I was rated 20% for my shoulder due to many dislocations and 10% for cervical strain. I applied for lower back condition thru the DAV. It was denied because they stated the scoliosis I have is not service related. I appealed and asked for a hearing.
Since I didn't mention scoliosis in the claim I'm not sure why that is all that they looked at. I've had a back Xray which showed
"2. Mild anterior endplate spurring, with disc heights maintained.
3. Thoracic dextroscoliosis, measuring 22 degrees"
Which I'm told is indicative of degenerative disc disease and/or arthritis. However, I don't have any in service medical treatment records for my back because I never complained due to fear of losing my flight status as a pilot.
I'm being seen by a private sector doctor and getting facet joint injections and medial branch block. How should I appeal this?
Should I get a nexus letter stating the arthritis was caused by my service on active duty as a pilot? Or should I ask the doctor to tie my lower back condition in as a secondary condition to cervical strain or shoulder problems?