I know this is a long report. My current disability rating is 70% I have asked for an increase in my Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) and Radiculopathy, right lower extremity claimed as right leg numbness. Listed below is my present rating.
degenerative joint disease, right ankle 10%
degenerative joint disease, left shoulder claimed as residuals, left shoulder surgery and arm 20%
residual scar, left shoulder 0%
right foot pes planus also claimed as right foot arthritis 30%
bilateral hearing loss 0%
right foot hallux valgus claimed as right toe pain and right foot arthritis 0%
degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine claimed as low back condition 20%
radiculopathy, right lower extremity claimed as right leg numbness 20%
C&P Exams Results
Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions
Thoracolumbar Common Diagnoses:
[ ] Ankylosing spondylitis
[ ] Lumbosacral strain
[X] Degenerative arthritis of the spine
[X] Intervertebral disc syndrome
[ ] Sacroiliac injury
[ ] Sacroiliac weakness
[ ] Segmental instability
[ ] Spinal fusion
[ ] Spinal stenosis
[ ] Spondylolisthesis
[ ] Vertebral dislocation
[ ] Vertebral fracture
[X] Other Diagnosis
Diagnosis
1: Lumbar spine DDD/DJD L4-S1, DDD L1-2, per imaging, with moderately severe Right L4, L5, S1 radiculopathy ICD code: M51.27 / M54.1
Date of diagnosis: SC
2. Medical history
a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (brief summary): per vet he injured his low back over the years running in service and this continues to this date with right radiculopathy pain meds:
b. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the thoracolumbar spine (back)?
[X] Yes [ ] No
c. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back) (regardless of repetitive use)?
[X] Yes [ ] No
If yes, document the Veteran's description of functional loss or functional impairment in his or her own words. the vet must avoid lifting more than a few pounds and avoid bending over to pick things up and cannot stand more than about 20 minutes all due to his back and can sometimes trip on his right foot due to his radiculopathy all limiting these activities; this does not preclude limited duty or sedentary employment.
3. Range of motion (ROM) and functional limitation
a. Initial range of motion
[ ] All normal
[X] Abnormal or outside of normal range
[ ] Unable to test (please explain)
[ ] Not indicated (please explain)
Forward Flexion (0 to 90): 0 to 15 degrees
Extension (0 to 30): 0 to 5 degrees
Right Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Left Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Right Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 30 degrees
Left Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 30 degrees
If abnormal, does the range of motion itself contribute to a functional loss? [X] Yes (please explain) [ ] No If yes, please explain: the vet must avoid lifting more than a few pounds and avoid
Bending over to pick things up and cannot stand more than about 20 minutes all due to his back , and can sometimes trip on his right foot due to his radiculopathy all limiting these activities; this does not preclude limited duty or sedentary employment. Description of pain (select best response):
Pain noted on exam and causes functional loss if noted on exam, which ROM exhibited pain (select all that apply)? Forward Flexion, Extension, Right Lateral Flexion, Left Lateral Flexion, Right Lateral Rotation, Left Lateral Rotation Is there evidence of pain with weight bearing? [X] Yes [ ] No
Is there objective evidence of localized tenderness or pain on palpation of the joints or associated soft tissue of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No
If yes, describe including location, severity and relationship to condition(s): bilateral lumbar paraspinous, muscle tenderness, spasm, and guarding all attributed to the lumbar spine condition.
b. Observed repetitive use
Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive use testing with at least three repetitions?
[X] Yes [ ] No
Is there additional loss of function or range of motion after three repetitions?
[ ] Yes [X] No
c. Repeated use over time
Is the Veteran being examined immediately after repetitive use over time?
[X] Yes [ ] No
Does pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination significantly limit functional ability with repeated use over a period of time?
[X] Yes [ ] No [ ]
Unable to say w/o mere speculation Select all factors that cause this functional loss: Pain
Able to describe in terms of range of motion:
[X] Yes [ ] No
Forward Flexion (0 to 90): 0 to 15 degrees
Extension (0 to 30): 0 to 5 degrees
Right Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Left Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 15 degrees
Right Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 30 degrees
Left Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 30 degrees
d. Flare-ups
Is the exam being conducted during a flare-up? [ ] Yes [X] No
If the examination is not being conducted during a flare-up:
[ ] The examination is medically consistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss during flare-ups.
