Is Scoliotic Curvature The Sane As Scoliosis

[gs106]

Is "abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis" the same as "mild scoliotic curvature?  I am SC for cervical spondylosis (20%) and arthritis, thoracic spine (10%).  The MRI of the cervical spine and the X-ray of the lumbar/thoracic spine both report mild scoliotic curvature.  Just wondering if I should have been rated 20% rather than 10% for thoracic spine.

[iceturkee]

16 hours ago, gs106 said:

Thanks Broncovet.  It doesn't specify mild, moderate, or severe as most of them do, it just says "abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis".  That alone wouldn't get me to 90 but every little bit helps and I have pending claims/appeals.

but didn't you post that your mri and xray showed a mild scoliosis?

[gs106]

Yes, it does say mild but this is from Title 38.  You and Broncovet are probably right that it must be more than mild but it doesn't say that.

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

[iceturkee]

2 hours ago, gs106 said:

Yes, it does say mild but this is from Title 38.  You and Broncovet are probably right that it must be more than mild but it doesn't say that.

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

my last ortho c&p exam noted that i had abnormal gait due to my minimal scoliosis. i remained at 40 percent (although was awarded IU). for the record, i have 5 herniated discs, foraminal and spinal stenosis, a slipped vertebrae, 2 torn discs, abnorminal lordosis and arthritis plus the minimal scoliosis. i was at 12 percent in like 2007 and have never been remeasured.

 

i wish you well but from what i have read, i don't feel confident or comfortable thinking you will get to 20 percent. good luck!

Edited February 3, 2016 by iceturkee

[gs106]

Thanks Iceturkee, I don't think I will get 20% either and probably won't even try.  My ROM was less than 60% but the examiner said I had normal ROM so that was the reason for 10%.  My X-Ray results are certainly not as bad as your.

:

Report:

Lumbosacral spine:

Examination of the lumbosacral spine demonstrates intact bony

structures. Mild scoliotic curvature is present. An

Paravertebral soft tissues appear normal. The intravertebral

disc spaces demonstrate diffuse degenerative changes throughout

the lower thoracic spine. There is degenerative disc narrowing at

L1-2, L2-3, L4-5 and L5-S1. Disc vacuum is present at L5-S1 with

loss of normal disc space at L4-5 and articular sclerosis.

Second-degree spondylolisthesis is present at this level. There

is advanced posterior element sclerosis from L3-S1. Marginal

hypertrophic spur formation occurs at all lumbar levels. No acute

injury is identified. Sacroiliac articulations are anatomic with

bilateral articular sclerosis.

Impression:

Lumbosacral spine with degenerative disc disease. L4-5

spondylolisthesis. Diffuse posterior element sclerosis.

Degenerative osteophyte formation.

 

[ArNG11]

I would not put it in terms like that.  Look at it this way, Range of motion, scoliosis,nerve issues can and do yield different ratings and can make a significant difference in the total rating for the injury. If you haven't done so already I would suggest you obtain a second opinion and obtain some unbiased testing performed. Those would be my suggestions,  the decision is yours to make.  Good Luck and congrats 

Also look at the eCFR's ratings for the C-spine , different ratings are there for other issues to the thoracic and lumbar region. Meaning they can have separate ratings.