DICK HILL

My claim status, after 219 days, finally changed from reviewing evidence to Preparation for Decision. However, now the estimated completion date has changed from August 2015 to August 2016. Can anyone guess why 1 year has been added to the estimated completion date. The Va has all the evidence and the C&Ps that VA ordered have been completed. Got me a bit confused. Dick Hill

Navy4Life. Thanks. One C&P was done back in Feb at a VA clinic and it was in my MyHealtheVet file about a week later. This is my first claim since 2010. I assumed after seeing the Feb DBQ results in MyHealtheVet, that the VA contractor DBQs would be there too. Again thanks for the info.

I had the scheduled C&P with VA contractor (Logistics Health Inc.) on 28 Apr 15. It covered all areas that I mentioned in my 21 April post. My question now is what do I need to do to get a copy of the Nurse Practitioner's report of examination and a copy of the three medical opinions she was supposed to white. All info appreciated. Dick Hill

Thanks for your advice georgiapapa I have never had EMG and NCS done by anyone. I do not think an NP is qualified to perform an exam such as mine either. However, I called the facility where the exam will take place and they said the NP is highly qualified in all areas pertaining to my claims. I did review the NP's bio and it does look like she possesses several unique skills. Dick Hill

Vern2 - Thanks for your response. These are issues I filed a claim for last October. I asked for increase for degenerative arthritis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spines currently rated at 10 percent and increase for Plantar Fasciitis currently rated at 0 percent. Claim contentions read as follows: Disabilities Claimed: DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS OF THE THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINES (Increase), PLANTAR FACIITIS (Increase), PES PLANTUS (BILATERAL) SECONDARY TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS (New), HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), LUMBOSACRAL RADICULTITS (RIGHT SCIATICA) SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), LUMBAR STENOSIS WITH RIGHT FORMINAL STENOS SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), LUMBOSACRAL SPONYLOSIS WITHOUT MYELOPATHY SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), DEGENERATION OF LUMBOSACRAL INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS WITOUTH MYELOPATHY SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), DISPLACEMENT OF CERVICAL INTERVERTEBRAL DISC WITHOUT MYELOPATHY SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New), SPINAL STENOSIS IN CERVICAL REGIONS SECONDARY TO DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (New). All claimed items were diagnosed last year by a spine doctor and foot doctort. Hip osteoarthritis was also diagnosed during active duty in 1987 as right hip DJD. Lumbosacral radicultits was also diagnosed while on active duty in 1987 as sciatica in the right lower extremity. Both well documented while on active duty and treatment continuity since retirement in 1988. Again, thanks for your response. Dick Hill

I received a package from a VA contractor (Logistics Health Inc.) saying they have set me up for C&P examination with a Nurse Practitioner on 28 April 2015. The Contractor said the C&P exam is scheduled for one and one half hours. The following is the services VA has instructed the contractor to perform: Medical: 90 minutes patient time; 75 minutes admin time DBQ MUSC Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) DBQ MUSC Foot Conditions, Including Flatfoot DBQ MUSC Hip and Thigh DBQ NEURO Peripheral Nerves Med - Medical Records/Cfile Review - FILL FIRST CPT 99090 - Analysis of clinical data stored in computer (Claim File) CPT 99205 - Level 5 E/M, new patient (60 Minutes) CPT 99354 - Prolonged service, first hour DBQ Medical Opinion: Foot Conditions DBQ Medical Opinion: Hip and Thigh DBQ Medical Opinion: Peripheral Nerves Condition I am wondering why they are asking for another DBQ and medical opinion on my feet. I had a foot C&P (not sure you can call it an exam - exam took 12 minutes) at the Frank Tejeda clinic on 2 February 2015. Other than the foot C&P mentioned above and a C&P exam for hearing several years ago, this is all new to me. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what this C&P exam might or will consist of. An hour and a half does not appear to be sufficient time to actually perform any tests such as Electromyogram (EMG) Nerve Conduction Studies, ROMs, etc. Your thoughts will be appreciated. Dick Hill

To Buck 52 in refer to your question "Also I was reading something about this (choice card) only applies to Veterans that served in combat within the last 5 years??? anybody know about that". I was recently offered by VA to use my choice card. I have been retired for 27 years and have never been in combat. Don't think what you read was correct.

