Wear and tear of the spinal joints or discs that may cause pain and stiffness.
The most important evidence is a physical examination that measures your spinal range of motion. VA rounds each measurement to the nearest five degrees, so precise, repeated measurements matter. Records showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar or cervical spine, extension, lateral flexion, and lateral rotation all feed into the combined range of motion calculation. An examiner's finding of muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness — and whether those findings cause an abnormal gait or an abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis or kyphosis — can also support a 20% or 10% rating.
Imaging such as X-rays or MRIs that document degenerative changes, disc narrowing, or vertebral body fracture with loss of 50% or more of vertebral height supports the 10% level. Records documenting ankylosis — especially findings that the spine is fixed in flexion or extension and causes difficulty walking, breathing problems, or neurologic symptoms — are needed to support the higher ratings for unfavorable ankylosis.
Your own statements and those of people who know you can describe how pain, stiffness, or limited motion affect your ability to work, bend, lift, or carry out daily tasks. These statements are most useful when they connect directly to the motion limits or spasm findings documented in your medical records.
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.
