Injury to muscles that control head movements.
Because the rating levels are defined by the criteria in 38 CFR § 4.56, the most useful evidence is anything that documents the nature and extent of the muscle injury itself. Medical records showing the original wound or injury, surgical reports, and imaging results help establish what damage occurred to these neck muscles.
Examination findings are especially important. A VA or private examiner's description of muscle weakness, tenderness, spasm, limited range of motion of the head and neck, or signs of damage to the muscle tissue can point toward a specific rating level. Records of how symptoms have changed over time also matter.
Statements from you or people who know you — describing how pain, weakness, or restricted head movement affects your work, daily activities, or ability to stay in certain positions — can help show the functional impact of the injury. These personal statements are most useful when they are tied directly to activities that require moving your head or stabilizing your shoulders.
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.