I recently (Oct 14) filed a claim for increase for degenerative arthritis currently rated at 10 percent and increase for Plantar Fasciitis currently rated at 0 percent, and I asked for service connection be established for flatfeet bilateral secondary to SC Plantar Fasciitis. On the 5th of January 2015, I received a letter from the VA saying “We asked the VA medical facility nearest you to schedule you for an examination in connection with your claim. They will notify you of the date, time, and place of the examination.” A few days later I received a phone call from the C&P section of Frank Tejeda clinic telling me to be at the clinic on 2 Feb 2015. I arrived at 1330 for my 1400 appointment which actually started around 1420. The doctor called me in and started asking questions such as how long have you had foot problems, when did it start getting worse, do you feel pain on a daily basis, are you feeling pain today, and what treatment have you had. I answered all the questions. Then the doctor said “I will send my report to Houston and you should hear something on the increase within three to six months.” He then said let me take you to the front so you can check out. I stopped the doctor and asked if he was going to examine my feet. He said that is not necessary. I said I was expecting a foot examination. He then told me to take off my shoes and socks. He ask again where I was having pain. I told him in the heels, the arches, and the tops of both feet. He touched each area and asked if I was having pain. He then told me to put my shoes and socks back on and escorted to the front for check out. I am concerned about the examination (really lack thereof). I am wondering if I should request another examination or should I wait to see if the VA increases my 0 percent rating. And if the VA doesn’t increase my rating, should I then submit something to the VA saying I did not have an adequate foot examination? As always, all help appreciated. Dick Hill

A couple weeks ago I submitted a claim to the VA via Certified Mail Return Receipt. I got the Certified green card back showing the VA received the claim. I have never received a letter from VA acknowledging receipt of my claim and the claim does not appear in EBenifits. My question is who at the VA do I send an inquiry as to why I did not receive a VA letter of acknowledgement and why my claim is not shown in EBenifits? Response will be appreciated. Dick Hill

Had another follow-up with spine doctor on 9 May 14. I finally convinced him to provide me with a Nextus letter for current diagnosis for right hip osteoarthritis and sciatica pain in right lower extremity, both of which were also diagnosed while on active duty in 1987. I want to thank all those who have responded to my different posts. You have given me valuable information. I would have been lost without your input. Thanks Dick Hill

I am currently service connected at 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis. I just had a MRI and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis without neurogenic claudication, disc bulge at L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, disc protrusion at L5-S1 and mild right neural foraminal stenosis at the L4-5 and L5-S1. My question is if I ask for an increase, if approved, what percentage could I expect. Appreciate your thoughts Dick Hill

I am getting the same thing on my hypertension claim. Last July I received a 5103 and submitted it to VA. I have told the VA 3 times that there is NO more evidence. Finally in Nov 13 e-bennies showed the VA received the last 5103 on 31 Jul 13. Now all of a sudden my estimated completion date of 2 May 14 has been changed to 2 Aug 15 (additional 15 months). My TX Vet Comm Rep found out that the VA said they sent me another 5103 on 27 Mar 14 (which I still have not received in the mail) with a suspense date of 26 Apr 14. My rep said he input another 5103 on 14 Apr 14. I think this crap is nothing more than the VA messing around with us getting ammo to be used in the next Congressional update on claims backlogs. They are going to tell Congressional committee see we are behind because veterans are not providing us the evidence to finalize their claim. This is bull shit and that is exactly what I told the Secretary in a letter to him recently. Unfortunately my claim will probably be extended another 50 years because of my complaint. They have us between a rock and a hard place - and they know it. Frustrated, ticked, and unable to do a damn thing about it.

I am not sure NAVY04 is correct in saying "You submitted for an increase. When you are already SC for a Condition, and submit a new claim for increase, then it will be effective the following month of approval". I was at 0 percent for hearing and asked for increase back in 2011 which was granted and I was paid for the increase back to the date I submitted the claim. This was 3 years ago - maybe the rule has changed since then.

