Bulged disc lower back

[..tiredmarine0331]

Hi again, I've had pain in my lower back since 2009 but never went to see the doctor while I was in service and was medically retired on 2014 due to a grenade explosion that hit my brain I already have a rating of 80%. I could not take the lower back pain anymore so I went to see my main doctor at the V.A. two weeks ago she ordered an MRI for me and turns out that I have a bulged disc, she referred me to physical therapy and might get injections to lower the pain. I also have sphincter control problems (cannot control my pooping muscle sometimes) and low sex drive (which sucks because I got married a few months ago).

I am planning on making a claim for disabilities that I did not claim in the past, my question is: Should I put in the claim in a month or so, or should I wait and go to physical therapy and then make the claim for bulged disc.

I know that the V.A. might try to pull a smart move and tell me that is not service connected what could I do if this happens?

Thanks for any advice,

Tired Marine 0331

[Buck52]

If you submit a claim for your Back it has to be service connected for compensation..So you will need medical records of in service treatment to your Back while in military,private or VA, from disease or injury ect,,ect,, OR seek IMO and get a specialist Opinion to link it to your military service

 b/c what you have now is 80% service connected with the bouncing Betty that hit your brain  would not cause the problem in your back  Unless  from the Bouncing Betty....shrapnel hitting your back/neck for the relationship  to your Back Injury

If you feel you have some  claims now  by all means yes file claims for them or File Intent to file( ITF)  so you can start your EED  (early effective Date) You will have one year from the date you file the ITF from the date you submit it, but you need to submit it...this gives you time to gather up medical evidence for your claims ,see what I mean?

yes start medical treatment ASAP & Request all your military medical records as well as  all your STR'S service treatment Records and your C-FILE.

DO THIS LIKE YESTERDAY!

other members please chime in

[..tiredmarine0331]

Awesome help! I was not aware of the ITF option, I will follow your advise!

More advises welcomed

Tired Marine 0331

[..tiredmarine0331]

Buck52,

I just wanted to thank you and everyone for advising me to fill out the "intent to file" option on e-benefits. I was awarded 100% service connected disability a few days ago. I got an increase on migraines from 0 to 50%, on ptsd from 50% to 70%, ankle strain 20%.

I had a combined rating of 80% before these ratings just mentioned. My intent to file goes back to October 26th of 2016. I know that my issues won't go away but at least I can cope better with them now that I have to support a family.

I would like to get advise on how to keep this 100% rating, it's a necessity for me to attend at least once every two weeks to my psychiatrist, so that is not my main concern. What I am worried about is my migraine rating, I have been experiencing horrible migraines ever since shrapnel hit the frontal lobe of my brain and had to be surgically removed, a few years back I was taking medications for migraines and I don't know why but my migraine rating went from 30% to 0%. 

I was angry since I didn't know what I did wrong, and my migraines were getting worse. Maybe I didn't follow up with my neurologist or failed to go to appointments? I was experiencing horrible symptoms that were new to me, now I can at least know when its a good time for me to get out of my house, go to an appointment, find out who is gonna drive for me since I am on heavy medications that do not let me drive legally.

Thanks again everyone!!!

[Buck52]

Your welcome buddy congratulations on the 100%

Yes stay in treatments/check with your neurologist about the migraines and appointment times...you need to create a paper trail so-to-speak  or check your C-File for medical records for pertain information.

to keep your 100% its best to stay in treatment for your condition  either with VA or Private & share your records with the VA.

[john999]

If you are having bowel control issues I think you are in another world than a guy like me who has lower back pain.  I think you should consult a real doctor as in civilian spine surgeon.  If you have bowel control issue it means the nerves in your back are being impinged/pinched severely.    You probably have a herniated disc and not a bulging disc.  This is one of the few real reasons for back surgery.  Does your leg go numb at times?  I would not fool around with this.  The VA sent me for PT.  It was a joke.  Do you have medical insurance? I cannot believe any neurologist or orthopedist would not  refer you to back surgeon if you are having bowel control issues!  Worry about service connection later and get that back looked at by a real doctor.  Tell them you are having bowel control issues.  This is bright light indication you have serious problems with your spine.  I have pretty bad lower back and I am seeing a real doctor in November.  If I was browning my shorts I would be breaking down the doctor's door. 

Edited October 23, 2017 by john999
mistake in type

[Navy04]

Glad to hear of your success bud, sorry to hear of your health issues. I have Crohns disease, so I know plenty about bowel issues. That is nothing to play around with. If you are having those issues, then you need to get in a see a GI or Urologist Doc. On the mental health, just make sure you get in there every month or so to seek help. If anything go to see the Doc just to Vent as I do, so not to take it out on the family. Also as far as the headaches., I have TBI as well, and not much as helped. Just try not to get worked up or frustrated, and spend quality time with your family. Remember that the hardest part is to get service connection, but the VA and Govt can always come back at you in the wrong way. Just continue to seek treatment, and watch what you say at your VA appts. Are you currently working, or collecting SSDI? Good luck and God Bless!!!