Ken Dillon

This is what I got for SC Aircraft accident which hurt my back

The evaluation of chronic lumbosacral sprain, previously diagnosed as degenerative disc disease is increased from 0 to 10% disabling.

Va exam results dated Dec 08, from the VAMC noted your medical history relating to your low back disability. The examiner noted your current subjective complaints of increased low back pain with radicular pain toy your left lower extremity and decreased motion. The physical examination your gait and posture were normal. The examiner noted range of motion testing of your thoracolumbar spine was normal with flexion to 90 degrees, extension to 30 degrees, right lateral flexion to 30 deg left lateral flexion to 30 deg right lateral rotation to 30 deg and left lateral rotation to 30 deg. The report noted objective evidence of painful motion and tenderness. The examiner noted there was no additional range of motion loss due to pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination following repetive use. The neurological portion of the exam was normal. X-ray was normal. The provided was chronic lumbosacral sprain.

----That was fine I guess untill I noticed that I am really in pain doing regular things at work, so my PC doc at the VA went ahead and ordered an MRI to see whats going on...? And here it is...

Findings: The alignment of the lumbar spine appears normal. Vertebral bodies are normal in height. Loss of normal disc signal seen at T11/T12 and L4/L5 levels, where mild disc space reduction is also noted.
There is a mild broad-based disc ostephyte complex seen at the T11/T12 level, indenting the ventral aspect of the cord, without any obvious cord compression.

On the axial images, at the L4/L5 level, a mild broad-based disc bulge with a posterior annular tear is noted (sounds bad?) causing mild central canal stenosis w/out significant exiting nerve root compression. Remainder of the levels are unremarkable.


-Have I just claimed the wrong thing???
-Would this new evidence prove there is more than a strain there and require an increase?
-Do I file an NOD, and if I do what do I state?
-Im a bit confused, is my back ok?

Thanks in advance!

Good afternoon to every one, my question as follows after c@p exam completed how much long will it be to get answer will it take to get up or down? Does it usually take 6 months to get 100 percent temp disability for surgery? I had back surgery back in July and I am still waiting, yes it is service connected,
 
 
Thanks Ken