USMC EOD

Asknod, I really appreciate your detailed input. I was able to get my PMC to fill out the 2680 in what I would perceive as a favorable response. she clearly spoke to my weakness/loss of strength in both my right arm and leg. At present the pain is so great my spine and pain management treatment consists of them preparing to burn the nerves in my back for temporary relief. Thoughts?

Only problem is that I am not housebound. However, my wife routinely provides me assistance in dressing, bathing, getting in and out of bed and the car when my pain is at its worse. This quaifies me for the SMC L A&A.

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?

Can I get SMC awarded back to original Effective Date? Not having been aware of the SMC at all, has anyone ever successfully been awarded SMC back to their original Effective Date? In reading these blogs, I came across a webpage providing an overview of all SMC’s. One line stood out: “If the VA did not give Special Monthly Compensation in a case that qualifies, the veteran can request for his case to be reviewed, and Special Monthly Compensation will then be given dating back to the original VA Rating Decision.” I plan on filing for SMC “L”: – In regular need of another person to help dress, clean, feed himself, and use the restroom (aid and attendance) My justification is that I have always needed assistance from my wife to dress and sometimes bathe as a direct result of: 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 I’m in constant pain while the condition is getting worse, i.e. loss of feeling/strength in right arm.

I definitely do not qualify for "S", but after further review, I think I qualify for "L".

I received my approval for 100% T&P back in May 2014. Like many Veterans, I perceived the 100% rating as the end of the line. Although I thoroughly researched the 38 CFR, I neglected to consider filing a NOD, review the SMC and other benefits. I just assumed that 100%was the highest level of compensation available. My question is this, Do I qualify for the SMC R? At present I am receiving SMC (K-1) on account of loss of use of a creative organ. Additionally, my cervical spine condition has worsened. Presently suffering from loss of feeling and strength in my right arm and constant lower back pain. Receiving weekly treatment from a Spine treatment specialist through Tri-Care. Does this show cause to file for SMC R1? After reading these posts I am also sick over my having followed the advice of my VSO on not filing a NOD for conditions I was treated for while on AD. Please advise, your assistance is greatly appreciated. Semper Fi! 70%= PTSD 50%= Sleep Apnea 40%= Lumbar Spine 20%= Hematochezia 20%= Right ankle arthritis 20%= Cervical spondylosis 20%= Radiculopathy, right upper extremity 10%= Tinnitus 10%= Radiculopathy 10%= Left wrist tenosynovitis 10%= Left ankle arthritis, status post fracture 10%= Right elbow olecranon bursitis 10%= Deviated septum, traumatic 10%= Painful scar of right axilla 0%= Right hand DeQuervain's tenosynovitis 0%= Erectile Dysfunction Not Service Connected= Renal cyst Not Service Connected= Right knee patellofemoral syndrome Not Service Connected= Hypermetropia Not Service Connected= Migraine headaches Not Service Connected= Left shoulder acromioclavicular Not Service Connected= Left knee condition Not Service Connected= Right wrist condition Not Service Connected= Epididymal cyst/spermatocele Not Service Connected= Right shoulder rotator cuff impingement Not Service Connected= Bilateral hearing loss Not Service Connected= Bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome Not Service Connected= Traumatic brain injury