Greetings to All,
In 2010 I injured my lower back from lifting. I am currently SC 30%, 10% of that is for lumbar degenerative disc disease with intermittent radicular symptoms, I was awarded the service connection about 2 yrs ago. In the past 4 months my leg/nerve pain has gotten significantly worse. It has started bothering in more and more places, not just my legs. The location of the bulging disc has become more painful, with sensitivity in other areas of the spine. With all that said, I got a civilian referral for a Spine Dr. During the visit he looked at my new MRI and said that I had arthritis in my spine, "beefy joints"-his words. He said the combination of the bulging disc and the arthritis was causing all my issues. It explains a lot about how I feel, in the morning, etc.. I am only 33 years old and still work full time, but I can easily imagine how my medical issues could put me out.
I am trying to figure out if I should file and what to file for, it looks like there are a ton of codes out there associated with the back?
Arthritis? DDD? Hip issues? Depression? They could all be applicable in my mind.
The only nexus would be from the original claim or IMO if needed.
I know I need to have me ducks in a row before starting this process again.
Not sure if it should be filed separately from the initial injury or as a condition that has gotten worse?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
-moose-