A specified spinal condition

In the factors that can contribute to spondylosis, the RMA specifies the following spinal conditions:

• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• retrospondylolisthesis
• a deformity of a vertebra
• a deformity of a joint of a vertebra;  or
• necrosis of bone

These conditions can result in abnormal distribution of loading forces through the spine.  Seek medical advice if unsure if the particular spinal condition fits within the parameters of the RMA definition.

Additional information

Scoliosis is sometimes a result of diseases of the central nervous system (eg polio, muscular dystrophy), congenital defects of the spine, or uneven leg length.

Necrosis of bone can result from exposure to ionising radiation.

Paget's disease of the spine may result in a vertebral deformity.

Last reviewed for CCPS 22 December 2008.

Investigative Documents

Preliminary questions [9577]

9593     there is some evidence that a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

9594     the veteran has had a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions at some time.

35550 the veteran's condition from the specified list of spinal conditions affected side and site of the body.

35551  a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions means scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, retrospondylolisthesis, a deformity of a vertebra, a deformity of a joint of a vertebra or necrosis of bone.

35552  the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and VEA service for the condition under consideration.

35559 the veteran had the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

35553   the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and VEA service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

35555  the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and operational service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

or

35556  the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and eligible service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

35560 the veteran had the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, before the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

35554   the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and VEA service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

35557  the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and operational service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

or

35558  the veteran has established the causal connection between the identified illness or injury, a condition from the specified list of spinal conditions, and eligible service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

Clinical onset and operational service [35555]

35561  the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [35556]

35562  the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [35557]

35561  the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, is causally related to operational service.

35563 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, is causally related.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [35558]

35562  the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, is causally related to eligible service.

35564 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the identified illness or injury, a condition of side and site of the body from the specified list of spinal conditions, is causally related.