JeffG

Hello everyone, First of all thanks for all the great info and advice provided to Vets here. I am 90 % SC and in Dec 10 reopened my case. Most ove my problems were with back and legs. 40% for lumbar strain, DDD, peripheral neuropathy etc. I decided to apply for IVDS along with Sciatica, neuorgenci bladder and cerical mylopathy. I have read the training letter that VA has put out to physicians examining Vets claiming IVDS. Last week I went for my C & P exam with QTC doctor. I expected full exam per instructions listed in the letter. Instead I sat down answered a lot of questions about back problems and urinary problems but never got examined. My question is do I not rock the boat and say anything until I get the results. I'm afraid if I say anything I'll be rescheduled for exam. I got the impression from the doctor that he agreed with everything I was claiming. So I don't know if it was a good exam or not. Any advice would be appreciated.

Yes I am still working but for how much longer I don't know . Weakness in legs plus pain is making it difficult. I don't know if I should file with my asking for a upgrade in disability the form that asks me to be considered unemployable too. I'm not familiar with SMC"S". What is that

Thankyou so much for the advice. I just visited your website and was quite impressed. I always have copies made of any visit I make to doctors. I guess I'm using a combination of all 3 of your options you list. I am forever doing research on the internet about different conditions and your site definitely provides enough links to get that info as well forum sites for vets......Jeff

Up until Oct 08 I was drawing 40% disability. 10%of the 40% was for lubarsacral strain. I reopened my claim and was awarded 90% 4 months later. During the claim process I had back surgery which gave me temporary relief. Now 2 years post-op my back condition is worse than when I had the surgery. My rating breakdown was 40% right lower extremity radiculopathy 20% left lower extremity radiculopathy 40 % residuals phlebitus right leg 40% lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and DDD I have reopened my case 3 weeks ago. When I saw my VSO 3 weeks ago he reopened my case for the lumbosacral strain and left and right radiculopathy. After reading many posts about vets with spinal problems on these boards I feel that now I am short changing myself by not filing for other problems i.e. foot drop, sciatica, poplteal nerve problems and perpheral neuropathy etc. Is it my reponsibility to put these codes on my new application or if I have these should I make sure that my doctor states these problems in his report that will be going to the 'va? I currently am seeing both neurologist and orthopedic surgeon. Both are private practice.