Common symptoms
- ▸Chronic neck or back pain
- ▸Stiffness and limited range of motion
- ▸Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness into the limbs
- ▸Flare-ups that limit daily activities
Common evidence
- ▸MRI or X-ray imaging
- ▸Goniometer-measured range of motion
- ▸Physical therapy or chiropractic notes
- ▸Service medical records of in-service back / neck complaints
- ▸Lay statements on flare-ups and functional loss
Primary service connection examples
- ▸Documented in-service back / neck injury
- ▸Heavy lifting MOS or parachute duty
- ▸Vehicle accident, fall, or blast in service
Secondary service connection examples
- ▸Radiculopathy of the upper or lower extremities
- ▸Knee, hip, or ankle conditions secondary to altered gait
- ▸Bowel / bladder symptoms secondary to severe spine involvement
Rating basics
Lumbar/cervical strain rated by forward flexion under the General Rating Formula for the Spine (10/20/40/50/100%). IVDS rated by either ROM or total duration of physician-prescribed bed rest in the past 12 months. Radiculopathy rated separately under §4.124a.
Common denial reasons
- ✕No in-service complaint or post-service continuity
- ✕ROM measured without accounting for pain on motion (DeLuca)
- ✕Failure to claim radiculopathy separately