Inflammation of the spinal accessory nerve that may cause pain or weakness in the shoulder and neck.
Because this condition is rated based on loss of motor function in the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles, the most useful records are those that document how well those muscles work. Physical examination findings showing weakness, wasting, or paralysis of the sternomastoid or trapezius — such as difficulty turning the head, raising the shoulder, or shrugging — directly address the rating criteria. Nerve conduction studies or electromyography results that show the degree of nerve damage can help establish whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete. Records showing how your symptoms have changed over time, including any partial recovery, help establish where you fall between moderate and severe incomplete paralysis. Your own statements, and statements from people who see you daily, describing how weakness in your neck or shoulder affects your ability to work, lift, carry, or perform routine tasks tie your functional loss to the rating levels.
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.
