Neurogenic Bladder Related To Ivds/spine Conditions

[vmo]

What type exam or diagnostic test is used to establish the nexus of spinal conditions causing/aggravating bladder conditions--such as neurogenic bladder? Is it just an evaluation of the symptoms or is there some type diagnsotic test? Also, which medical specialty is best utilized to diagnose this problem? Neurologist? Urologist? Orthopedics? or "All the Above"?? Which spinal area is most often diagnosed as causing the condition of neurogenic bladder?

[rentalguy1]

The most expedient and least invasive way to get a neurogenic bladder sc'd secondary to a spine condition is to file a claim for increase for your sc'd spine condition. If you are rated under the general rating criteria for spine conditions, they can rate you based upon this one exam. You will have to be rated for a lumbar condition, though, because the nerves that control bladder function originate in the L4-5 and L5-S1 areas. If you just file a claim for the bladder, then you will most likely see a urologist, and they will run you through a battery of bladder tests.

[vmo]

Neurogenic bladder.(?). I am s/c for a number of spinal (L5-S1) conditions. I was just wondering if anyone on/board had already gone thru the testing procedures and was granted s/c by the VA. I've had other people tell me the VARO will look (aaaaaaas usual) for any reason to deny. I am having a lot more sciatic discomfort--possibly causing urg/control problems. Dang, it is no fun getting older.

Edited January 24, 2009 by vmo

[rentalguy1]

I'm not old, only 35, and I have sc at 60% for neurogenic bladder. I didn't have to have a bladder C&P. It was all done on the progress notes and the spine C&P.

[vmo]

I'm not old, only 35, and I have sc at 60% for neurogenic bladder. I didn't have to have a bladder C&P. It was all done on the progress notes and the spine C&P.

I never mentioned it years back on my spinal c&p exams. However, problem is more prominent now. I'm pending DRO review on spine rating. I guess maybe I'll speak with my civilian urologist to see what he thinks (I am over 1-hour nearest VAMC-uro.). I don't want to delay my DRO review by now claiming a bladder condition. Regardless, if my urologist believes this is secondary/aggravated by the spine condition--I'll be filing. Thanks!