[ ] The examination is medically inconsistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss during flare-ups. Please explain.
[X] The examination is neither medically consistent nor inconsistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss during flare-ups. Does pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination significantly limit functional ability with flare-ups?
[ ] Yes [ ] No [X]
Unable to say w/o mere speculation if unable to say w/o mere speculation, please explain: As the veteran is not having a flare today, it would be only with resort to mere speculation to report the additional ROM limitation due to pain during a flare at that time.
e. Guarding and muscle spasm
Does the Veteran have guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine (back)?
[X] Yes [ ] No
Muscle spasm:
[ ] None
[X] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
[ ] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
[ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below:
Provide description and/or etiology: bilateral lumbar paraspinous muscle tenderness, spasm, and guarding all attributed to the lumbar spine condition. Localized tenderness:
[ ] None
[X] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
[ ] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
[ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below: Provide description and/or etiology: bilateral lumbar paraspinous muscle tenderness, spasm, and guarding all attributed to the lumbar spine condition.
Guarding:
[ ] None
[X] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
[ ] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
[ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below:
Provide description and/or etiology: bilateral lumbar paraspinous muscle tenderness, spasm, and guarding all attributed to the lumbar spine condition.
f. Additional factors contributing to disability In addition to those addressed above, are there additional contributing factors of disability? Please select all that apply and describe: None
4. Muscle strength testing
a. Rate strength according to the following scale:
0/5 No muscle movement
1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement
2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated
3/5 Active movement against gravity
4/5 Active movement against some resistance
5/5 Normal strength
Hip flexion:
Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Knee extension:
Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Ankle plantar flexion:
Right: [ ] 5/5 [X] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Ankle dorsiflexion:
Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Great toe extension:
Right: [ ] 5/5 [X] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5
b. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy?
[ ] Yes [X] No
5. Reflex exam
Rate deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) according to the following scale:
0 Absent
1+ Hypoactive
2+ Normal
3+ Hyperactive without clonus
4+ Hyperactive with clonus
Knee:
Right: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+
Left: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+
Ankle:
Right: [ ] 0 [X] 1+ [ ] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+
Left: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+
6. Sensory exam
Provide results for sensation to light touch (dermatome) testing: Upper anterior thigh (L2):
Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent
Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent
Thigh/knee (L3/4):
Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent
Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent
Lower leg/ankle (L4/L5/S1):
Right: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent
Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent
Foot/toes (L5):
Right: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent
Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent
Other sensory findings, if any: sensation is decreased only in the right L4, L5 and S1 dermatomal distributions.
7. Straight leg raising test
Provide straight leg raising test results:
Right: [ ] Negative [X] Positive [ ] Unable to perform
Left: [X] Negative [ ] Positive [ ] Unable to perform
8. Radiculopathy
Does the Veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy?
[X] Yes [ ] No
a. Indicate symptoms' location and severity (check all that apply):
Constant pain (may be excruciating at times)
Right lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [X] Moderate [ ] Severe
Left lower extremity: [X] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe
Intermittent pain (usually dull)
Right lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [X] Severe
Left lower extremity: [X] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe
Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias
Right lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [X] Moderate [ ] Severe
Left lower extremity: [X] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe
Numbness
Right lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [X] Severe
Left lower extremity: [X] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe
b. Does the Veteran have any other signs or symptoms of radiculopathy?
[ ] Yes [X] No
c. Indicate nerve roots involved: (check all that apply)
[X] Other nerves (specify nerve and side(s) affected): right L4, L5, S1
d. Indicate severity of radiculopathy and side affected:
Right: [ ] Not affected [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [X] Severe
Left: [X] Not affected [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe
9. Ankylosis
Is there ankylosis of the spine? [ ] Yes [X] No
10. Other neurologic abnormalities
Does the Veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)?
[ ] Yes [X] No
11. Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and episodes requiring bed rest
a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine?
[X] Yes [ ] No
b. If yes to question 11a above, has the Veteran had any episodes of acute signs and symptoms due to IVDS that required bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician in the past 12 months? [ ] Yes [X] No
12. Assistive devices
a. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible?
