Neck (Cervical)
This quiz section covers your neck (vertebrae starting with “C”. The neck is anatomically considered the cervical region. It’s the area between the base of the skull and the clavicles (collar bones) that connects the head to the trunk of the body. The neck houses the cervical spine, which is the first seven vertebrae of the spinal column. Veterans often experience pain from herniated discs, degenerative changes, or injuries.
The VA evaluates neck (cervical spine) disabilities under 38 CFR § 4.71a using the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The rating is primarily based on range of motion, pain, functional loss, and neurological involvement.
After completing the neck questions, you will be asked about Radiculopathy in your arms/hand.
Please proceed to the quiz questions.
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
For you Neck The starting point is standing at attention. Your head is pointing to 12:00. During a Flare Up, how far can you bend your neck dropping your chin to your chest. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00?
Radiculopathy Upper Extremities can be part of your neck rating. Radiculopathy is pain, tingling, and/or numbness in the arms, hands, and or fingers is sometimes caused when the disc’s in the neck irritate the nerves in your arms. You cannot have both Radiculopathy and Neuropathy rated.
The VA rates Radiculopathy Upper Extremity based on frequency. Do you feel the pain, tingling, and/or numbness all day every day, once a day, or a couple times per week or month?
Step 2
Review the Key Factors:
- Range of Motion (ROM):
- Pain on motion
- Weakness, fatigue, lack of coordination
- Repeated use or flare-ups
- Work capability
- Driving
- Lifting or carrying
- Turning head, posture, and sleep
After completing your Neck Quiz, you will be asked about any pain, tingling or numbers in your arms/hands (Radiculopathy).