tinnitus osteoarthritis neck pain secondary to tbi

[oldtbi61]

Back in1961 I was pushed backwards and fell on the frozen ground. Records showed "concussion", Infirmary and Hospitalized with loss of consciousness. Had C&P and got 40% for TBI and 30% for chronic headaches. My neck has been acting up for years. Can I ask for an MRI or Xray to find out what it is? If it's osteoarthritis neck or some other thing can I claim it as secondary to the TBI?

Also have 10% for tinnitus for a total of their math at 60%.

[NoTheEnemy]

1 hour ago, oldtbi61 said:

Back in1961 I was pushed backwards and fell on the frozen ground. Records showed "concussion", Infirmary and Hospitalized with loss of consciousness. Had C&P and got 40% for TBI and 30% for chronic headaches. My neck has been acting up for years. Can I ask for an MRI or Xray to find out what it is? If it's osteoarthritis neck or some other thing can I claim it as secondary to the TBI?

Also have 10% for tinnitus for a total of their math at 60%.

Here is how I would look at that claim: Since there is documented evidence of an event (fell on frozen ground) that VA concedes was the cause of your service connected TBI, I would ask for direct service connection and request a medical opinion asking if your current cervical spine condition was caused by the event in service. It seems unlikely that we could service connect a cervical spine condition as secondary to residuals of a brain injury. However, if you did decide to claim it secondary, VA will first attempt to service connect direct. If we can't, that's when we'll go with secondary service connection. 

[oldtbi61]

Think it may be a good idea to get rid of my grey beard for my C & P ? It's white like my hair. What is all this stuff for the C & P 3/20/17?

Edited March 17, 2017 by oldtbi61

[Tbird]

oldtbi61 go as you are no need to dress up for an exam.

[pwrslm]

Over 50% means you should have 100% medical free at VHA. Talk to your PCP and ask to diagnose you neck pain issues, they should be able to get xrays and MRI done for a referral to a neurologist or orthopedic specialist.  Make sure to tell them if you are getting any neuropathy in your neck/upper chest or arms that could be caused by cervical spine problems.  That would be much more effective than just pain in the neck.

[oldtbi61]

I had asked PCP, Neurology and TBI/Poly and PT why don't we get and MRI or x-ray. Went into DAV National Service Officer and we put in request. Got C & P for neck, back and nephropathy done on 3/20/17.  In one week LHI, an outside vendor, sent a letter FedEx saying "Back and Neck x-rays show arthritic and degenerative changes." Recommend to call or visit PCP. 2008 MRI showed "slight diffuse degeneration no specified level". I wonder if they will service connect from the fall on the back 1961.

[john999]

Don't let anyone operate on your neck!   Pain doctors will want to do injections which usually don't work but line their pockets.