[ ] Yes [X] No
13. Remaining effective function of the extremities
Due to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition, is there functional Impairment of an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that Which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc.; functions of the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.) [X] No
14. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, symptoms and scars
a. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above?
[X] Yes [ ] No
If yes, describe (brief summary): the above radiculopathy is moderately severe but there is no tab for this in the Back DBQ.
b. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis
Section above?
[ ] Yes [X] No
c. Comments, if any:
No response provided
15. Diagnostic test in
a. Have imaging studies of the thoracolumbar spine been performed and are the results available?
[X] Yes [ ] No
If yes, is arthritis documented?
[X] Yes [ ] No
b. Does the Veteran have a thoracic vertebral fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of height?
[ ] Yes [X] No
c. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results?
[X] Yes [ ] No
If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary):
Procedure Name
MRI LUMBAR SPINE W/O CONTRAST
Reason for Study
58 y/o male with chronic back pain presenting with xray on 1/14
Clinical History
58 y/o male with chronic back pain presenting with xray on 1/14 showing severe ddd, now presenting with radicular sx to both legs
1) Does the patient have any implanted electronic device (AICD), Pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, pump or similar device): No
2) Does the patient have surgical brain aneurysm clip(s) or other Metal in the brain: No
3) Does the patient have known metal fragments in the orbits/eyes: No
4) Does the patient have a history of allergy or adverse reaction to IV MRI contrast agents: No
5) Has the patient had any Surgery in the past 12 weeks? No
6) Is the patient pregnant: (consider pregnancy testing if there is any question): NA
7) Does the patient have severe renal insufficiency; eGFR < 45: No
Patient Wt: 212 lb [96.4 kg] (02/06/2015 12:52) Impression No significant findings.
Report
MRI of the lumbar spine is performed. T1-weighted, inversion recovery, and T2-weighted sequences are obtained. Images are obtained in sagittal and coronal planes. There are no old studies available for comparison. At L5-S1, there is mild DDD. There is a hemangioma in the L5 vertebral body measuring 1.5 x 1.6 cm. As noted on plain film radiography, there is sclerotic change at the facet joints. At L4-L5, there is mild DDD and facet hypertrophy. There is mild central stenotic change with mild disc bulging.
At L3-L4, there is no significant pathology.
At L2-L3, there is no significant pathology.
At L1-L2, there is moderate to severe DDD.
There are no paraspinous masses or cord tethering. There are Schmorl's nodes at T11-T12.
16. Functional impact
Does the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impact on his or her ability to work?
[X] Yes [ ] No
If yes describe the impact of each of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) conditions providing one or more examples: the vet must avoid lifting more than a few pounds and avoid bending over to pick things up and cannot stand more than about 20 minutes all due to his back , and can sometimes trip on his right foot due to his radiculopathy all limiting these activities; this does not preclude limited duty or sedentary employment.
17. Remarks, if any:
Unless otherwise documented in the report: passive ROM was unchanged from active ROM and on repetitive testing, range of motion values were unchanged from baseline values reported and no pain, fatigue, weakness or incoordination was noted.
As the veteran is not having a flare today, it would be only with resort to mere speculation to report the additional ROM limitation due to pain during a flare at that time.
The above functional limitations are as stated per veteran.
CPRS reviewed.
Claims folder reviewed via VBMS/VV
Diagnostic testing is not clinically indicated at this time a more precise diagnosis cannot be rendered as there is no objective data to support a more definitive diagnosis. It is at least as likely as not that the veteran's current lumbar DJD is the result of the natural progression of his SC lumbar spine condition. The DJD found on exam today is consistent with the expected natural progression of the veteran's SC lumbar spine disease. Note Title: COMPENSATION & P
FAQs
What is the VA disability rating for thoracolumbar spine? ›
A 40 percent disability rating is assigned for forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Id. A 50 percent disability rating is assigned for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
What is the average VA rating for lower back pain? ›General Rating Formula for Lower Back Pain
VA generally rates low back pain as follows: ”100% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. 50% – unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
Unfavorable ankylosis is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: difficulty walking because of a limited line of vision; restricted opening of the mouth and chewing; ...