They just put my reopened claim back to gathering evidence (I told them in June 2013 that there is NO more evidence). The estimated completion date was 2 May 14 (now all of a sudden it reads 2 Aug 15 - 15 months added). Claim was submitted in June 2014. Been trying to get my TX Vet Commission Representative to find out what the heck is going on. Found out yesterday that my representative retired. I asked them to have another rep give me a call, but that has not happened yet. I am beginning to think the VA's number one priority is to keep vets confused and frustrated. They are sure succeeding in their number one priority.

Hi All I came across the following article on another web site. I have some questions at bottom of article. 05/16/2013 UPDATE: Comments from a senior RVSR/Rater Hi Jim, Some comments on the Veteran with the degenerative disc disease (DDD). DDD and DJD (degenerative joint disease) are 2 separate processes. If the Veteran received a 20 percent evaluation, that means his range of motion, with or without pain, fell into the 20 percent range. It does not matter how much pain there is, unless the C&P examiner finds that upon repetitive motion there is additional loss of range of motion that falls into the range of a higher evaluation, the Veteran will not get a higher evaluation. The Veteran can also get a higher evaluation if he has “incapacitating episodes” which are defined as period of bed rest prescribed by a physician (which rarely occurs with the level of medical technology today). A person can have lumbar disc disease and never get cervical disc disease. Therefore, a spread of the disc disease from the lumbar to the cervical spine (neck) does not mean the cervical spine disease will automatically be granted service connection. The Veteran has to prove a secondary relationship between the lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. If the Veteran’s private physician indicates in his notes or in a DBQ that the cervical spine is related to the lumbar spine with a credible rationale, the Veteran should be granted service connection for the cervical spine. If a DBQ is completed, a VA examination is not required. Even if an exam is conducted and the VA examiner disagrees with that opinion, so long as the Veteran’s physician provides a credible rationale, the VA has to accept that opinion which is most favorable to the Veteran. This is the “reasonable doubt” regulation under 38 CFR 3.102. (I know everyone does not follow this rule but they should be). DJD is somewhat different. DJD is also synonymous with arthritis and osteoarthritis (but not rheumatoid arthritis). There are two types of DJD for VA purposes: traumatic DJD and systemic DJD. Traumatic DJD occurs when the Veteran suffered an injury to a joint that over the years progresses to DJD. In this case, if the Veteran also develops DJD in other joints, there would be no entitlement to service connection for those joints unless a medical provider establishes one. Systemic DJD occurs when the Veteran gets a diagnosis of DJD in service (or within one year after release from active duty) when there is no record or evidence of trauma to the joint. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. The diagnostic code for traumatic DJD is 5010 and the diagnostic code for systemic DJD is 5003. If the Veteran is granted service connection for the cervical spine in addition to the lumbar spine, he gets a separate evaluation (percent of compensation) for each. Also, there are times when a Veteran gets pain radiating into his legs as a result of DDD or DJD. If the Veteran has a diagnosis of radiculopathy, he should be entitled to a separate evaluation for that also under a neurological diagnostic code (usually 8520 or 8521). My questions are as follows: I am currently service connected at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5003 for degenerative arthritis (spondylosis) of the Thoracic and Lumbar spines. Recently I was diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis and Hip osteoarthritis. From reading the above article can I assume that I do not need a Nextus or IMO to ask for service connection for my diagnosed degenerative arthritis of my cervical spine and hips? I would just provide the VA with the current diagnoses and ask for increase for service connected degenerative arthritis? All this dealing with the VA is confusing, painstaking and time consuming and I am still not sure I really understand everything or understand how to approach the VA to obtain earned benefits. Will appreciate everyone’s thoughts and advice. Dick Hill

It took 16 months to get mine. Requested in Mar 12 and received it in Jul 13. Dick Hill

I am confused. Perhaps someone can tell me why a claim would all of a sudden go from reviewing evidence back to gathering evidence. I asked the VA last year to reopen a claim because when I got my C-File, I found 1 piece of new and material evidence that might change the VA denial decision. I submitted the reopen request in Jun 13 and the VA gave an estimated completion date of 2 Nov 13 to 2 May 14. Now all of a sudden (1 month) before it is supposed to be final, E-Benefits shows the claim went back to gathering evidence (without any explanation) and now the estimated completion date is 2 Dec 14 to 2 Aug 15. I would think it would only go back to gathering evidence if they are looking for more evidence. I told the VA last Aug that there is no more evidence. Anyone have a clue as to what might be going on? Are they playing a game with me? Appreciate responses. Dick Hill

