[Migraines Secondary To Back Or Together?]

I have been having migraines for the last 3 years and was told my a VA doc that the migraines could be caused by my SC degenerative disk condition. The migraines seem to be related to my back or my sensitivity to light (spent a year playing in the deisert) or a combination of both.

Should i file a new claim stating that this was caused from my service or state that it is secondary to my back? It has been less than 5 years since i returned from a combat zone. Also could i file a claim for my eyes being messed up and so sensitive to light? My vision is actually much worse than my last eye exam before i ETS'd

[Do You Have My Back?]

I am at a crossroads in my battle with the VA. I was service connected at 10% for degenerative disk disease in 2011. My claim was pretty cut and dry and i made it through with little to no assistance. My symptoms became a lot worse after my claim was closed. I was treated on multiple occasions for back problem related to this ailment. I lost a great union job over not being able to preform. They drugged me up with the strongest pain meds 3X daily. I filed for an appeal. I claimed that at my original exam, the C&P examiner forced me to over exert myself. I was actually treated for a bulging disk within a week of the exam. I just had my 2nd exam a 7 days ago. The examiner never used the geniometer (sp). I went until the pain started, which was nowhere near what i did at my 1 C&P exam. From everything I've gathered including tricking the VA person on the phone into discussing my claim, my claim was not increased. Benefits explorer and Ab8 both say 10%.

I need to know if i should file an appeal for another exam, get a DBQ, or appeal and let the BVA decide. There is noticeable deterioration on my X-rays from my first exam after ETS compared to know. I had an MRI done that said the condition is causing my disk to bulge , and for bone on bone contact to happen. Is it too late for the DBQ? Do i even have a foot to stand on filing an appeal?

Thank you all for helping

[Started Having Migraines. Doc Said Could Be Related To Sc Injury]

I am currently in the process of my first claim. I am petitioning for an increase based on my two bulging disks, the narrowing of my spinal collumn, and the thoracic/lumbar arthritis. The migraines are something I just realized may be connected. I usually just ate my motrin 800 , drank some water, and laid down when they would come around. At my appt today, i brough it up with my new doc and explained the symptoms exactly. He said theres a good chance it has to to with my back issues.

Question 1: Do I file a new claim for migraines?

Question 2: Do i have to wait for my current increase to be taken care of?

Question 3: I was never treated for migraines in service, will this be an issue in service connecting it?

One more gripe. I closed a bank account i had and forgot to change my comp direct deposit info. A few months later i realized i wasnt getting the check (its only for 10%). I corrected the issue back in march. My last payment went out october 2012. My balance has sine grown to over 1000 dollars and i cant get any help on releasing the funds. They said all someone has to do at my regional office is turn the payment back on. My VFW rep is unreachable(detroit for ya) and when i show up in person they say that they will take care of it. Any help on handling this? Thanks in advance brothers.

[Im Hoping To Get Some Help. Not Sure What To Do Now?]

What was the date of your last rating decision where you were awarded the 10%? If it was within one year, you may request a re-consideration and submit all your medical documentation to support your claim.

If your rating decision was longer than one year, yes, request a re-evaluation of your current 10% rating.

I would also request an evaluation for the degenerative disc disease and arthritis (lumbar region) secondary to your current condition.

Also, when submitting a claim, use VA FM 21-526ez. This is a fully developed claim. Submit all medical documentation to support your claim.

Remember, with the exception of the arthritis, your disability will be determined on your range of motion. If you submit a claim, I believe the VA will schedule you a C/P exam. When the Doc has you bending and twisting, you should stop immediately when you feel pain, pinching or tightning of the muscles in your back. I see veterans too often when they are told to touch their toes, they will and when doing so will be in a great deal of pain. by doing that will keep you at the 10%. Like I said just stop when you start feeling the above symptoms.

I see that you are rated 10% overall. I would submit a VA FM 21-686c with your application. Include a copy of your marriage license, birth certificates for all children, to include social security numbers for all.

When a veteran is rated 30% and above, said veteran is authorized to collect additional monies for their spouse and children.

The 21-526ez and 21-686c are not hard forms to complete. When you do have them completed, have all your documentation, just send to the VARO listed at the top of the first page of your rating decision.

Good luck!

Thank you very much, im headed down to the VA tomorrow.

[Im Hoping To Get Some Help. Not Sure What To Do Now?]

Have you applied for SSD?

I hope this thread can come back to life for me, I did apply but havent heard anything back. since I am only 25, do you think i will qualify? Im in a holding pattern as of now. I filed for an increase after talking with my vfw rep. I am supposed to start a very good job as a substation electrician apprentice, and I am worried my condition will get in the way. I am going to be honest on my physical about all of my back problems. I was wondering if that was the scenario (i couldnt complete my apprenticeship because of back issues) will i be able to attain an unemployability rating? Im very unsure about the unemployability rating as i have only heard of it here on the forum. Once again thanks for responses.

[Im Hoping To Get Some Help. Not Sure What To Do Now?]

Heres my situation. 10% Service connected for arthritis, degenerative disk disease in my thoracic region. I always complained that the pain was coming from my lumbar region, but they always took an x ray and said thoracic. I got the MRI a few weeks back and it turns out i have arthritis in thelumbar region and also slight bulged disk. This is what has been causing me these problems and they are just now finding out. Without over exaggerating, I have a constant back pain. 24/7. I lost a job and missed a promotion because i wore a back brace to work. I really wanna work but i just cant do it with my back!. I have had 4 incapacitating episodes where i had to be treated at my local VA in the 1 1/2 years.

Does it sound like i warrant more than a 10%?

Will i need to file a new claim for the condition that hadnt been discovered till now?

I already felt like i needed to file a claim for an increase. Does it sound like i should get one?

Sorry for throwing so much out there, The VFW or is shit and wont return my call and i dont know what i have to do next. I just want to fix my back and not become addicted to painkillers.

[Im Hoping To Get Some Help. Not Sure What To Do Now?]

Heres my situation. 10% Service connected for arthritis, degenerative disk disease in my thoracic region. I always complained that the pain was coming from my lumbar region, but they always took an x ray and said thoracic. I got the MRI a few weeks back and it turns out i have arthritis in thelumbar region and also slight bulged disk. This is what has been causing me these problems and they are just now finding out. Without over exaggerating, I have a constant back pain. 24/7. I lost a job and missed a promotion because i wore a back brace to work. I really wanna work but i just cant do it with my back!. I have had 4 incapacitating episodes where i had to be treated at my local VA in the 1 1/2 years.

Does it sound like i warrant more than a 10%?

Will i need to file a new claim for the condition that hadnt been discovered till now?

I already felt like i needed to file a claim for an increase. Does it sound like i should get one?

Sorry for throwing so much out there, The VFW or is shit and wont return my call and i dont know what i have to do next. I just want to fix my back and not become addicted to painkillers.