Manual of the Medical Department (NAVMED P-117): Chapter 15: Medical Examinations: Physical Standards

15-50 Spine and Sacroiliac Joints

Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

(a) Arthritis

(b) Complaint of disease or injury of the spine or sacroliliac joints either with or without objective signs which has prevented the individual from successfully following a physically active vocation in civilian life. documentation of the complaint is required if objective signs are best.

(c) Deviation a curvature of the spine from normal alignment, structure, a function (scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis) if:

(1) Mobility and weight-bearing power is poor.

(2) More than moderate restriction of normal physical activities is required.

(3) Of such a nature as to prevent the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

(4) Of a degree which will interfere with the wearing of a uniform w military equipment.

(5) Symptomatic associated with positive medical findings and demonstrable by x-ray.

(6) Thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees (Cobbs method). Lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees (Cobbs method).

(d) Diseases of the lumbosacral or sacroiliac joints of a chronic type and associated with pain referred to the lower extremities, muscular spasm, postural deformities, or limitation of motion in the lumbar region of the spine.

(e) Granulomatous diseases either active u healed.

(f) Healed fracture of the spine or pelvic bones with associated symptoms which have prevented the individual from following a physically active vacation in civilian life or which preclude the satisfactory performance of military duty.

(g) Ruptured nucleus pulposus (herniation of intervertebral disk) or history of operation fa this condition.

(h) Spondylolysis w spondylolisthesis that is symptomatic likely to interfere with performance of duty, or likely to require assignment limitations.

(i) Spina bifida when more than one vertebra is involved, if there is dimpling of the overlying skin, or a history of surgical repair fu spine bifida.

(j) Juvenile epiphysitis with kyphosis w any degree of residual change indicated by x-ray.

(k) Osteomyelitis or suppurative periostitis of the vertebrae.

(l)Weak or painful back requiring external support.