Narrowing of the spinal canal that may compress nerves and cause pain or numbness.
Medical records showing measured range of motion are central to rating spinal stenosis. A VA or private examiner will measure forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the cervical or thoracolumbar spine. Because ratings turn on specific degree thresholds, records that document exact measurements matter. Measurements should be rounded to the nearest five degrees.
Evidence of muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness found on physical examination can support a 10% or 20% rating depending on whether those findings result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis. Imaging or clinical findings that confirm a vertebral body fracture with loss of 50% or more of its height can also support a 10% rating.
For higher ratings, records documenting ankylosis, including clinical findings and imaging that show the spine is fixed in a particular position, are relevant. If unfavorable ankylosis is at issue, evidence describing its functional consequences, such as restricted jaw opening, limited breathing, gastrointestinal symptoms, or neurologic symptoms from nerve root stretching, directly addresses the regulatory criteria. Your own statements describing how your symptoms affect movement, walking, and daily activities can also help document the overall picture.
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.