Response to Berta’s response on 25 March 2014 Do you get SSDI and if so what is it for? I did not apply for SSDI. No - I waited until age 62 and started collecting regular Social Security. There could be a significant possible relationship between the carotid surgery you had and your SC IHD. In 2011, I was told by a VA C&P doctor that my service connected “cardiac Arrythmia had nothing to do with my high blood pressure or carotids problems. He said “more likely than not” my problems were caused by a history of smoking. I tried asking him a couple medical questions to which he did not respond. After that I suggested he walks and talks like a duck - he said his decision stands. Because of a piece of evidence I discovered when I received my C-File last year, I submitted a request to reopen the claim last June, but have not received anything on it yet. This is one of many articles and medical abstracts on the internet involving that possible relationship between IHD and the carotoid surgery (which I( assume was possibly for plaque build up in that artery): Yes it was for plaque buildup in the left artery. The right artery is what they call “occluded” which means they can not do anything about it. What did your Cardio or neuro doctor say about the carotoid surgery in relation to the IHD? Perhaps he ruled out the IHD factor already.. I have been seeing a vascular doctor for annual follow-up on the carotids surgery, but I have never discussed it with him. I feel the heart rating you got in 1989.1990 would be too low now. I just found out last Friday that I no longer have a VA primary care provider because it has been over a year since my last VA appointment. Now I have to go back through the process and request a primary care provider so I can get referrals to other VA clinics. Do you have a service officer or vet rep? Yes - Texas Veterans Commission. However, last year I let the rep talk me into letting him send something to the VA instead of sending it via registered mail and it never got to the VA. So I have been thinking of looking for another rep. Thanks again Berta Dick Hill

24 Mar 14 answers to Berta’s second response: Response to Berta’s questions "If so why did they deny? Unknown" A copy of the denial should be in your C file. When I retired in 1988 and was examined by the VA in 1989 and 1990, the only thing I received from the VA at that time was a letter stating that I had been service connected at 20% (10% heart and 10% degenerative arthritis for Thoracic and Lumbar Spine) with 0% for Plantar Fasciitis, 0% for hearing). Hearing was increased to 30% in 2011. I did not even receive a copy of the rating decisions back in 1989 and 1990. First time I saw them was several months ago when I finally received a copy of my VA C-file. There are no denial letters in my C-fie. They should have sent it to you explaining their reasons and Bases and listing the evidence they used. I got nothing other than the letter I mentioned above. John999 is right: "1987 has been 25 years ago so you need a good IME/IMO in which your doctor connects all the dots." Their might be something in that old denial that was legally wrong ( a potential CUE claim). There is no old denial letter that I know of. But a CUE claim would rest on establishing SC first. I am in the process of trying to establish service connection for right hip and right sciatica. "connecting the dots" can become very beneficial to a claimant, when done by an IMO doctor who can give a full medical rationale... what I mean is this(but I am not a doctor) You said "Do you already have any SC percent for this condition? No. I am SC for heart condition (10%), hearing (30%), Degenerative Arthritis Thoracic and Lumbar Spine (10%), Plantar Fasccitis (0%), Migraines (0%). The right hip DJD and right sciatica problems are reflected on my original VA Form 21-526e and on both of the 1989 and 1990 VA examination sheets. Only mention by the VA exam is that I had full ROM in right hip. No mention of right sciatica pain." The right hip DJD and right sciatica provblems could be possibly excerbated or caused by the SC Degenerative Arthritis Thoracic and Lumbar Spine (10%), Did you formally claim an increase in that specific SC rating adding that the right hip and sciatica are secondary? letter or the VA already has direct access to evidence contained in my military service and post military service medical records (That is what I am in the process of doing now. This is what my DRAFT claim’s opening paragraph says: This claim letter is submitted to respectfully request VA consideration for increase to service connected Thoracic/Lumbosacral Spine Degenerative Arthritis/Spondylosis and service connected Plantar Fisciitis. Also to establish service connection for Right Sciatic Nerve pain/problem currently not service connected to include secondary to service connected Thoracic/Lumbosacral Spine Degenerative Arthritis/Spondylosis and to establish service connection for Pes Planus diagnosed during periodic military physical examination in November 1976 (see SF 88 dated 16 November 1976) currently not service connected to include secondary to service connected Planter Fasccitis. To my knowledge, I have either provided all medical evidence as enclosures to this claim referenced in paragraphs 1 and 2 below) or the VA already has direct access to my military service and post military service medical records. I recently was seen by a foot doctor who re-diagnosed Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus (flat foot) bilateral. Also, recently was seen by spine doctor who diagnosed right hip and right sciatica problems. I Might not even have a clue here on what I am suggesting ....but a strong IMO can connect dots that can lead from one SC to another potential SC. I assume you have had continuous treatment records since discharge. In addition to 15 documented active duty clinic visits regarding right hip, leg, knee and sciatica, there are another 17 documented post service visits from 1989 to today. I am very surprised that the initial claim was denied and the Reasons and Bases for that denial might well contain some clues as to how to continue with this claim. " I am SC for heart condition (10%), hearing (30%), Degenerative Arthritis Thoracic and Lumbar Spine (10%), Plantar Fasccitis (0%), Migraines (0%" How old are these ratings? All ratings were issued in 1989 and reissued in 1990 except the hearing rating which went from 0% to 30% in 2011. Disabilities get worse in time. Does your medical evidence still match those ratings or should they be higher by now? I believe current medical evidence justifies an increase for the degenerative arthritis (10%) and Plantar Fasciitis (0%). I have recently been evaluated by a foot doctor and by a spine doctor. You could go to our VA Schedule of Ratings topic here and look up your SCs by diagnostic code and see if the VA % still matches them or if you would fall into a higher rating category by now. The VA cardio heart ratings for example were rated one way years ago but they changed...forget when... And I bet the SC (0) plantar facilitis is making everything worse too or vice versa. Yes, I would not wish Plantar Fasciitis on even my worst enemy. Are you able to work? I quit work almost nine years ago (age 60 at the time) because I had surgery on my left carotids artery in my neck and I was not sure how long the recovery time would be. The surgery had nothing to do with my military service. Again thanks for your response.