What is the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine? ›The combined range of motion refers to the sum of the range of forward flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left and right rotation. The normal combined range of motion of the cervical spine is 340 degrees and of the thoracolumbar spine is 240 degrees.
What are thoracolumbar spine conditions? ›Thoracolumbar fractures are breakages in the vertebrae of the spinal column in the thoracic and lumbar regions. They may be associated with disruption of the ligamentous complexes, and can result in instability or compression of neural structures. Thoracolumbar fractures are the usual outcome of thoracolumbar trauma.
What is thoracolumbar spine? ›Thoracolumbar spine is the transitional zone between the stiff thoracic cage and the mobile lumbar spine. Therefore, it is a vulnerable region for injury, including fracture and dislocation.
What type of back pain qualifies for disability? ›The back problems that qualify for disability include herniated discs, nerve root compression, degenerative disc disease. To get disability for pain problems, one of the follow conditions must be severe enough that you will be out of work for at least 12 months.
What is the VA rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine? ›The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine is rated as a severe disability. 1. The criteria for a disability rating of 60 percent for postoperative degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, previously characterized as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, have been met. 38 U.S.C.A.
How does the VA check for back pain? ›Generally speaking, veterans will attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination and the examiner will measure how far they can bend forwards, backwards, and side to side, using a goniometer.
Is thoracolumbar scoliosis a disability? ›This sideways curvature of the spine can have many side effects and health problems. So, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for scoliosis disorder. If you are wondering whether scoliosis is a disability, the answer is YES! It is a disability, and you can get disability benefits for it.
What is ankylosing spondylitis of thoracolumbar region? ›
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture.
What is straightening of thoracolumbar spine? ›If a person is diagnosed with a straightening of the lumbar lordosis, this means their lower back has lost some of its natural inward curvature and become unusually straight, which can cause the development of flatback syndrome over time.
What is normal range for thoracolumbar extension? ›| Flexion | 50 degrees |
|---|---|
| Extension | 15 degrees |
| Right lateral flexion | 20 degrees |
| Left lateral flexion | 20 degrees |
| Right rotation | 5 degrees |
Namely the size of the vertebral body and the orientation of the facet joints. Due to this anatomical structure, the thoracic spine is more well suited overall mobility, specifically lateral and rotational movements, and thus contributes greatly to rotational movements throughout the body.
What is degenerative changes of thoracolumbar spine? ›The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in the spine most commonly occurs in the neck and lower back.
Where is the thoracolumbar location? ›The thoracolumbar fascia is a large, roughly diamond-shaped area of connective tissue constituted by the thoracic and lumbar parts of the deep fascia enclosing the intrinsic back muscles. More specifically, the thoracolumbar fascia separates the paraspinal muscles from the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall.
What are the 3 spinal conditions? ›- Lordosis/Swayback: the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back.
- Kyphosis: Characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature).
- Scoliosis: Scoliosis causes a sideways curve to the spine.
Injuries are categorized into three groups, in order of increasing severity: A: compression injuries. B: distraction injuries. C: displacement/translational injuries.
What is thoracolumbar injury severity score? ›The thoracolumbar injury severity score assigns one point to compression fractures and an additional point if a burst fracture is present. Translational/rotational injuries are significant injuries that result from violent torsional, shear forces, or both (Fig. 1).
How do you describe pain to a disability judge? ›Pain is often hard to describe, but you should do your best to relate your pain as specifically as possible to the judge. This would include telling the judge what type of pain you experience (burning, stabbing, etc.), how often you experience it, and how you would quantify it (for example, on a scale of 1 to 10).
What is the most approved disability? ›
What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.
Is chronic back pain a permanent disability? ›If your chronic back pain is preventing you from performing the essential duties of your job, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD). Chronic back pain is a common symptom. Spine injuries and other medical conditions can cause severe back pain.
What is the highest VA rating for degenerative disc disease? ›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.
What is the VA rating for lumbar spinal stenosis? ›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 entire thoracolumbar spine.
What is the VA rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine? ›A 20 percent disability evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.
What not to say at C&P exam? ›Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.
How common is thoracolumbar scoliosis? ›Girls usually have thoracic or double major curves and present with thoracolumbar/lumbar curves about 36% of the time.
