Back C&P opinions

[sgtdjusmc]

I can see three ways for 10% rating. Anyone see anything else? Thanks for the help

 

Back (ThoracolumbarSpine) Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire

 

3. Flare-ups Does the Veteran report that flare-ups impact the function of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [] No

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SSN: VA Claim Number: VES Number:

TheVeteran is applying to the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) for disability benefits. VA will consider the information you provide on this questionnaire as part of their evaluation in processing the Veteran’s claim.

1. Diagnosis Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition? [X] Yes [] No If yes, provide only diagnoses that pertain to thoracolumbar spine (back) conditions: Diagnosis #1:Thoracolumbarspinesegmental dysfunction ICD code:739 Date of diagnosis:2013

If there are additional diagnoses pertaining to thoracolumbar spine (back) conditions, list using above format:

2. Medical history Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (brief summary). The veteran was involved in a MVA accident on 12/16/1996. Following this accident the veteran developed lowback pain, but he did not seek medical treatment. The veteran reports going through physical therapy and being followed by a chiropractor with little improvement due to worsening pain in 2013 –x-rays at this time were unremarkable. Since then, the condition has only worsened. The veteran reports symptoms of lowback pain with pain radiating to the left leg, as well as an associated tingling sensation. The veteran ices as needed and uses Ibuprofen and Tylenol with fair response.

Measure ROM with a goniometer, rounding each measurement to the nearest 5 degrees. During the measurements, observe the point at which painful motion begins, evidenced by visible behavior such as facial expression, wincing, etc. Report initial measurements below.

Following the initial assessment of ROM, performrepetitive-use testing. For VA purposes, repetitive-use testing must be included in all exams. The VA has determined that 3 repetitions of ROM (at minimum) can serve as a representative test of the effect of repetitive use. After the initial measurement, reassess ROM after 3 repetitions. Report post-test measurements in section 5.

a. Select where forward flexion ends (normal endpoint is 90): [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[] 25[] 30[] 35[] 40 [] 45[] 50[] 55[]60[] 65[] 70[X] 75[] 80[] 85[] 90 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [] No objective evidence of painful motion [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[] 25[] 30[] 35[] 40 [] 45[] 50[] 55[] 60[] 65[] 70[X] 75[] 80[] 85[] 90 or greater

b. Select where extension ends (normal endpoint is 30): [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[X] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [] No objective evidence of painful motion [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[X] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater

c. Select where right lateral flexion ends (normal endpoint is 30): [] 0[] 5[] 10[X] 15[] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [] No objective evidence of painful motion [] 0[] 5[] 10[X] 15[] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater

d. Select where left lateral flexion ends (normal endpoint is 30): [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[X] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [] No objective evidence of painful motion [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[X] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater

e. Select where right lateral rotation ends (normal endpoint is 30): [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[X] 25[] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [] No objective evidence of painful motion [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[X] 25[] 30 or greater

f. Select where left lateral rotation ends (normal endpoint is 30): [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[X] 25[] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [] No objective evidence of painful motion [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[X] 25[] 30 or greater

g. If ROM for this Veteran does not conform to the normal range of motion identified above but is normal for this Veteran (for reasons other than aback condition, such as age, body habitus, neurologic disease), explain:

5. ROM measurement after repetitive-use testing a. Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with 3 repetitions? [X] Yes [] No If unable, provide reason:

If Veteran isunable to performrepetitive-use testing, skip to section 6.

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If Veteran is able to perform repetitive-use testing, measure and report ROM after a minimum of 3 repetitions.

b. Select where post-test forward flexion ends: [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[] 25[] 30[] 35[] 40[] 45 [] 50[] 55[] 60[] 65[] 70[X] 75[] 80[] 85[] 90 or greater

c. Select where post-test extension ends: [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[X] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater

d. Select where post-test right lateral flexion ends: [] 0[] 5[]10[X] 15[] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater

e. Select where post-test left lateral flexion ends: [] 0[]5[] 10[] 15[X] 20[] 25[] 30 or greater

f. Select where post-test right lateral rotation ends: [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[X] 25[] 30 or greater

g.Select where post-test left lateral rotation ends: [] 0[] 5[] 10[] 15[] 20[X] 25[] 30 or greater

