A break or displacement of one or more bones in the spine.
Medical records documenting range-of-motion measurements are central to this rating. A VA or private examiner will measure forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of both the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, rounding each measurement to the nearest five degrees. Records showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 30 degrees or less, or cervical spine flexion at 15 degrees or less, support the higher rating levels. Imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI reports can document ankylosis, vertebral body fractures, and loss of vertebral height, including whether a vertebral body has lost 50 percent or more of its height, which is relevant to the 10% level.
Examination findings of muscle spasm or guarding are relevant, particularly whether they result in an abnormal gait or an abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. If ankylosis is present, records describing its functional consequences, such as problems walking, chewing, breathing, or swallowing, help establish whether it is unfavorable. Your own statements, and statements from people who know you, describing how pain, stiffness, or limited motion affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities can also support the overall picture shown in clinical findings.
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.
