Back Ratings Difficult To Understand

[lcplcookba1]

here are my numbers, how would I apply these to a SC Degenerative Disk Disease

Forward Flexion (0 to 90): 0 to 25 degrees
Extension (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Right Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Left Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Right Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 20 degrees
Left Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 20 degrees

thanks in advance!!

[Vync]

Given the numbers, it looks like this is for the thoracolumbar spine. My guess is it looks like a possible 40% rating given the parts I highlighted below if you are deemed SC.

Per 4.71a - Schedule of Ratings - Musculoskeletal System
http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/docs/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_71a.doc

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 (whether 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

[lcplcookba1]

thanks I was looking for that,

[Navy04]

Agree with Vync's advice given above.

[63SIERRA]

You can also be rated seperately for pain.

[Vync]

And also can be rated separately/secondary for radiculopathy