6. Functional loss and additional limitation in ROM The following section addresses reasons for functional loss, if present, and additional loss of ROMafter repetitive-use testing, if present. The VA defines functional loss as the inability to performnormal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and/or endurance.

a. Does the Veteran have additional limitationin ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) following repetitive-use testing? [] Yes [X] No

b. Does the Veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [] No

c. If the Veteran has functional loss,functional impairment and/or additional limitation of ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) after repetitive use, indicate the contributing factors of disability below: [X] Less movement than normal [] More movement than normal [] Weakened movement [] Excess fatigability [] Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly [X] Pain on movement [] Swelling [] Deformity [] Atrophy of disuse [] Instability of station [] Disturbance of locomotion [X] Interference with sitting, standing and/or weight-bearing [] Other, describe:

7. Pain and muscle spasm (pain on palpation, effect of muscle spasm on gait) a. Does the Veteran have localized tenderness or pain to palpation for joints and/or soft tissue of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X]Yes [] No If yes, describe: Guarding upon palpation of the paraspinal muscles bilaterally.

b. Does the Veteran have guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine (back)?

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[X] Yes []No If yes, is it severe enough to result in: (check all that apply) [] Abnormal gait [] Abnormal spinal contour, such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis [X] Guarding and/or muscle spasm is present, but do not result in abnormal gait or spinal contour

8. Muscle strength testing a. Rate strength according to the following scale: 0/5 No muscle movement 1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement 2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated 3/5 Active movement against gravity 4/5 Active movement against some resistance 5/5 Normal strength [] All normal Hip flexion: Right:[X] 5/5[] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Left:[X] 5/5[] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Knee extension: Right:[X] 5/5[] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Left:[] 5/5[X] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Ankleplantar flexion Right:[X] 5/5[] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Left:[] 5/5[X] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Ankle dorsiflexion: Right:[X] 5/5[] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Left:[] 5/5[X] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Great toe extension: Right:[X] 5/5[] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5 Left:[] 5/5[X] 4/5[] 3/5[] 2/5[] 1/5[] 0/5

b. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy? [] Yes [X]No If muscle atrophy is present, indicate location:

Provide measurements in centimeters of normal side and atrophied side, measured at maximum muscle bulk: Normal side:cm Atrophied side:cm

9. Reflex exam Rate deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) according to the following scale: 0Absent 1+ Hypoactive 2+ Normal 3+ Hyperactive without clonus 4+ Hyperactive with clonus

[X] All normal Knee: Right:[] 0[] 1+[X] 2+[] 3+[] 4+ Left:[] 0[] 1+[X] 2+[] 3+[] 4+ Ankle:

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Right:[] 0[] 1+[X] 2+[] 3+[] 4+ Left:[] 0[] 1+[X] 2+[] 3+[] 4+

Please state the etiology if reflexes are abnormal (0, 1+, 3+, 4+):

10. Sensory exam Provide results for sensation to light touch (dermatome) testing: [X] All normal Upper anterior thigh (L2): Right:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Left:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Thigh/knee (L3/4): Right:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Left:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Lower leg/ankle (L4/L5/S1): Right:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Left:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Foot/toes (L5): Right:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent Left:[X] Normal[] Decreased[] Absent

Other sensory findings, if any:

11. Straight leg raising test

(This test can be performed with the Veteran seated or supine. Raise each straightened leg until pain begins, typically at 30-70 degrees of elevation. The test is positive ifthe pain radiates below the knee, not merely in the back or hamstrings. Pain is often increased on dorsiflexion of the foot, and relieved by knee flexion. A positive test suggests radiculopathy, often due to disc herniation).

Provide straight leg raising test results: Right: [X] Negative [] Positive [] Unable to perform Left: [X] Negative [] Positive [] Unable to perform

12. Radiculopathy Does the Veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? [] Yes [X] No If yes, complete the following section: a. Indicate symptoms’ location and severity (check all that apply): Constant pain (may be excruciating at times) Right lower extremity: [] None[] Mild[] Moderate[] Severe Left lower extremity: [] None[] Mild[] Moderate[] Severe

Intermittent pain (usually dull) Right lower extremity: [] None[] Mild [] Moderate []Severe Left lower extremity: [] None [] Mild [] Moderate[] Severe

DBQBack (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions Page5of12

 

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Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias Right lower extremity: [] None[] Mild[] Moderate[] Severe Left lower extremity: [] None[] Mild[] Moderate[] Severe

