Nexus Letter From Neurosurgeon

[pelicanbrave]

Hi, Im service connected at 30%, broken down its 20% for left knee partial pattellectomy, and 10% for hypertention. I got out in January of 2000 and started having issues with my back and went to our local ER. The Dr noted that "the patient is a 32 year old male with right hand numbness and left shoulder pain that radiates into the neck, that could be consistent with radiculpathy." Between the VA clinics and local hospitals I have been seen 25 times in 11 years for this problem. I recently had surgery on New years Eve of last year for cervical radiculpathy at C-6 and C-7. My neurosurgeon wrote a letter stating the following, " I reviewed his significant number of prior medical records, indicating symptoms consistent with neck issues and radiculpathy. It's quite possible that his neck condition was initiated or aggravated during his time in service." I was denied twice for service connection based on the fact that I couldn't produce records within the time frame to connect it back to service but I found two ER reports within a year of being separated. Is my neurosurgeon's letter along with my treatment records enough for service connection? Sorry for the long post! Thanks.

[pacmanx1]

Hi, Im service connected at 30%, broken down its 20% for left knee partial pattellectomy, and 10% for hypertention. I got out in January of 2000 and started having issues with my back and went to our local ER. The Dr noted that "the patient is a 32 year old male with right hand numbness and left shoulder pain that radiates into the neck, that could be consistent with radiculpathy." Between the VA clinics and local hospitals I have been seen 25 times in 11 years for this problem. I recently had surgery on New years Eve of last year for cervical radiculpathy at C-6 and C-7. My neurosurgeon wrote a letter stating the following, " I reviewed his significant number of prior medical records, indicating symptoms consistent with neck issues and radiculpathy. It's quite possible that his neck condition was initiated or aggravated during his time in service." I was denied twice for service connection based on the fact that I couldn't produce records within the time frame to connect it back to service but I found two ER reports within a year of being separated. Is my neurosurgeon's letter along with my treatment records enough for service connection? Sorry for the long post! Thanks.

The letter should say that your current condition "is at least likely as not cause by or a result of your military service or aggravated by military service" and give a rationale. The rationale would be something that actually happened in service; maybe a neck or back strain, neck injury, arm injury, or vehicle accident. Something that "could" be the cause of your condition. This is just my opinion and others may chime in.

[Berta]

I agree-"could be" is too speculative.

This has to be associated with something that happened inservice that was the "nexis" or case for the disabilty you have now.

The IMO forum has the VA's criteria for IMOs.

The doc should also directly refer to anything in your SMRs that would be the likely event that caused the problems you have now.

[pelicanbrave]

Thanks for responding. I will try to get him to write me another letter. My packet was sent in a few days ago so I assume I can have him write it and send it in without starting over.