kymike

Congrats Sparkle!

I agree with John. I think you go to this consultation and learn more about this procedure and ow it relates to your specific spine issue. I have had three back surgeries. A micro lumbar discectomy, and 2 lumbar fusions( L2-S1). The only one I would do again if needed, is the micro lumbar discectomy( laser). In my case, it was quick, left a very small scar, and relieved a great deal of my back and leg pain. Recovery was about six weeks. I wish that all my spine procedures had been that easy. My second lumbar fusion eventually helped. But the whole process is painful, invasive, and takes a long time to recover from. I wouldn't wish it on my enemy. I hope your back gets better. I know what is like to have horrible back pain. I recommend that you get all the facts and find a treatment for your back that you can feel comfortable about. Mike

Funny story. Don't see the photo. Still it makes me want to take a helicopter ride.

Congrats Kimmy that is awesome news!

Carlie, this post was very helpful to clarify thoughts about my own cue claim for severance of service connection. I originally eluded to my claim issue in a 2011post. Should I go back to that post or start a one the VA cue?

I am just going out on a limb here, but why don't you apply for Sc for tinnitus? You were in the airborne. You say your ears are ringing. 10% isn't much , but it might your foot in the door. Mike.

Sorry Hollis, that makes sense. I had my hopes up that your VARO had made a mistake. Hoping you get the rest resolved soon. Mike.

I don't much but I plugged you 2 50% ratings into a SC disability calculator. I got 75% which I think rounds up to 80%. I would have to agree with rdawg. Mike.

That is awesome news! Now you can relax a little and enjoy your last year of service life. I am very happy for you.

I have the am a condition. They have never called it that. But it has been noted in My medical chart. I agree with you, but playing the devils advocate, I think the will try to say that it is caused by you own negligence. The direction on the heating pad says not to lay on it. Wlf! Like you are going to lay on your stomach and sit the pad on top. I hope you win this secondary claim . Please keep us posted. Mike.

In my medical( non) opinion,gabpentin sucks! The side effects for me are horrible. I think they add it sometimes so they don't have to increase your pain meds. Does it really decrease leg pain that is latter diagnosed as Avascular Necrosis of the hip? All I heard for a year while I was complaining of leg pain was we need to increase your gabapentin. The reality was that I needed both my hips replaced. Sorry for the rant. Just sharing my frustration with VA medical care. Mike.

Hi Ammo, if feel your plight. I also have an spine surgeon that can be a backwards, stubborn, insensitive pain in the butt. Well that what you're got to work with. Call the clinic and tell them your symptoms are worse. Get an appt. with you doc. Tell him that you would like to consider surgery,they love hearing that. Explain your worsening symptom including any neurological problems you are having. See if he will get you a referral to a Neurologist. Specialist love ordering tests. Let him. Try to get an MRI, telegram, emg, blood work or any other thing he can think of. Go to your follow-up appt. and listen to what he has to say. If he recommends surgery say you are interested because you are so miserable. Even though you probably would dream of letting him operate. Say that you would feel more comfortable with a second opinion to ease you anxiety. Ask the clinic for a fee base consult with another surgeon. If they say no ASK the surgeon to right you a referral. Take all of your new diagnostic testing and imaging to the second spine surgeon. Sounds complicated but it may be your best hope without spending a fortune. At the very least you would have updated imaging for your VA and SSDI claims. The EMG test could be important to establish any radiculopathy you might be having in you extremities. If it comes up positive, I would file a claim for those issues. This just my option. I am no expert but have experience d the frustration of being shuffled around by my Spine doc. Wish the best and hope something I said helps. Mike.

I am no CPA, but it makes since to tax the principle. But are they going to tax the interest? Check I would rather keep owing on my student loans than get a big tax bill from the IRS.

Hey fiasco, I wasn't trying get smart with you. When I filed for disability from the civilian side of the Federal gov. they required me to file for SSDI. I filed for SSDI on a computer while I was at work on light duty after back surgery. They turned me down. NO big deal right? I got SSDI when I applied four years latter. The problem is when I file for TDUI with the VA in 2010 they used my SSDI records against me i.e.since SSDI said I could do some kind of sedentary work. I was not eligible for TDUI. I want you to get approved for SSDI. I wasn't clear about that at all. Here are my suggestions: If denied SSDI, make sure your doctor's explain that you are unemployable, not just unable to do your military job. I would not reapply until you are discharged from service or st least on terminal leave. As soon as you get your SSDI apply for TDUI, if you don't get 100% from the VA anyway. I want you and your family to get every benefit you are entitled too! Plan, research, ask questions and get it all right the first time. I didn't do that. I just don't want you tangled up in the mess which is the VA appeals process. Sincerely, you have my best wishes. Mike.

Fiasco, I am no expert,but shouldn't you more concerned about them denying you claim. You state that you are on active duty in the AF. Unless you are on some kind of medical leave you haven't mentioned, It appears you are still working for disability purposes.JMHO. Best wishes. MIKE