Numbness Right lower extremity: [] None[] Mild[] Moderate[] Severe Left lower extremity: [] None[] Mild[] Moderate [] Severe

b. Does the Veteran have any other signs or symptoms of radiculopathy? [] Yes []No If yes, describe:

c. Indicate nerve roots involved: (check all that apply) [] Involvement of L2/L3L/L4 nerve roots (femoral nerve) If checked, indicate: [] Right [] Left []Both [] Involvement of L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (sciatic nerve) If checked, indicate: [] Right [] Left [] Both [] Other nerves (specify nerve and side(s) affected):

d. Indicate severity of radiculopathy and side affected: Right: [] Not affected [] Mild [] Moderate [] Severe Left: [] Not affected [] Mild [] Moderate [] Severe

Additional Clinician Notes: There is not enough objective evidence to support a diagnosis for the claimed left lower extremity radiculopathy –normal x-ray from 10/12/2013, and normal sensations/reflexes.

13. Other neurologic abnormalities Does the Veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? [] Yes [X] No If yes, describe condition and howit is related:

If there are neurological abnormalities other than radiculopathy, also complete appropriate Questionnaire for each condition identified.

14. Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and incapacitating episodes a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine? []Yes[X]No

b. If yes, has the Veteran had any incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months due to IVDS? []Yes[]No

NOTE: For VA purposes, an incapacitating episode is a periodof acute symptoms severe enough to require prescribed bed rest and treatment by a physician.

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If yes, provide the total duration of all incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months: [] Less than 1 week [] At least 1 week but less than 2 weeks [] At least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks [] At least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks [] At least 6 weeks

15. Assistive devices a. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? [X] Yes [] No If yes, identify assistive device(s) used (check all that apply and indicate frequency): [] WheelchairFrequency of use:[] Occasional[]Regular[]Constant [X] Brace(s)Frequency of use:[]Occasional[X]Regular[]Constant [] Crutch(es)Frequency of use:[]Occasional[]Regular[]Constant [] Cane(s)Frequency of use:[]Occasional[]Regular[]Constant [] WalkerFrequency of use:[]Occasional[]Regular[] Constant [] Other:Frequency of use:[]Occasional[]Regular[]Constant

b. If the Veteranuses any assistive devices, specify the condition and identify the assistive device used for eachcondition: Regular use of back brace while working–not used on weekends.

16. Remaining effective function of the extremities Dueto a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition, is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc.; functions of the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.) [] Yes, functioning is so diminished that amputation with prosthesis would equally serve the Veteran. [X] No If yes, indicate extremity(ies) (check all extremities for which this applies): [] Right lower [] Left lower

17. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms a. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [X] Yes []No If yes, are any of the scars painful and/or unstable, or is the total area of all related scars greater than 39 square cm (6 square inches)? [] Yes [X]No If yes, also completea Scars Questionnaire.

b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms? [] Yes [X]No If yes, describe (brief summary):

18. Diagnostic testing The diagnosis of arthritis must be confirmed by imaging studies. Once arthritis has been documented, no further imaging studies are required by VA, even if arthritis has worsened.

Imaging studies are not required to make the diagnosis of IVDS; Electromyography (EMG) studies are rarely required to diagnose radiculopathy in the appropriate clinical setting.

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For purposes of this examination, the diagnosis of IVDS and/or radiculopathy can be made by a history of characteristic radiating pain and/or sensory changes in the arms, and objective clinical findings, which may include the asymmetrical loss or decrease of reflexes, decreased strength and/or abnormal sensation.

a. Have imaging studies of the thoracolumbar spine been performed and are the results available? [X] Yes [] No If yes, is arthritis documented? [] Yes [X] No

b. If diagnostics were performed, does the Veteran have a vertebral fracture? [] Yes [X] No [] No diagnostics were performed If yes, provide percent of loss of vertebral body:

c. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [X] Yes []No If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary): According to medical records, lumbar spine x-rayfrom 10/12/2013 is unremarkable.

19. Functional impact Does the Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impacton his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [] No

20. Remarks, if any:

There is not enough objective evidence to support a diagnosis for the claimed left lower extremity radiculopathy –normal x-ray from 10/12/2013, and normal sensations/reflexes.

