Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7203
Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine Secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck.
Primary condition · VASRD 5322
Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
Damage to neck muscles resulting in stiffness and pain.
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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck — severity of Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
20% Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck + 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
- Can Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine be service-connected as secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?
- 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. You'll need a current Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of fro…
- 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck.
- 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck combined with a 35% rating for Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine (example figures) produces a combined rating of 48%, not 55%. Approving Ankylosis of the Cervical…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine as secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck?
- 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 Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck caused or aggravated Ankylosis of the Ce…
Primary condition
Full Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck guide
Secondary condition
Full Ankylosis of the Cervical Spine guide
Estimate your combined rating
See how Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck 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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