C6-8):
         Right: [ ] Normal   [X] Decreased   [ ] Absent
         Left:  [ ] Normal   [X] Decreased   [ ] Absent

    7. Radiculopathy
    -----------------
    Does the Veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to
    radiculopathy?
    [X] Yes   [ ] No
   
       If yes, complete the following section:
      
       a. Indicate location and severity of symptoms (check all that apply):
          Constant pain (may be excruciating at times)
           Right upper extremity: [ ] None   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ]
Severe
           Left upper extremity:  [ ] None   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ]
Severe

          Intermittent pain (usually dull)
           Right upper extremity: [X] None   [ ] Mild   [ ] Moderate   [ ]
Severe
           Left upper extremity:  [X] None   [ ] Mild   [ ] Moderate   [ ]
Severe

          Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias
           Right upper extremity: [ ] None   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ]
Severe
           Left upper extremity:  [ ] None   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ]
Severe

          Numbness
           Right upper extremity: [ ] None   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ]
Severe
           Left upper extremity:  [ ] None   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ]
Severe

       b. Does the Veteran have any other signs or symptoms of radiculopathy?
          [ ] Yes   [X] No
         
       c. Indicate nerve roots involved: (check all that apply)
          [X] Involvement of C8/T1 nerve roots (lower radicular group)
              If checked, indicate:  [ ] Right   [ ] Left   [X] Both
             

       d. Indicate severity of radiculopathy and side affected:
          Right: [ ] Not affected   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ] Severe
          Left:  [ ] Not affected   [ ] Mild   [X] Moderate   [ ] Severe

    8. Ankylosis
    ------------
    Is there ankylosis of the spine? [ ] Yes   [X] No

    9. Other neurologic abnormalities
    ---------------------------------
    Does the Veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities related to a
    cervical spine (neck) condition (such as bowel or bladder problems due to
    cervical myelopathy)?
    [ ] Yes   [X] No
   
    10. Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and episodes requiring bed rest
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the cervical spine?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
    b. If yes to question 10a above, has the Veteran had any episodes of acute
       signs and symptoms due to IVDS that required bed rest prescribed by a
       physician and treatment by a physician in the past 12 months?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      

    11. Assistive devices
    ---------------------
    a. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of
       locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be
       possible?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
    b. If the Veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition and
       identify the assistive device used for each condition:
       No response provided.
      
    12. Remaining effective function of the extremities
    ----------------------------------------------------
    Due to a cervical spine (neck) condition, is there functional impairment of
    an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that which
    would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of
    the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc.; functions of the
    lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.)
    [ ] Yes, functioning is so diminished that amputation with prosthesis would
        equally serve the Veteran.
    [X] No
   
    13. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs,
        symptoms and scars
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    a. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings,
       complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions
       listed in the Diagnosis Section above?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
    b. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any
       conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis
       Section above?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
    c. Comments, if any:
       No response provided.
      
    14. Diagnostic testing
    ----------------------
    a. Have imaging studies of the cervical spine been performed and are the
       results available?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
           If yes, is arthritis (degenerative joint disease) documented?
           [X] Yes   [ ] No
          
    b. Does the Veteran have a vertebral fracture with loss of 50 percent or
more
       of height?
       [ ] Yes   [X] No
      
    c. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results?
       [X] Yes   [ ] No
      
           If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief
           summary):
              9/25/2014,MRI Cervical spine:Visibility of the central canal of
the
              cord at the C5 level with diameter of 2mm, not considered to
              reflect significant syringohydromyelia and not associated with
mass
              or abnormal enhancement.  Spondylosis and degenerative disc
disease
              of the cervical spine.  Right-sided predominant disc osteophyte
              complex at C6-7 causes mild right central canal and moderate right
              neural foraminal stenosis at this level.  No other central canal
              stenosis with milder areas of neural foraminal encroachment
              detailed above.  C2-3:Focal shallow central to right paracentral
              disc protrusion.  No central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.
              C3-4:Mild generalized disc bulge.  Mild right than left neural
              foraminal stenosis with central canal patent.  C6-7:Mild
              generalized disc bulge with more focal disc osteophyte complex in
              the right paracentral, right subarticular, and right lateral
              stations.  C7-T1:Negative for disc herniation.