Additionalremarks on the flare-ups reported: Flare-up symptom (i.e. pain, How many times does the weakness, stiffness, etc.)flare-up occur per year?

Increased pain, weakness, and stiffness

Additional remarks on functional impairment:

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How long does the flare-up last?

How much does the flare-up limit the Veteran compared to when he does not have a flare-up? 4 times per year1 dayUnable to sit or stand

Additional remarks on functional loss and additional limitation in ROM: d. State whether pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination could significantly limit functional ability during flare-ups, or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time. [X] Pain[X] Weakness[] Fatigability[] Incoordination[] None of these factors significantly limit functional ability

e. Describe any such additional limitation due to pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination, and if feasible, this opinion should be expressed in terms of the degrees of additional ROM loss due to “pain on use or during flare-ups.” Estimated degrees of additional ROM loss: Additional pain on use, but no additional loss of rom. Plane of ROM (flexion, extension, etc.):

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Due to the Veteran’s condition, how much can the Veteran lift and how often? (or state “Unlimited”)

Can lift at least 50 pounds intermittently as tolerance allows.

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Due to the Veteran’s condition, how far can the Veteran walk at one time? (or state “Unlimited”) 1 block1blockCan sit for at least 1 hour with adjusting and stretching as needed.

Due to the Veteran’s condition, how much can the Veteran walk during an 8 hour day? (or state “Unlimited”)

Due to the Veteran’s condition, how long can the Veteran sit/stand at one time? (or state “Unlimited”)

Can stand for at least 15 minutes with breaks as needed.

VES Clinician signature: VES Clinician prin VES Clinician VES Clinician specialty:Family Medicine Date:09/14/2015Medical license #: VESClinician address:5301 W LOVERS LANE STE 109,DALLAS,TX75209 Phone:1-877-637-8387Fax:1-800-320-3908

 

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Due to the Veteran’s condition, how long can the Veteran sit/stand during an 8 hour day? (or state “Unlimited”) Unlimited sitting and standing as long as allowed to adjust, stretch, or take breaks as needed, every 15 to 30 minutes.

NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA’s review of the Veteran’s application.

Name of Veteran/Service Member: Date: Contractor:

DBQBack (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions

For the Claimed Compensation Condition of -LOW BACK CONDITION

Medical Opinion (Complete) Disability Benefits Questionnaire

3. Evidence review Was the Veteran’s VA claims file reviewed? [X] Yes [] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran’s VA claims file:

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SSN: VA Claim Number: VES Number:

The Veteran is applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) for disability benefits. VA will consider the information you provide on this questionnaire as part of their evaluation in processing the Veteran’s claim.

Aggravation of nonservice-connected disabilities.Any increase in severity of a nonservice-connected disease or injury that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury, and not due to the natural progress of the nonservice-connected disease, will be service connected.

If no, check all records reviewed: [] Military service treatment records [] Military service personnel records [] Military enlistment examination []Military separation examination [] Military post-deployment questionnaire [] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [] Civilian medical records [] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the veteran before and after military service) [] No records were reviewed [] Other:

1. Definitions Aggravation of preexisting nonservice-connected disabilities.A preexisting injury or disease will be considered to have been aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, where there is an increase in disability during such service, unless there is a specific findingthat the increase in disability is due to the natural progress of the disease.

2. Restatement of requested opinion a. Insert requested opinion from general remarks: MEDICAL OPINION 1 OF 1: PLEASE COMPLETE SECTION FOUR AND STATE WHETHER THE VETERAN’S MILITARY SERVICE MEDICAL RECORDS SUPPORT THAT THE CLAIMED LOW BACK CONDITION, IF FOUND, WAS AT LEAST AS LIKELY AS NOT (50 PERCENT OR GREATER PROBABILITY) INCURRED IN OR CAUSED BY THE CAR ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED 12/16/96 THAT OCCURRED WHILE ON ACTIVE DUTY.

b. Indicate which, if any, DBQ forms were performed in conjunction with this medical opinion request (e.g. Scar, Knee and Lower Leg, Skin Diseases): DBQ Back

Complete only the sections below that you are asked to complete in the Medical Opinion DBQ request.

