Degenerative Disc Disease, Reverse Lordosis, & Stenosis Ratings

[kaosama05]

I recently had an MRI of my cervical spine. My MRI has shown that I have mild to moderate degenerative joint disease located from c3 -c4 spine through c5 -c6 spine. The MRI also shows I have a reversal of my cervical lordotic curve. The reversal of my cervical lordotic curve overlapping with my degenerative joint disease in my spine has caused Mild anterior central stenosis located from c3 -c4 spine through c5 -c6 spine. My military medical records show instances of back area trauma and my military personnel file shows job MOS 2531 (Field Radio Operator) required me to carry heavy radios and radio accessories on my back repeatedly while doing physical work. I submitted a claim with with 5 military medical records showing documented cervical and lumbar trama and military doctors assesments as well as this last MRI that tells degenerative disc disease, reverse lordosis, & stenosis. My question is will the cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical reverse lordosis, & cervical stenosis be rated seperatly or all together. Also what rating will I be looking at for each.

[jbasser]

They can rate it as one condition. If they rate it. Do you have any evidence of a cervical spine injury in service? Also have you ever been in any Motor Vehicle Accidents?

[kaosama05]

I have multiple instances of injuries to my cervical spine in service. I have never been in a motor vehicle accident. If they clump the 3 disabilities together what rating will I be looking at.

[71M10]

It will be lumped together and rated on range of motion (with a minimum of 20%, I think this qualifies as abnormal curvature). Any neurological deficits caused by the stenosis will be rated per nerve and the level of disability. Or you could aslo be rated on incappacitating episiodes that result in perscribed bed-rest (which physicians almost never do anymore).

The important thing to remember here is that if you receive SC and a rating of your cervical spine and that disability is recognized to have altered the normal shape and mechanics of your spine, the adjacent group of joints or any joints subjected to abnormal strain because of it, can be service connected with proper documentation (physician stating that abnormal strain from SC injury has caused/contributed to the new injury).

Edited January 29, 2014 by 71M10

[Vync]

Like others here, they lumped all of my cervical issues together

[63SIERRA]

I found out my spine was curved , and it was caused from many years of leaning to the right, to ease pain in my back., caused by DDD and spondylolysis thesis . I never was even aware I was doing this. spine problems can also cause alot of other problems, because of the nerves getting affected. Spine problems can lead to stomach problems, headaches, numbness, tingling, burning sensation., and on and on. itsa almost endless.

[ArNG11]

I would have to agree on this. When I injured my back I sucked it up and adjusted my posture in a way that the body armor would not put so much pressure on various areas of my back. Big mistake. The curvature is so bad now it hits and causes pressure on my left lung and other nerve blocks. Chiropractic care helps and physical therapy does help with range of motion also.