Ratings Of The Spine

[bigoc]

I have recently received an x-ray report that shows injury to the spine in the Cervical, Thoracic, and lumbar.  I am currently rated at 20% for my neck based on a cervical MRI.  The injury is from a parachute accident(service connected).   I did seek medical help in service which is documented(how I got my cervical rating).  I do not have any limit in the range of motion, just pain.  I do not understand how they rate the spine.  I will list my x-ray report. 

 Any idea of what kind of rating I should expect and insist on based on the x-ray, pain, and little if any loss of range of motion?

1. Cervical Spine:  Reversal of cervical lordosis, spondylitic changes.  Clinical correlation recommended(whatever this means)
   
2. Thoracic Spine:  Levoscoliosis.
   
3. Lumbar Spine:  Straightening of lordosis. OA at L4-L5 and L5-S1 
   

[john999]

I think it is range of motin, but Rentalguy knows the facts and he will chime in I am sure. If you have chronic pain disorder that is rated as an emotional disorder.

[jbasser]

I have recently received an x-ray report that shows injury to the spine in the Cervical, Thoracic, and lumbar. I am currently rated at 20% for my neck based on a cervical MRI. The injury is from a parachute accident(service connected). I did seek medical help in service which is documented(how I got my cervical rating). I do not have any limit in the range of motion, just pain. I do not understand how they rate the spine. I will list my x-ray report.

Any idea of what kind of rating I should expect and insist on based on the x-ray, pain, and little if any loss of range of motion?

1. Cervical Spine: Reversal of cervical lordosis, spondylitic changes. Clinical correlation recommended(whatever this means)
   
2. Thoracic Spine: Levoscoliosis.
   
3. Lumbar Spine: Straightening of lordosis. OA at L4-L5 and L5-S1
   

1: cervical lordosis is the curvature of the bones in the neck.

Reversed means it has transgressed the oppisite of what it should be.

You have arthritic changes compared to another exam. Clinical correlation is asking another clinician their view on your condition.

2: levo scolosis: spine is bending left or right not forward or back.

3> The curvature of the back is straightened,

The Va will rate on Range of motion. Know your ranges and compare it to the regs.

J

Edited July 13, 2009 by jbasser

[rentalguy1]

based on range of motion, or on incapacitating episodes (dr prescribed bed rest) if rated for intervertabral disc syndrome (IVDS). Spondylitic changes is IVDS. In layman's terms it is arhritic changes of the vertebrea.

[bigoc]

I was always wondered what the VA rated me for with my neck injury.  I do not have any loss of range of motion or incapacitating episodes.  I do however have several levels of diminished disk hight and narrowing of the spinal column per an MRI reading.  I guess this is what I am rated on.  It seems that they will throw a rating your way if you have some kind of diagnostic testing that shows an injury.  It is not always found in the rating criteria unless I am missing this one.  Thanks for the insight.

[carlie]

bigoc,

You can call the 800 # and ask VA what Diagnostic Codes

you are rated under. They can usually provide correct information

an this type of question.

carlie

[rentalguy1]

You are most likely rated on the old criteria, which was prior to 2002. It was much different then.