              8/14/2012, MRI Cervical spine:Herniated disk C3/4, C5/6, and C6/7
              levels.  Bulging disk C2/3 and C4/5 levels.  Diffuse spondylitic
              changes.  Straightened alignment suggesting muscle spasm.  Focal
              area of cord contusion or compression myelomalacia at C5 level.
             
             
    15. Functional impact
    ----------------------
    Does the Veteran's cervical spine (neck) condition impact on his or her
    ability to work?
    [X] Yes   [ ] No
   
        If yes, describe the impact of each of the Veteran's cervical spine
        (neck) conditions, providing one or more examples:
          Veteran is capable of limited lifting, carrying, and bending.
         
         
    16. Remarks, if any:
    --------------------
        NOTE:Veteran performed neck flexion repeition which reduced ROM to
32deg.
         Unable to perform any further repetition for other ROM maneuvers.

       
*************************************************************************
        Additional exam request information:

 

        For any joint condition, examiners should test the contralateral joint,

        unless medically contraindicated, and the examiner should address pain on

        both passive and active motion, and on both weightbearing and non-
        weightbearing.
        In addition to the questions on the DBQ, please respond to
        the following questions:

        1.      Is there evidence of pain on passive range of motion testing?
        YES
        2.      Is there evidence of pain when the joint is used in non-weight
        bearing? YES
       
       

****************************************************************************

                                 Medical Opinion
                        Disability Benefits Questionnaire

    Name of patient/Veteran: 
    ACE and Evidence Review
    -----------------------
    Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this
document:
   
    [X] In-person examination
   

    Evidence Review
    ---------------
    Evidence reviewed (check all that apply):
   
    [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA)
    [X] CPRS

    Evidence Comments:
      BOARD REMAND

     

    MEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY
    -----------------------
    RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION:

    a. Opinion from general remarks: (a)  Please state all diagnoses as to the
    Veteran's cervical spine, and
    address all diagnoses already of record: herniated disk and bulging disk
    of the cervical spine and spondylitic changes, muscle spasm and
    contusion/compression, spondylosis and degenerative disc disease of the
    cervical spine, mechanical cervical pain syndrome and radiculopathy. 

    (b)  Please provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as
    not (a 50 percent or greater probability) that any diagnosed cervical
    spine disability was caused by or etiologically related to active duty. 
    Please specifically address the back injuries and complaints of back pain
    noted in the STRs.

    (c)  Please specifically address the Veteran's lay statements that he has
    suffered cervical spine pain since service, and that in service he
    suffered injury to his neck while carrying heavy equipment and continuous
    wear of duty gear.

    (d)  Please address the conflicting evidence of record and offer a
    clarifying opinion, notably the February 2013 VA examination positing a
    negative nexus, and the April 2016 private opinion positing a positive
    nexus.

    b. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: NECK

    TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ MEDICAL OPINION FOR DIRECT SERVICE
    CONNECTION ]

    a. The condition claimed was at least as likely as not (50% or greater
    probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event
or
    illness.  