For Berta - thanks for your response. Here are replies to your questions: John is correct. If he stated that he did review them (the SMRs)and referred to them specifically in the opinion (as to dates,entries etc),that would bolster the opinion. All the doctor’s report says is that he reviewed my records. "Do you think the Veterans Affairs will see the above comments as a NEXTUS between my pain and problems of today and the slipping on stairs injury I suffered in October 1987?" I dont see that specific potential in what you posted here. But if you had a documented injury (such as evidence of an ER visit) that you believe was directly due to the hips problems ( it is certainly a reasonable contention that the stair fall was caused by your hip disability) your doctor did state the initial condition has been 'excerbated" a key word VA understands...regardless of the cause. The slipping on stair injury is documented and is what caused the right hip and sciatica problems. There are 15 documented (SMR) visits regarding right hip and sciatica between October 1987 and November 1988. I retired 30 November 1988. There are an additional 17 documented post service (1989-2012) SF 600s referencing right low back, hip, leg, knee, or foot pain. He also does confirm the condition has gotten worse regardless of the stair injury:: "Examination of his right hip today shows pain with FABER with significant groin pain which is consistent of the worsening condition that was previously diagnosed when he was on active duty. " Patrick's test or FABER test is performed to evaluate pathology of the hip joint or the sacroiliac joint. The test is performed by having the tested leg flexed, abducted, externally rotated, and extended. He did use the FABER test but do you have a copy of his results? I do not have copy of the FABER test. I have never seen mention of this test in any VA opinions,yet a full C & P exam should cover the same premise of FABER.. That test and it's results might be a good idea to be explained a little more by the doctor. But maybe others here will chime in on the FABER test.I think it is similar to ROM testing. I just have never seen that medical term used by VA before. Do you already have any SC percent for this condition? No. I am SC for heart condition (10%), hearing (30%), Degenerative Arthritis Thoracic and Lumbar Spine (10%), Plantar Fasccitis (0%), Migraines (0%). The right hip DJD and right sciatica problems are reflected on my original VA Form 21-526e and on both of the 1989 and 1990 VA examination sheets. Only mention by the VA exam is that I had full ROM in right hip. No mention of right sciatica pain. Was your active duty prior to the stair fall in 1987? I was on active duty at the time of the slipping on stair injury. Active duty dates are 2 December 1965 to 30 November 1988. Is this the first claim you have filed on the hip problems or were you denied in the past? The right hip DJD and right sciatica problems were claimed on my original VA Form 21-526e claim and is reflected on both of the 1989 and 1990 VA examination sheets. Only mention by the VA exam is that I had full ROM in right hip. No mention of right sciatica pain. If so why did they deny? Unknown Again, thanks for your responses. Dick Hill

