10% Military Neck VA Rating. To be granted a VA disability rating for military neck at 10%, you must meet one of these conditions: The cervical spine (the part of your spine in your neck) can bend forward more than 30 degrees but not more than 40 degrees. The combined range of motion of the cervical spine is greater than 170 …Email Us! WHAT DO I DO IF I DISAGREE WITH MY RATING? Speak to your VSO first. They will have the most information to determine if a rating may be incorrect. You have …Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, the VA rates osteoarthritis depending on the severity of the condition. Degenerative osteoarthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). However, when the limitation of motion of the ...Degenerative joint disease (DJD) causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues brought on by the wearing down of the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones. It's also known as osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative arthropathy. Although DJD can occur in any joint, it most often affects the hands, …How Arthritis Is Rated. Degenerative arthritis, caused by overuse of the joints or an injury, is the most common form of arthritis in veterans and is rated under Diagnostic Code 5003. Veterans receive either a 10% or 20% rating depending on the severity of their symptoms and the number of joints affected.A 40% VA disability rating for lumbosacral strain indicates a moderate level of impairment and pain that significantly affects the veteran’s ability to perform daily activities. This rating takes into account factors such as limitations in range of motion, chronic pain, muscle weakness, and functional impairment.VA rates spinal stenosis according to 38 CFR § 4.71a – Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, Diagnostic Code 5238. Specifically, VA rates spinal stenosis according to its General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, outlined below: 100% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 50% – unfavorable ankylosis of ... Arthritis of the Spine. When a Veteran's arthritis does not warrant a rating based upon ROM or other miscellaneous situations. The Veteran's condition will be rated under degenerative arthritis. For an explanation of arthritis ratings click HERE. RATER NOTE: Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is NOT arthritis, and as such is NOT subject to ... May 22, 2023 ... What to Expect in a Neck Pain & Cervical Spine Conditions C&P Exam | VA Disability · Comments56.Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and is the one form of arthritis that has its own rating code from the VA. When it occurs in the spine, it tends to affect the cervical spine (the neck) rather than the lower back. It usually leads to neck pain, back pain, and often causes pain in the legs and arms as well.The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a well-known charity organization that provides support and resources to wounded veterans and their families. As a donor, it is important to co...September 6, 2018. Updated: November 20, 2023. Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) is a back condition in which the discs between vertebrae break down, causing pain in the …Getting your daily dose of vitamins becomes even more important as you grow older, especially if you suffer from chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A vitamin defici...Arthritis of the Spine. When a Veteran's arthritis does not warrant a rating based upon ROM or other miscellaneous situations. The Veteran's condition will be rated under degenerative arthritis. For an explanation of arthritis ratings click HERE. RATER NOTE: Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is NOT arthritis, and as such is NOT subject to ...Sep 22, 2021 ... Dx of arthritis & osteo arithritis tx was stopped recently had ƐRCP BIOPSY DONE WAS NOT AWARE OF HAVING BIOPSY DONE DX WAS INFECTION.Degenerative arthritis of the back occurs when cartilage between joints erodes over time resulting in joint stiffness, limited mobility, and pain. This type of arthritis usually takes place in weight-bearing joints (e.g., back, hips, knees). Arthritis of the spine is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and back.The criteria for this particular diagnostic code is similar to diagnostic code 5003, which refers to the VA rating for degenerative arthritis. ... Because back pain is a common symptom of these degenerative disk diseases and spinal conditions, Veterans Affairs recognizes it as a disability and can be compensated.Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, the VA rates osteoarthritis depending on the severity of the condition. Degenerative osteoarthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). However, when the limitation of motion of the ...One of the ways you can show the VA that you are entitled to a higher rating is to point out that your range of motion scores fit with the higher rating code.” When multiple areas of the spine are affected, ratings may be combined using VA math for a combined rating. For example, a cervical spine with forward flexion of 15° produces a …Email Us! WHAT DO I DO IF I DISAGREE WITH MY RATING? Speak to your VSO first. They will have the most information to determine if a rating may be incorrect. You have …What Is The Maximum Disability Rating For Degenerative Disc Disease. Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. For example, DDD can lead to other conditions among ...Schedular The Veteran's cervical spine disability involved both arthritis and disc disease. By rating decision dated September 2012, the RO granted the Veteran service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, but assigned that disability an initial 20 percent rating pursuant to DC 5242, which governs ratings of ...Dec 7, 2019 · VA Ratings for Arthritis. Degenerative arthritis can receive the following disability compensation ratings from the VA*: 10%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis but are never incapacitating. 20%- If two or more joint groups (major or minor) have arthritis and are occasionally incapacitating. The VA may rate bone spurs caused by arthritis under diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. In this case, you could earn a rating of 10% or 20% for your arthritis, which caused the spurs to develop. ... Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare form of arthritis that causes spinal inflammation and over time can cause vertebrae to fuse …Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (also known as IVDS) is a back condition involving the intervertebral disc or disc fragments. With IVDS, these discs may be displaced at the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic areas of the spine. Intervertebral disc syndrome is a common cause of back pain. Those who have this condition will usually find that it is made ...Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is a condition in which the protective cartilage that cushions the tops of bones degenerates, or wears down. This causes swelling and ...Mar 25, 2022 · Yes, the VA ratings for arthritis are under two main categories: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, arthritis can describe about 100 diseases and conditions impacting the joints and surrounding tissue. An arthritis VA rating can range from 10% to 100%. Degenerative arthritis (Diagnostic Code 5003) results from the wearing ... The proposed general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine would apply to spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral strain, spinal fracture or dislocation, spinal fusion of single or multiple levels, ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliac injury and weakness, degenerative arthritis (see also diagnostic code 5003) and, in part ...Degenerative disc disease is evaluated under diagnostic code 5242 – Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome. The VA typically rates DDD between 10% and 20% with alternate rating options under diagnostic codes 5003 (Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic) or 5010 (Post …Browse our VA Home Loans sub category Get top content in our free newsletter. Thousands benefit from our email every week. Join here. Mortgage Rates Mortgage Loans Buying a Home Ca...Oct 26, 2014 ... Bone and Joints Disability Ratings Table ; Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable ankylosis, the foot not reaching ground, crutches necessitated. 390.How should the knee be rated for this Veteran (assuming degenerative arthritis, observable on x-ray): ANSWER: Diagnostic Code 5003-5260 (or 5010-5260) should be used to assign a 10% rating for the functional loss of use. Diagnostic Code 5257 should be used to assign an additional 10% rating for instability of the knee.Although a July 2019 rating decision, granted an increased rating to 40 percent effective April 30, 2019 for the lumbar spine strain spondylosis, degenerative arthritis, and intervertebral disc syndrome, to date, it does not appear that the RO has issued SSOC as to the Veteran’s increased rating claims for his lumbar spine disability and left ...If you are a veteran suffering from service-connected degenerative disc disease, you may be able to get up to a 20% disability rating from the VA. This rating amounts to $327.99 per month, according to current disability compensation rates . Disability disc disease (DDD) can be a painful condition to live with, and it affects the lower back or ...DC 5242 – Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease: a condition in which pain is caused by a disc that wears down. DC 5243 — Intervertebral disc syndrome: ... General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine: VA Rating : For diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243, unless 5243 is evaluated under the Formula for Rating ...By virtue of a rating decision entered in November 1997, the veteran's service-connected back disability is currently rated separately as chronic lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, evaluated as 20 percent disabling; and as chronic thoracic strain with thoracic scoliosis, evaluated as 10 ...When assigning a Diagnostic Code or rating arthritis severity, a limitation of motion of a joint due to degenerative arthritis or arthritis due to trauma should be rated under limitation of motion rather than degenerative arthritis if it is more advantageous to the veteran (e.g., degenerative arthritis of both shoulders with right (major) arm ...Mar 25, 2022 · Yes, the VA ratings for arthritis are under two main categories: degenerative arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, arthritis can describe about 100 diseases and conditions impacting the joints and surrounding tissue. An arthritis VA rating can range from 10% to 100%. Degenerative arthritis (Diagnostic Code 5003) results from the wearing ... 