Can you be rated for two different back conditions?

[dsd84dsd]

Im rated 10 percent for lumbar spine back pain. And I think they will approve my arthritis of the back too. Do they combine or is it two separate ratings?

[Carl the Engineer]

Your spine is divided into two rated areas, the cervical is one and the lumbar/thoracic as one. The lumbar and thoracic are rated together.

Now, you can get 10 for pain, 10 for arthritis, or 10-40% for range of motion.  The highest rating only, no combination, for both areas.  

I have arthritis in my entire spine, however, my range of motion is 20% for my cervical and 20% for my lumbar/thoracic.  My original claim was for pain in motion, etc., of my neck.  I was rated 20% cervical for range of motion (limited).  Then I claimed lower back pain secondary to my cervical condition.  I was awarded secondary for arthritis and rated at 20%, again, for range of motion.

Range of motion is where the money is, if you don't have complications like surgeries or accidents, then I don't know.  No experience there.

Arthritis will get you service connected secondary to an original condition of arthritis.  Once connected, then develop with range of motion, as in a increase claim.

Hope this helps,

Hamslice

 

 

 

[broncovet]

Pyramiding prohibits you from getting paid twice for the same symptoms.  Read your decisons and if you have new symptoms you did not get paid for before, then file on the new symptoms,  You get paid based on symptoms not diagnosis.  If you have condition or diagnosis "A" with no symptoms, you will either be denied, or rated at 0%.  You dont get paid for diagnosis but for your symptoms even tho you must have a current diagnosis.