Does thoracolumbar scoliosis get worse? ›Scoliosis is a progressive condition – it does tend to get worse as you age. However, scoliosis is somewhat unusual in that it does not have what we might call a “predictable trajectory” – this is to say that you cannot simply assume that after X years, scoliosis will have increased by X degrees.
Is thoracolumbar scoliosis painful? ›Pain is another symptom of thoracolumbar scoliosis, and while scoliosis can cause related muscle pain in patients both young and old, back/radicular pain is more commonly associated with adult scoliosis.
What can be mistaken for ankylosing spondylitis? ›Ochronosis frequently involves the spine and can mimic ankylosing spondylitis radiographically and clinically but spares the sacroiliac joint.
What are the 4 body areas affected by ankylosing spondylitis? ›
Ankylosing spondylitis may affect more than the spine. The disease may inflame joints in the pelvis, shoulders, hips and knees, and between the spine and ribs.
Is thoracolumbar spondylosis serious? ›Spondylosis is common, but it is usually not serious. Many who have it experience no pain, though it can be painful for some. Most patients with spinal osteoarthritis will not need surgery.
What are the symptoms of thoracolumbar scoliosis? ›- Uneven shoulders.
- One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other.
- Uneven waist.
- One hip higher than the other.
- One side of the rib cage jutting forward.
- A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. A thoracic spine MRI scan will produce images of the structures that make up the spine–as well as the soft tissues and organs surrounding the thoracic spine. These images are called slices.
How is thoracolumbar syndrome treated? ›Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications or muscle relaxants to decrease inflammation, reduce pain and encourage muscle relaxation. If there is a blood clot, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication. Clot-dissolving medications.
What is the normal range for thoracic spine? ›The sagittal plane alignment of the Thoracic spine is on average 35% (normal range is 20° to 50°).
What is a normal spine degree? ›In fact, spinal curves that are less than 10 degrees are considered a normal variation of the spine. Curves that are greater than 10 degrees may be monitored (to see whether the curve is getting worse) or may need treatment.
What organs are affected by thoracic spine? ›Anchor the rib cage.
The rib cage, supported by the thoracic spine in the back, forms a bony structure to surround and protect vital organs, such as the heart and lungs.
Studies of lumbar intradiscal pressure (IDP) in standing and upright sitting have mostly reported higher pressures in sitting.
Why is thoracic back pain a red flag? ›If you have thoracic spine pain, these are the alarm features to look out for: Recent serious injury, such as a car accident or a fall from a height. Minor injury or even just heavy lifting in people with 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis). Age under 20 or over 50 years when the pain first starts.
Can you get disability for thoracic spine pain? ›
If you suffer from back pain and it makes unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
What does the VA pay for degenerative arthritis of the spine? ›Arthritis of the back will be rated at 10 or 20 percent based upon the number of joints/joint groups affected and the level of incapacitation. VA requires that limitations of motion be confirmed by observations such as swelling, muscle spasms, or evidence of painful motion.
What is the VA rating for sciatic nerve? ›A 10 percent rating is assigned for mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. A 20 percent rating is assigned for moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. A 40 percent rating is assigned for moderately severe incomplete paralysis.
What spinal conditions qualify for disability? ›- Degenerative Disc Disease.
- Facet Arthritis.
- Herniated Nucleus Pulposus.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Spinal Arachnoiditis.
- Spinal Stenosis.
- Vertebra Fractures.
- Significant leg weakness or loss of sensation.
- Loss of feeling in genitals or rectal region.
- No control of urine or stool.
- Fever and lower back pain.
- A fall or injury that caused the pain.
- Heart attack. ...
- Coronary artery disease. ...
- Coronary artery dissection. ...
- Pericarditis. ...
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ...
- Aortic dissection. ...
- Aortic aneurysm. ...
- Mitral valve prolapse.
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 entire thoracolumbar spine.
What are secondary conditions to degenerative disc disease? ›It's important to look into worsening symptoms and secondary conditions that may have surfaced as a result of the degenerative disc disease. DDD can trigger other conditions including radiculopathy, herniated discs, neurological impairments, spinal stenosis, and more.
What is the VA rating for degenerative disc disease? ›A 20 percent disability evaluation for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.