    c. Rationale: Upon review of all available medical evidence, including
eVBMS,
    virtual VA, and Board Remand, the following pertinent information is
obtained
    and reported in 'Evidence Comments': Prior VA Examination, 6/25/96, reports
    Mr. served in the Marine Corps.  he was inducted in 1990 and
    received separation with an honorable discharge in 1996.    Medical History-In 1992, he
    had onset of pain in the neck area diagnosed at Quantico.  Xrays were
    negative.  Impression was muscle spasm and stress. Enlistment RME/RMH for
    national guard, 4/13/98, reported no neck problems and normal exam of the
    spine.  Miami VAMC, Outpatient clinic, 5/6/2005:Assessment is chronic neck
    and low back pain-Will get plain films and MRI, does not want any meds.
    2/28/2013, VA examination opines "Unable to find SMR evidence of significant
    neck injury or complaint in service.  No evidence to support chronicity of
    problem for over 10 years post-discharge."  THIS OPINION IS GIVEN LOW WEIGHT
    BECAUSE IT IS NEITHER SUPPORTED NOR CONSISTENT WITH THE RECORDS IN FILE THAT
    SHOW COMPLAINTS OF NECK PAIN INDICATING A CHRONIC CONDITION.  4/29/15, DBQ
    neck was completed providing a diagnosis of mechanical cervical pain
syndrome
    and radiculopathy. As received 4/8/16, VA physician, ,
    states that the Veteran suffers from cervico-occipital neuralgia and
cervical
    radiculopathy with bulging disc "are as likely as not a direct result of
    blunt trauma received during the patient's military career.  His conditions
    are a severe occupational impairment to the veteran and has been exacerbated
    by many years of continuous wear of duty gear related to his profession." 
On
    today's C&P examination, 11/21/17, Veteran is a credible historian and
    reports several incidents in 1992-1995 of blunt trauma, involving ground
    defensive tactic also known as "Bull in the Ring" in which the marine is in
    full gear and is potentially tackled by several marines.  Following this ,

    Veteran incurred concussion-1992 or 1993).  Veteran also reported chronic
    neck pain during service was due to carrying 50 caliber machine gun barrels
    and ammunition.  He also went to Bethesda for back school(approx. week). 

    In summary, the Veteran has been under chronic medical care for neck pain
    first reported during service(6/25/96) and the condition has progressed from
    cervical muscle spasm to mechanical cervical pain syndrome and
radiculopathy,
    cervical herniated and bulging disc with muscle spasm, cord
    contusion/compression myelomalacia, cervical spondylosis and degenerative
    disc disease, cervico-occipital neuralgia, and cervical radiculopathy with
    bulging disc. A nexus has been established.  Therefore, it is at least as
    likely as not that the claimed condition has direct service connection. 

[Vync]

In my nonprofessional opinion, it looks like 10% based on ROM.

 

Here's the spine rating criteria:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5;node=38:1.0.1.1.5

Quote

The Spine

	Rating
General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine
(For diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243 unless 5243 is evaluated under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes):
With or without symptoms such as pain (whther or not it radiates), stiffness, or aching in the area of the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine	100
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine	50
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine	40
Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine	30
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis	20
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height	10
Note (1): Evaluate any associated objective neurologic abnormalities, including, but not limited to, bowel or bladder impairment, separately, under an appropriate diagnostic code.
Note (2): (See also Plate V.) For VA compensation purposes, normal forward flexion of the cervical spine is zero to 45 degrees, extension is zero to 45 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 45 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 80 degrees. Normal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is zero to 90 degrees, extension is zero to 30 degrees, left and right lateral flexion are zero to 30 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation are zero to 30 degrees. The combined range of motion refers to the sum of the range of forward flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. The normal combined range of motion of the cervical spine is 340 degrees and of the thoracolumbar spine is 240 degrees. The normal ranges of motion for each component of spinal motion provided in this note are the maximum that can be used for calculation of the combined range of motion.
Note (3): In exceptional cases, an examiner may state that because of age, body habitus, neurologic disease, or other factors not the result of disease or injury of the spine, the range of motion of the spine in a particular individual should be considered normal for that individual, even though it does not conform to the normal range of motion stated in Note (2). Provided that the examiner supplies an explanation, the examiner's assessment that the range of motion is normal for that individual will be accepted.
Note (4): Round each range of motion measurement to the nearest five degrees.
Note (5): For VA compensation purposes, unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision; restricted opening of the mouth and chewing; breathing limited to diaphragmatic respiration; gastrointestinal symptoms due to pressure of the costal margin on the abdomen; dyspnea or dysphagia; atlantoaxial or cervical subluxation or dislocation; or neurologic symptoms due to nerve root stretching. Fixation of a spinal segment in neutral position (zero degrees) always represents favorable ankylosis.
Note (6): Separately evaluate disability of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine segments, except when there is unfavorable ankylosis of both segments, which will be rated as a single disability.
5235   Vertebral fracture or dislocation
5236   Sacroiliac injury and weakness
5237   Lumbosacral or cervical strain
5238   Spinal stenosis
5239   Spondylolisthesis or segmental instability
5240   Ankylosing spondylitis
5241   Spinal fusion
5242   Degenerative arthritis of the spine (see also diagnostic code 5003)
5243   Intervertebral disc syndrome
Evaluate intervertebral disc syndrome (preoperatively or postoperatively) either under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or under the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation when all disabilities are combined under §4.25.
Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes
With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months	60
With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months	40
With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months	20
With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months	10
Note (1): For purposes of evaluations under diagnostic code 5243, an incapacitating episode is a period of acute signs and symptoms due to intervertebral disc syndrome that requires bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician.
Note (2): If intervertebral disc syndrome is present in more than one spinal segment, provided that the effects in each spinal segment are clearly distinct, evaluate each segment on the basis of incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, whichever method results in a higher evaluation for that segment.

