Back/Cervical Pain - Bulging Disc

[Rodney Horn]

I have a C&P coming up in October for Neck/Back pains. While in Iraq in 2004, I fell off of a 916 semi-truck and have buddy statements to verify this. I also have medical proof that I went to the TMC in theater and it was considered a "sprain" and was given light duty for a few days. In my medical records from the field hospital in Iraq, it states that this the back injury is service connected. When I returned home in 2005, I went to the VA and had MRI's done that confirmed I had a bulging disc going away from my spine. Since 2005, I have dealt with varying levels and range of motion and pain. My family doctor wrote a Stressor statement for me that he has been treating me for a Bulging Disc and believes that is it Service Connected. My Family Doctor is also a DR in the Army Reserves. My concern is that I have constant lower back pain due to the bulging disc, but if forced to try and ignore the pain, my ROM may appear to be better than it is, especially if PAIN is considered a much less gauge when testing for SC back problems.

I have read on many forums that ROM is the main test used to determine a SC rating, but if that range is done in PAIN, will they take that into consideration. I do not want to do anything that would seem shady or lying, I simply want what is owed to me for my service and the injuries I incurred while in theater. Should I state that I have constant lower back pain in varying levels of pain when testing my ROM? I'm concerned after reading many post that pain is not the primary assessment tool used but rather ROM. If your able to move your neck and back but am always in pain, what's that say? Should I stop when the pain occurs?

Thank you,

Edited September 14, 2017 by Rodney Horn

[Navy04]

Glad you made it thru the C&P. I just had back surgery last month. This has been the hardest recovery and most painful out of my 11 surgeries. Good luck and I wish you the best. Keep us posted and god bless

[rhdawgs]

Navy04, sorry I haven't responded before now but my Dr advised me to "Live with the pain" since my bulging disc is going away from my spine instead of into it, which I am grateful for that. However, my pain is still there every single day, hurting now as I sit on the couch typing this...Hopeing to hear something in the next few weeks about ALL of my C&P's etc.
Good luck, I hope that you are healing up!