A noncancerous tumor in the spinal cord that may cause pain, weakness, or numbness.
For the 60% minimum rating of the benign tumor itself, medical records confirming the diagnosis — such as imaging studies, pathology reports, or neurology or neurosurgery notes — are the foundation. Records showing the tumor is spinal and benign in nature directly support this level.
For residual conditions rated at a minimum of 10%, evidence should reflect the specific neurological effects the tumor or its treatment has left behind. This could include nerve conduction studies, physical examination findings documenting weakness, sensory loss, or paralysis, and treatment records from surgery, radiation, or other interventions. Statements from you or people who know you describing how residual symptoms affect your ability to work, move, or carry out daily activities help show the real-world impact. The stronger the connection between the documented residual symptoms and the tumor, the more clearly the evidence supports a rating above the 10% floor.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.