20% Disability Rating. Receiving a 20% disability rating for spinal fusion means that your range of motion is significantly reduced. Lower to mid-back flexion is limited to between 30° and 60°, and the range in your neck is 15°-30°.VA rates lumbosacral strains under 38 CFR § 4.71, Schedule of Ratings – Musculoskeletal System, Diagnostic Code 5237. Importantly, this diagnostic code follows the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The rating criteria is as follows: 100% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 50% – unfavorable ankylosis ...The VA may rate bone spurs caused by arthritis under diagnostic code 5003 for degenerative arthritis. In this case, you could earn a rating of 10% or 20% for your arthritis, which caused the spurs to develop. ... Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare form of arthritis that causes spinal inflammation and over time can cause vertebrae to fuse …The Back and Spine Overview. The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connected. The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to ...VA rates rheumatoid arthritis in the ankle under 38 CFR § 4.71 (a), Diagnostic Code 5002. To be rated under this code, there are three specifications: (1) The arthritis must be active; (2) It must be affecting at least two joints; and. (3) The veteran must submit a definitive diagnosis.The Back and Spine Overview . The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connected.The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty.For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.. …Jul 24, 2020 · VA rates spinal stenosis according to 38 CFR § 4.71a – Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, Diagnostic Code 5238. Specifically, VA rates spinal stenosis according to its General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, outlined below: 100% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 50% – unfavorable ankylosis of ... The VA classifies degenerative disc disease as a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine, and rates it on the basis of limitation of motion, using diagnostic code 5242 …In order to be granted a VA disability rating for spinal stenosis at 10%, you must meet one of these conditions: The thoracolumbar spine (the part of the spine between your chest and your lower back) can bend more than 60 degrees but not more than 85 degrees. The cervical spine (the part of your spine in your neck) can bend forward more than 30 ...All the evidence necessary for an equitable disposition of the veteran's claim has been obtained by VA. 2. The veteran's lumbar spine disability classified as Grade I anterolisthesis of L4/L5 with facet osteoarthritis, L4-L5 stenosis, and impaired mobilities is currently manifested by degenerative disc and joint disease that equates with or ...The Back and Spine Overview . The VA awards disability compensation for each Back and Spine condition that is service-connected.The DoD will also rate service-connected conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty.For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.. …TYPES OF BACK ARTHRITIS. As a general term, arthritis is used to refer to pain in the joints. As Johns Hopkins explains, “there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and most of them may affect the back or neck.”. While this pain can be experienced anywhere along the length of the spine, it is most common in the lower back and the ...Get ratings and reviews for the top 7 home warranty companies in Leesburg, VA. Helping you find the best home warranty companies for the job. Expert Advice On Improving Your Home A...After qualifying for this, the VA will decide whether to give you a 20% rating based on the severity of your condition. You may receive around $328 monthly compensation for a 10% rating. Other disability ratings for L5-S1 DDD. On some occasions, the VA has assigned more than a 20% rating for spinal issues like DDD.Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disease which is characterised by recurrent episodes of partial or total collapse of the upper airways during sleep 1.Chronic pain is a common symptom in patients with sleep disorders and people with chronic pain often have difficulties with their sleep 2.If chronic pain, sleep disturbances, …Radiculopathy is a medical condition in which the nerves are compressed or irritated in the lower back [1]. This results in pressure on the nerve roots themselves. Radiculopathy is classified as a pain syndrome and can be caused by several lower back conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis ...Mar 1, 2022 · The VA rates Cervicalgia under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for the Spine as follows. Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) with or without symptoms such as radiating pain, stiffness, or aching around the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease to the neck and shoulder: Effects from neuralgia are considered moderate at worst by VA standards. The condition uses these sciatica VA rating guidelines: 20%: Moderate symptoms. 10%: Mild symptoms. Diagnostic code 8520, or paralysis of the sciatic nerve, has more extensive rating rules, including: 80%: Complete paralysis as evidenced by the foot dangling and …If your bone spurs result from non-post-traumatic degenerative arthritis, the VA may rate your condition under diagnostic code 5003. The VA uses the following ratings for code 5003: 10 percent: You may receive a 10 percent rating if you have X-ray evidence showing your degenerative arthritis involves at least two major or minor joints.Apr 25, 2024 ... 