Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7203
Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine Secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine when it develops after Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function).
Why Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine Is Linked to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
Compensation from poor shoulder mobility
Primary condition · VASRD 5205
Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
This condition affects your ability to use the upper arm for lifting or reaching.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7203
Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine
Severe stiffness or immobility of the neck due to spinal fusion or disease.
Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) — severity of Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) + 35% Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine = 48%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 35% combine to 48%, not 55%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Evidence for a Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine Secondary Claim
- •X-rays, MRI of cervical spine
- •Orthopedic or neurology exam
Common questions about Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)
- Can Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine be service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Compensation from poor shoulder mobility You'll need a current Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-con…
- What VA rating can I get for Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine as a secondary condition?
- Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7203 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 40%, 30%. The rating depends on the severity of Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine itself, not on the severity of Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder a…
- How does a secondary Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 20% rating for Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) combined with a 35% rating for Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine (example figures) produces a combined rating of 48%, not 55%. Approving Ankyl…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine as secondary to Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine diagnosis includes: X-rays, MRI of cervical spine; Orthopedic or neurology exam. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining how Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) caused or aggravate…
Primary condition
Full Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Impairment of the Major Arm Muscles (Shoulder and Elbow Function) and Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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