bufloguy

Thanks for all the info guys. I figured it was bad, but the VA Doc is in no hurry to diagnose. I was in a pretty bad car accident 20 years ago, and have had problems with my entire back, off and on for the whole 20 years. This doc is in rehab medicine, and she dosen't seem to concerned with my issues. She scheduled an mri for my neck, and suggested P.T. for 4 weeks. She would see me in 2 to 3 months, then she'll look at the rest of my back. I'm trying to get this service connected, as the accident happened while I was active duty. Again thanks for the info.

Just got the results back for an MRI on my neck, but I don't see the Dr. for several weeks. Could someone please let me know what the results mean? Thanks in advance! FINDINGS: Alignment of the spine is normal. Thecal sac is normal at craniovertebral junction, Cl-2 and C2-3. At C3-4, neural foramina are normal. No spinal stenosis is seen. At C4-5, mild foraminal narrowing is present. There is a small posterior spur with mild protrusion of disc causing mild compression of thecal sac. At C5-6, disc osteophyte complex noted because of cervical spondylosis, more prominent to the left causing mild compression of thecal sac. The right neural foramen is normal. Mile left foraminal narrowing is present. At C6-7, large extruded disc is seen located posterior and central causing spinal canal stenosis and cord compression. Neural foramina have adequate size. At C7-T1, small posterior and central disc protrusion is seen causing mild compression of thecal sac. Neural foramina are normal. Impression: 1. Large extruded disc at C6-7 located posterior and central causing cord compression. 2. Mild changes of cervical spondylosis at C4-5, C5-6 causing mild compression of thecal sac. 3. Mild foraminal narrowing at C4-5 and mild narrowing of the left C5-6 neural foramen.

Sent Mine!!!

No service officer yet, I had scheduled an appointment with one of the State Reps, but she cnancelled the appointment the day before, after waiting to months. I'm not sure who to go with. I live in the Buffalo area, and all the vets I know, say all the so's the have delt with aren't worth much, so I've filed on my own. I received the decision for the knees about 10 day's ago. Do you think I have grounds for a NOD or reconsideration, is so, under which grounds? Thanks!

Berta, Thanks for attempting to answer my question! I guess I'm a little confused about the bilateral dx. Why would my feet be rated bilateral 10% as opposed to left foot 10% and right foot 10%, or bilateral knee condition instead of being rated left knee 10% and right knee 10%. I haven't filed a NOD, as I am still confused by the bilateral factor. The 30 % you get- Are they adding up each of the 10%s above? DECISION: 1 . Service connection for left knee strain, osteoarthritis is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective April 7,2008. 2 . Service connection for right knee strain, osteoarthritis is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective April 7, 2008. 3. Evaluation of post traumatic plantar fasciitis, which is currently 10 percent disabling, is continued. Are they saying one knee is due to the initial condition and the other is 10% due to the accident? (Left Knee) The VA examiner commented that based upon a thorough review of your claims folder, it is not as least likely that you bilateral knee condition is related and secondary to plantar faciitis. It is more likely that per the history of you it is as least as likely as not your left knee was injured by the motor vehicle accident that occurred in 1999 while on active duty, which required medical attention and continue to be bothersome until the present time. You had this onset while on active duty. You have a present diagnosis and thorough history as the nexus of the two. The examiner further commented that your history of significant plantar fasciitis, which causes abnormal weight bearing permanent aggravated your left knee condition. (Right Knee) The VA examiner commented that based upon a thorough review of your claims folder, it is not as least likely lhat your right knee condition is related and secondary to plantar faciitis, You have a present diagnosis and thorough history as the nexus of the two. The VA examiner stated that it is very reasonable, that as a result of your left knee condition you have favored it and it has developed a right knee condition and it is as least likely as not your right knee condition is secondary to potential service connected left knee injury that was incurred in 1999. The rationale for this is because of abnonnal weight bearing, loading of the joint would lead to abnonnal biomechanical and biomechanical changes to the particular cartilage leading to thinning, softening. fibrillation, fissures, ulcerations, erosions of the articular cartilage further leading to subchondrol bone changes including sclerosis, subchondrol cyst, ostophyte changes and to the joint space narrowing that is present. The examiner further commented that your history of significant plantar fasciitis, which causes abnonnal weight bearing permanently, aggrivated your right knee condition. So in a nut-shell, issues with left knee caused by car accident, issues with right knee secondary to left knee condition, aggrivated by bilatteral foot condition. I am aloso experiencing a lot of right hip pain, and lower back issues. Did they raise the "Deluca factor" in their decision as to the pain you have? No mention, other than I experience frequent pain.

Hello, I've been reading your forum for a few months and finally decided to register. On my leaving military service in '91, I was awarded SC bilateral "post traumatic" Plantar Fasciitis at 10%. I have been to the VA hosp for treatment (orthotics & injections) ever since. I had both knees scoped 3 years ago, due to pain (didn't help much). Still have a lot of pain in my knees. The foot dr. suggested that the problems with my knees were most likely caused by the plantar fasciitis, so I filed for the knees as secondary to my sc bilateral Plantar Fasciitis. Long story short. . . I was awarded: 10% Left knee strain, osteoarthitis & 10% Right knee strain, osteoarthitis, but not as secondary to feet, but due to a car accident that occured while I was active duty???? Now my question is . . . What is the Bilateral Factor that I have seen mentioned in this forum? I am SC'd bilatteral for feet @ 10%, why not left and right? Does 10% for both feet sound right? Also, why would the knees be listed as seperate @ 10% and not bilateral? Thanks in advance!