Buck52,
In your opinion, do I need to get a VSO, or can I simply submit a FDC via eBenefits?
I plan on submitting the following as evidence:
1. All medical records originally submitted that resulted in VBA granting a Service Connected rating
2. All medical records since my approved rating
3. Clarification on the symptoms of these conditions:
All SPINE conditions already granted as Service Connected, previously approved date of 11/25/12
Lumbar Spine degenerative disc disease with thoracolumbar strain (rheumatoid arthritis-lower back, upper back herniated discs, and thoracic spine stenosis)
40%
Service Connected
Cervical spondylosis with degenerative arthritis
20%
Service Connected
Radiculopathy, right upper extremity
20%
Service Connected
Radiculopathy, right lower extremity
10%
Service Connected
Thoracic / Lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back.
This results in damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore.
Symptoms include back pain and stiffness that worsens with activity, bones, muscles or ligaments may place pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord. Resulting in numbness, weakness, and pain that travels down the leg, instability and weakness, & decreased mobility of the thoracic region
Pain can be exacerbated when taking a deep breath or coughing
Cervical Spondylosis is the Degeneration of the spinal column which chiefly affects the vertebral bodies, the neural foramina and the facet joints.
Cause pressure on nerve roots with subsequent sensory or motor disturbances, such as pain, paresthesia, and muscle weakness in the limbs
Radiculopathy refers to a set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly. The location of the injury is at the level of the nerve root. This can result in pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling specific muscles
Thoughts?