Cervical spine issues/same or different/pyramding possibility?

[Plumbob]

I get 20% for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, with 50% cervical headaches secondary to this, and upper left extremity radiculopathy at 20% secondary.

I am getting ready to claim the upper right extremity radiculopathy, with MRI results and epidural injections in support of this claim.

The MRI shows Intervertebral disc syndrome, which has caused the radiculopathy, which is a rated symptom per the CFR. My question is should I claim that also, or would that be considered the same as cervical spine degenerative disease which seems to be what has caused all of this?

Not really clear in the CFR.

[porgee]

The formula for rating intervertebral disc syndrome based on
incapacitating episodes provides for a 40 percent rating for
intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having
a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during
the past 12 months.  A maximum schedular rating of 60 percent is
assigned for intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating
episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during the
past 12 months.  Incapacitating episodes are periods of acute
signs and symptoms due to intervertebral disc syndrome that
require bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a
physician.  38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnosatic Code 5243.

ivds is degenerated disc disease maybe you could ask for an increase

in cervical and if no bed-rest prescribe by a doctor 60% is hard to get. jmho

[broncovet]

Go ahead and apply.  What we think doesnt matter that much anyway, and what do you have to lose? 

[pwrslm]

 If the neck is already covered, then your arms are both symptoms of the cervical radiculopathy and is already service connected.

Edited March 9, 2018 by pwrslm