MOS13FOXTROT

Thank you. The denial was just this month.

In 2005 I received service connection for a disc in my neck. The MRI showed only one at the time with problems. Then early this year a new MRI shows issues with every disc in my neck. A new claim was put in for an increase that was approved for radiculopathy in my right arm but service connection for radiculopathy in my left arm was denied. Part of the issue is the MRI shows stenosis in a different disc than the one for my service connected radiculopathy. Should that be handled as a new claim altogether for the new damaged disc and then secondary radiculopathy or a NOD with corrections on the disc information? Thanks

Also it was pointed out to me that the new MRI shows an affect on my T-1 vertebra as well as the old injury in the cervical spine. I was advised that the thoracic injury may, if connected to the old injury, be considered for an additional injury? Is that possible in our opinion? Thanks so much.

Wow. That was above and beyond, Sir. Thank you. I never had a C&P exam for my spine issue. I had one concerning the PTSD but the DDD process amounted to an MRI in Dallas and other than the MRI tech I never spoke to a Dr. for the VA. I was rated for 10% for the DDD and 10% for the numbness (radiculopathy?) I didn't understand the difference so I'm guessing the 10% standard was based just on that MRI report? Now I am having similar but not as extreme issues with my left arm as well. Very detailed information and I'm thinking I will move forward with this just based on the lack of a C&P exam for the original claim. Thank you again! more than good information! Al

Thanks in advance and also for having this forum. I have an overall rating of 80%. 70% for PTSD and 20% for a Degenerative Disc Disease and numbness in my right arm. I have the DDD rating from my ETS date in 2006 and my MRI from then only showed an issue in one disc C5-6. Recently my symptoms from the neck injury worsened and after a visit with my PA she ordered a new MRI which showed severe issues in almost every disc in my cervical and a minor issue in my T-1 disc now. MRI results available if it would help. My question is based on the added problems is it likely they can be linked to the original cervical injury and if so would a rate increase be worth the risk? Thanks much, AL