40% rating, $755.28 per month: You can receive a 40% rating if you have an unfavorable ankylosis of your entire cervical spine, meaning your ...Degenerative arthritis, commonly referred to as osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear arthritis, affects millions of Americans. Over time and as people age, the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down. While degenerative arthritis can affect any joint, it mainly affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands.Under 38 CFR § 4.71a, the VA rates osteoarthritis depending on the severity of the condition. Degenerative osteoarthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). However, when the limitation of motion of the ...According to the VA’s criteria, if a veteran’s condition is established by X-ray findings, their degenerative disc disease VA rating is assigned based on the limitation of motion of the joint or joints involved. A medical professional will assess symptoms such as spasming, swelling, and pain when determining the limitation of motion.The VA does not have a separate rating system just for the severity of your scoliosis. Instead, the VA will look at how your scoliosis affects your spine and give you a disability rating for your spine. Range of motion limitations for VA scoliosis ratings range from 10% to 100%:Citation Nr: 18132285 Decision Date: 09/06/18 Archive Date: 09/06/18 DOCKET NO. 15-42 810 DATE: September 6, 2018 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted. REMANDED Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral pes planus is …Generally, the VA rates spondylosis at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%, depending on how your condition affects the motion of your spine. The VA rates spondylosis as a back condition, and you can find the spondylosis VA ratings under diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 38 CFR 4.71a Schedule of Ratings, General Rating Formula for …Browse our VA Home Loans sub category Get top content in our free newsletter. Thousands benefit from our email every week. Join here. Mortgage Rates Mortgage Loans Buying a Home Ca... 38 C.F.R. § 4.27 (2014). Here, the hyphenated diagnostic code indicates that the service-connected disability is degenerative arthritis of the spine (5242), and that the rating is determined on the basis of limitation of motion for the residual condition, a lumbosacral strain (5237). See 38 C.F.R. § 4.20 (2014). How Arthritis Is Rated. Degenerative arthritis, caused by overuse of the joints or an injury, is the most common form of arthritis in veterans and is rated under Diagnostic Code 5003. Veterans receive either a 10% or 20% rating depending on the severity of their symptoms and the number of joints affected.Although a July 2019 rating decision, granted an increased rating to 40 percent effective April 30, 2019 for the lumbar spine strain spondylosis, degenerative arthritis, and intervertebral disc syndrome, to date, it does not appear that the RO has issued SSOC as to the Veteran’s increased rating claims for his lumbar spine disability and left ...10% Rating: There’s a degree of flexibility in your back, allowing for forward movement up to about three hand lengths. This is the rating for moderate range of motion limitations. VA Ratings for Cervical Spine Injuries. 40% Rating: Your neck is stuck in an uncomfortable, fixed position.The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a well-known charity organization that provides support and resources to wounded veterans and their families. As a donor, it is important to co...General aging and degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, cause spinal stenosis, according to Spine-health, and L4-L5 and L3-L4 are the ...IVDS is rated under diagnostic code 5243, and the rating criteria relies on the number of incapacitating episodes and how much bed rest the veteran’s physician prescribed within the last year. The ratings range from 10% to 60%. 10% – “With incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during ...There are a number of different back conditions that are subject to compensation under the VA disability system, including the following: -Mechanical back pain syndrome. -Lumbosacral sprain/strain. -Facet joint arthropathy (degenerative joint disease of lumbosacral spine) -Degenerative disc disease. -Degenerative scoliosis.A higher rating than those currently assigned is only provided by rating the service-connected lumbar spine disorders, degenerative joint disease and radiculopathy, separately. Neuritis of the sciatic nerve is rated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8621, rather than Diagnostic Code 8626 for rating disability of the anterior crural or ...The cervical spine (neck) and the thoracolumbar spine (low back) are rated according to the following criteria: As you can see, ROM measurements play a …Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve root in either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. The pinched nerve can cause pain and discomfort for veterans who experience it, and the pain is often experienced as numbness, tingling, or weakness. This condition is commonly caused by back conditions such as herniated discs, stenosis, and bone ...DC 5242 – Degenerative arthritis of the spine; Based on these diagnostic codes, there are two ways the VA determines your disability percentage rating. One method uses range of motion limitations. The more limited your ability to move your back, the higher the VA rating.The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that degenerative arthritis is the primary reason for disability discharge among service members. Over 395,000 veterans are currently receiving …Diagnostic codes 5242 and 5243 are reserved for arthritis and spinal disc conditions. ... Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically ... The middle and upper back area is your thoracic spine andthe lower back area is your lumbar spine. VA …