 

[Guest L]

I think Vync is close since your symptomology fits within the framework of the 10% rating.

Here is a link about the symptomology, since it notes in your exam C2/3 herniation  and also at C5 -

The herniation surgery today is streamlined.

The usually go in through the front of your neck which is less invasive and stabilize with new or artificial bone grafts or disc replacements. Recovery time is about 4 weeks or so with some residual difficulty swallowing at first due to swelling but usually go home from the hospital 3 rd day wearing what they call a Philadelphia collar for support.  After surgery you will have a lot less pain, but limited Range of Motion for flexion extension and side to side - so compensatory techniques for driving will be needed. 

I know this is probably not what you want to hear or know, but the damage is done,  I am an optimist.....I did therapy for 21 years ,  this surgery gives you your life back.   You may have a new claim...... post surgery

 Here is a link with more information. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/cervical-herniated-disc-symptoms-and-treatment-options

[Vync]

L provides some good information regarding potential ways to try to repair the problem. A distant family member of mine had the surgery L described and it really made a big difference. If you do consider something like this, do your research and get referrals if possible. It's your spine.

I had time to come back and read the rest of the exam. The section on radiculopathy could indicate additional ratings if deemed SC secondary to your cervical issues. You can read more about nerve ratings in the same link I provided above and look for rating codes starting at 8510. The doc indicated you have "moderate" severity of radiculopathy in both upper extremities, but did not indicate if it was major (40%) or minor (30%) per limb. When I was SC for cervical they also granted secondary for radiculopathy in each arm.

When you receive a decision letter, read it carefully and compare their results to your C&P exam results and the rating criteria. The VA is known for missing things. Take the extra time to ensure they didn't miss something.

[TJMarine]

thank you very much for the information I still have yet to be rated but I let a VSO look at my C&P results and he seems to think I will be rated for radiculopathy as well as cervical condition... he also says the examiner states ambi on which arm is dominant so I'm not sure on the % for it.. it seems there is a lot more to be rated here if you read through the exam...

[Buck52]

CAN YOU DO ANY TYPE OF WORK TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY?

IF NOT IF YOUR RATED A HIGH RATING 60% OR MORE FOR ALL THESE CONDITIONS Combined,

Apply for IU with T&P & SSDI ASAP.

Both Make a Modest Income and the  Benefits are great!

Edited December 18, 2017 by Buck52

[TJMarine]

I'm actually 80% service connected at this time without this spinal C&P... so whatever this comes out to will be my new percentage.