Elder - The Doctor did review all my SMRs. Dick Hill

Reference my post on 28 Feb 14 and 3 Mar 14 “More Questions Regarding VA Claim” I finally received a copy of the Spine Doctor’s 3 Mar 14 report of my 3 Mar 14 visit. Although as I reported on my 3 Mar 14 post that the doctor would not sign a NEXTUS or IMO, his report does include the following: “He has hip osteoarthritis. In view of his records, the right hip arthritis or arthrosis in examination of the hip is very consistent to the issues he had while on active duty and deemed at that point to be service connected. Additionally, there are notations dating back during his active duty status he went and saw orthopedics there, saw a PA who diagnosed him with sciatica which is exactly what he has in the right lower extremity today. Therefore, again, I do think he is suffering from exacerbation of these conditions today that are service connected and should be covered under his VA benefits. It is very clear with the documentation of the hip arthritis that was diagnosed while on active duty and also his sciatica as again diagnosed on active duty. This supports his endeavors to try to get this become service connected and I tend to agree. Examination of his right hip today shows pain with FABER with significant groin pain which is consistent of the worsening condition that was previously diagnosed when he was on active duty. Now whether or not this is taken care of within the VA system or outside in the civilian sector still remains to be seen.” My question now is: Do you think the VA will see the above comments as a NEXTUS between my pain and problems of today and the slipping on stairs injury I suffered in October 1987? Your comments will be greatly appreciated. Dick Hill

I had my visit to the spine doctor today. I tried to get him to give me a NEXUS or IMO letter connecting my current sciatic nerve pain to my slipping on stairs injury that occurred back in 1987 while still in the military. He refused to give me the NEXUS saying he does not want to get involved with the VA. Kind of strange because he is a retired naval officer. Guess I am SOOL. Guess I have to submit claim with only the active duty and post active duty medical treatment records. Dick Hill

Hi everyone. I have a couple questions regarding submitting a claim to the VA. I recently had an MRI done on my Lumbosacral Spine (Sciatica) because of a long history (off and on since 1987 after slipping on some stairs) of sudden and sharp and burning sensation/pain in my right lower back radiating to my right hip, leg and knee. I have had more frequent/painful episodes occurring over the past couple years. I am scheduled Monday to see a Orthopedic Surgeon. The results of the MRI dated 10 December 2013 revealed multiple degenerative changes and problems at L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. The MRI results say “L5-S1 and L4-5 - there is focal central disc potrusion, left facet hypertrophy is present, and there is mild right neural foramina stenosis. L2-3, L-3-4, and L4-5 - There is mild circumferential disc bulge.” When I retired in 1988, I was service connected for Degenerative Arthritis/spondylosis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine at 10 percent. There are 15 separate military clinic visits documented in my military medical records regarding treatment for right low back, hip, leg, or knee pain (right sciatica pain) as a result of a slipping on stairs injury sustained in October 1987 while on active military service. Post military service continuity of treatment is shown on approximately 20 additional separate clinic treatment records referring to low back, hip, leg, or knee pain. My question is do I submit my claim as a increase to my service connected Degenerative Arthritis/spondylosis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine or should I treat the claim as a claim for a new disability? Also, was recently diagnosed with Cervical DDD. Would that have anything to do with my Degenerative Arthritis/spondylosis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine. All help will be appreciated. Dick Hill

For Elder. Thanks for your response. Continuity of care does exist. There are an additional 14 post retirement treatment entries regarding low back, hip, and right leg and knee plus I had a MRI on my lumbar spine/sciatica last month which shows multiple disc bulge and other problems. Am thinking of claiming secondary to service connected thoracic and lumbar degenerative arthritis/spondylosis. Again, thanks for your response. Dick Hill