Degenerative arthritis of the back occurs when cartilage between joints erodes over time resulting in joint stiffness, limited mobility, and pain. This type of arthritis usually takes place in weight-bearing joints (e.g., back, hips, knees). Arthritis of the spine is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and back.. Power outage in clifton park
Osteoarthritis is considered a disability by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). Osteoarthritis can be debilitating as it can cause severe mobility issues and pain. Osteoarthritis can affect many joints, including the knee. Even tri-compartmental osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis in the knee is a disability.Neck muscle injuries. Under 38 CFR § 4.73, injuries to neck muscles are compensated differently depending on the severity of the impairment and the muscles affected. Function: Postural support of body; extension and lateral movements of spine. Spinal muscles: Sacrospinalis (erector spinae and its prolongations in thoracic and cervical regions).Degenerative arthritis is most painful in weight-bearing joints: Spine. Knees. Hips. Other joints that are affected are: Major joints, which include wrist, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, …Mar 1, 2022 · The VA rates Cervicalgia under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, General Rating Formula for the Spine as follows. Cervicalgia (Neck Pain) with or without symptoms such as radiating pain, stiffness, or aching around the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease to the neck and shoulder: Getting your daily dose of vitamins becomes even more important as you grow older, especially if you suffer from chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A vitamin defici...Degenerative disc disease is evaluated under diagnostic code 5242 – Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome. The VA typically rates DDD between 10% and 20% with alternate rating options under diagnostic codes 5003 (Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic) or 5010 (Post …5242 Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) 5243 Intervertebral disc syndrome: Assign this diagnostic code only when there is disc herniation with compression and/or irritation of the adjacent nerve root; assign diagnostic code 5242 for all other disc diagnoses.The VA uses diagnostic code 5237 to designate lumbosacral strains and uses the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine to determine a veteran’s rating. These ratings can range from 10% to 100%. Ratings between 10% and 40% are based on limitations to the range of motion.If you are a veteran suffering from service-connected degenerative disc disease, you may be able to get up to a 20% disability rating from the VA. This rating amounts to $327.99 per month, according to current disability compensation rates . Disability disc disease (DDD) can be a painful condition to live with, and it affects the lower back or ...The VA requires that the examiner measure the maximal flexion and extension of the joints using a Geniometer. The VA still uses this classification for most disabilities affecting the joints and for evaluation of degenerative joint disease of the spine. The VA uses ankylosis in providing ratings for the following conditions:Spinal stenosis is a condition where a narrowing of the spinal canal occurs in the lower part of the back (lumbar spinal stenosis) or the neck (cervical spinal stenosis). About 102...DC 5242 – Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease: a condition in which pain is caused by a disc that wears down. DC 5243 — Intervertebral disc syndrome: ... General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine: VA Rating : For diagnostic codes 5235 to 5243, unless 5243 is evaluated under the Formula for Rating ... 38 C.F.R. § 4.27 (2014). Here, the hyphenated diagnostic code indicates that the service-connected disability is degenerative arthritis of the spine (5242), and that the rating is determined on the basis of limitation of motion for the residual condition, a lumbosacral strain (5237). See 38 C.F.R. § 4.20 (2014). Degenerative arthritis of the spine is primarily a disorder of cartilage and the bone underlying the cartilage of the spinal column or vertebral column, which encompasses the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. ... The rating schedule for musculoskeletal was updated on February 7, 2021. ... For VA compensation purposes, …Some of which are listed below: 5235 – Vertebral fracture or dislocation: When one of the spinal bones, or vertebrae, is damaged or shifted out of position causing discomfort or …Apr 25, 2024 ... 40% rating, $755.28 per month: You can receive a 40% rating if you have an unfavorable ankylosis of your entire cervical spine, meaning your ...Psoriatic arthritis is a condition involving joint inflammation (arthritis) that usually occurs in combination with a skin disorder called psoriasis. Explore symptoms, inheritance,...In a December 2017 rating decision the evaluation of the Veteran's cervical spine arthritis with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and cervical cord myelopathy/myelomalacia was increased from 10 percent disabling to 20 percent disabling, effective November 9, 2016, and separate ratings were assigned for right and left upper …All diseases and injuries of the spine, whether cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), or lumbar (lower back), are all rated by the VA using the same scale from 10% to 100%, except for IVDS, which has its own separate formula. For lumbar conditions other than IVDS, the rating formula is based primarily on range of motion (flexion) and, for the ....