4. Medical opinion for direct service connection Choose the statement that most closely approximates the etiology of the claimed condition. a. [X] The claimed condition was at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness. Provide rationale in section c.

b. [] The claimed condition was less likely than not (less than 50 percent probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness. Provide rationale in section c. c. Rationale: The veteran’s thoracolumbar spine segmental dysfunction is at least as likely as not proximately due to the MVA on 12/16/1996. There are no back conditions prior to the MVA in 1996 (enlistment exam from 06/1994) and therehave been no interim spinal injuries since then. According to affidavit dated 09/12/2013 from a First Sergeant Duane Dishon, the veteran was involved in a MVA that had totaled the vehicle and the veteran did not seek evaluation for the residual back pain due to the resulting heckling from other service members. There are no other conditions present to account for the current symptoms.

5. Medical opinion for secondary service connection a. [] The claimed condition is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of the Veteran’s service connected condition. Provide rationale in section c.

b. [] The claimed condition is less likely than not (less than 50 percent probability) proximately due to or the result ofthe Veteran’s service connected condition. Provide rationale in section c.

c. Rationale:

6. Medical opinion for aggravation of a condition that existed prior to service a. [] The claimed condition, which clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, was aggravated beyond its natural progression by an in-service injury, event, or illness. Provide rationale in section c.

b. [] The claimed condition, which clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, was clearly and unmistakable not aggravated beyond its natural progression by an in-service injury, event, or illness. Provide rationale in section c.

c. Rationale:

7. Medical opinion for aggravation of a nonservice connected condition by a service connected condition a. Can you determine a baselinelevel of severity of (claimed condition/diagnosis) based upon medical evidence available prior to aggravation or the earliest medical evidence following aggravation by (service connected condition)? [] Yes [] No If “Yes” to question 7a, answer the following: i.Describe the baseline level of severity of (claimed condition/diagnosis) based upon medical evidence available prior to aggravation or the earliest medical evidence following aggravation by (service connected condition):

ii.Provide the date and nature of the medical evidence used to provide the baseline:

iii.Is the current severity of the (claimed condition/diagnosis) greater than the baseline? [] Yes [] No

DBQBack (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions Pa

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If yes, was the Veteran’s (claimed condition/diagnosis) at least as likely as not aggravated beyond its natural progression by (insert “service connected condition”)? [] Yes (provide rationale in section b.) [] No (provide rationale in section b.)

If “No” to question 7a, answer the following: i.Provide rationale as to why a baseline cannot be established (e.g. medical evidence is not sufficient to support a determination of baseline level of severity):

ii.Regardless of an established baseline, was the Veteran’s (claimed condition/diagnosis) at least as likely as not aggravated beyond its natural progression by (insert “service connected condition”)? [] Yes (provide rationale in section b.) [] No (provide rationale in section b.)

b. Provide rationale:

8. Opinion regarding conflicting medical evidence I have reviewed the conflicting medical evidence and am providing the following opinion:

Remarks, if any:

VES Clinician signature: VES Clinician  VES Clinician VES Clinician specialty:Family Medicine Date:09/14/201  VESClinicianaddress:5301 W LOVERS LANE STE 109,DALLAS, TX 75209 Phone:1-877-637-8387Fax:1-800-320-3908

NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA’s review of the Veteran’s application.

DBQBack (Thoracolumbar Spine) Condi

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[RUREADY]

That's what I see 10% but you can always file for increase

if it gets any worse. It looks like they sc the back and not the

leg.

[Vync]

Agree. Here's the rationale for thoracolumbar spine SC:

15 hours ago, sgtdjusmc said:

Rationale: The veteran’s thoracolumbar spine segmental dysfunction is at least as likely as not proximately due to the MVA on 12/16/1996.

 

[ArNG11]

Yeah I agree with the above.  Service connection is there for the injury is there.  The VA doc makes that assessment.  

 I would gather radicular symptoms might and could worsen but I don't think there is a 0 rating for that if there is I would say you might have enough to pursue service connection with some medical evidence of symptoms.   However, for anything hire ,10%  is where the nerve ratings for the sciatic begin, you will need to provide some medical evidence that documents this.  

Typically as time goes by you will have symptoms progress and get worse, x rays are not a good indicator for radicular symptoms.  Sensation tests, the spike wheel feeler gauge, and actual nerve tests such as an EMG those can give a better picture of radicular symptoms and loss of sensation. 

I would advise to go after the left radicular symptoms, at the very least for service connection.  Your symptoms are there just not rateable according to the VA.  Also a nexus would be required, that would help immensely.