Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 5242
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine Secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot
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 Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine when it develops after Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot.
Why Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine Is Linked to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot
Imbalance and overuse of healthy side
Primary condition · VASRD 5111
Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot
This is 38 CFR 4.71a DC 5111, "Loss of use of one hand and one foot" — one row in the combinations-of-disabilities table, paying a single evaluation of 100 percent when one hand and one foot have both lost all effective function. The limbs are still present; the test is functional. Anatomical loss of one hand together with loss of use of one foot is a different entry (DC 5104), as is anatomical loss of one hand and one foot (DC 5108).
Secondary condition · VASRD 5242
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Wear and tear in the spine causing stiffness, pain, or nerve issues.
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot — severity of Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | The entire spine — neck and back together — is fused rigid in a poor position, meeting VA's definition of unfavorable ankylosis. |
| 50% | The whole mid and lower back is fused rigid in a poor position, though the neck still moves. |
| 40% | The whole neck is fused rigid in a poor position, the lower back bends forward only 30 degrees or less, or the whole mid and lower back is fused in a neutral position. |
| 30% | The neck bends forward only 15 degrees or less, or the whole neck is fused in a neutral position. |
| 20% | Moderate loss of back or neck motion, or muscle spasm or guarding bad enough to change how you walk or hold your spine. |
| 10% | Mild loss of back or neck motion; or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness that does not change gait or posture; or a vertebral body that lost half its height or more in a fracture. |
Example combined rating
100% Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot + 20% Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine = 100%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 100% and 20% combine to 100%, not 120%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine Secondary Claim
- •Range of motion tests from VA or ortho
- •MRI or X-ray showing degenerative disc disease
- •Doctor notes on back pain frequency
- •Spine X-rays or MRI
- •C&P exam showing limited flexion or stiffness
- •Physical therapy records documenting chronic pain
Common questions about Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot
- Can Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine be service-connected as secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot?
- 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. Imbalance and overuse of healthy side You'll need a current Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-co…
- What VA rating can I get for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine as a secondary condition?
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 5242 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine itself, not on the severity of Loss of Use of One…
- How does a secondary Degenerative Arthritis of the 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 100% rating for Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot combined with a 20% rating for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine (example figures) produces a combined rating of 100%, not 120%. Approving Degenerative Arthritis of t…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine as secondary to Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine diagnosis includes: Range of motion tests from VA or ortho; MRI or X-ray showing degenerative disc disease; Doctor notes on back pain frequency; Spine X-rays or MRI. For the secondary link itself, a nexus letter from a treating provider explaining…
Primary condition
Full Loss of Use of One Hand and One Foot guide
Secondary condition
Full Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine guide
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