Surgical procedure joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion, typically for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or instability. Uses bone grafts and hardware (rods, screws, cages). Eliminates pain from abnormal motion but reduces spine flexibility. Complications include adjacent segment disease, hardware failure, nonunion, and chronic pain.
Extensive multi-level fusion with severe ongoing pain, marked functional impairment, or multiple failed fusions
Multi-level fusion with significant ongoing pain and functional limitation, or failed fusion (pseudoarthrosis) with instability
Multi-level fusion (3+ levels) with moderate symptoms, or single/two-level with significant residual pain and limitation
Single level fusion with moderate residual symptoms, or two-level fusion with good result
Single level fusion with minimal symptoms and full return to activities
Medical Evidence
Current diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider, medical records documenting symptoms and treatment history
Service Connection
Evidence linking your condition to military service (service treatment records, incident reports, or nexus letter)
Personal Statement
Your detailed account of how spinal fusion affects your daily life and when symptoms began
Lay Evidence
Buddy letters from fellow service members or family who can corroborate your symptoms
During your Compensation & Pension exam for spinal fusion, examiners will assess your symptoms against the rating criteria above.
Be specific: Describe your worst day, not your average day
Document everything: Bring copies of all medical records and evidence
Functional impact: Explain how symptoms affect work, sleep, and daily activities
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