BackProbs

Comment about the form: I am just curious because I don't feel like I'm totally unemployable. I work now in a desk job on the phone (tech support) and though my injury causes me discomfort and has caused me to miss days of work by using personal days and unscheduled vacation, I have been able to function within the my employer's guidlines. I don't think I could survive on 100% disabilty and frankly don't want to NOT work and would prefer to save that rating for someone that is more qualified than me to have it. I'm 33 now but in the unfortunate event down the road when I find myself unable to work, I will reconsider. I'm hoping that never happens but if it does, I'm hoping it's MUCH later in life. I didn't submit that form because I don't want my employer to get any more concerned about my condition than they already may be. Secondary Conditions: I'm currently rated at 20%. Lately I've been having problems with hips and knees which is why I filed to be reevaluated. I have always performed work such as, car maintenance, yard work, etc.. on my own but in the last 3 or so years, I've been paying people to do these tasks. I'm embarrassed and feel inadequate that a lawn man mows my yard. To answer the question, I have filed a claim for secondary conditions but not specific to the fractured and compressed disks. That was a discovery made during my VA scheduled appointment. Maybe I'm wrong in assuming they will cosider that discovery w/o me specifically asking them too.

I recently filed a claim for increase of my 20% disability ratings as my service connected disability is worsening with age. I have a back injury from a motor vehicle accident in which I was thrown from the vehicle in 1994. I am 33 y/o now and I frequent my back doctor who, at this time has me on Bioelectrical treaments and PT along with steroroids, ibuprofin and muscle relaxers. I'm afraid what my quality of life will be when I'm 53. In recent years, the back pain is getting more unbearable and there are more frequent episodes in which I'm unable to walk or move for 3 to 5 days in a row. Also concerning is that I have always had a shooting paid down my legs since the accident, but lately my hips and knees are giving out and I am experiencing some pain in these areas.. The VA scheduled my exam to evaluate my condition. During the exam the Dr. noted that I had compression and fractured vertabrae and my compensating for these injuries is almost certainly creating the strain on my legs, hips and knees. As a result, more pain in those extremities. QUESTION: The VA sent me a form 21-8940 VETERAN'S APPLICATION FOR INCREASEDCOMPENSATION BASED ON UNEMPLOYABILITY. At this point I'm employeed. Although I have missed many days, altering between sick days and unscheduled vacation, while laying face down on the hard floor in my home to minimize the pain, I am able to work most days. My fear is that if I fill this form out and submit it, the VA will contact my employer and they may classify me as a risk because I'm disabled (legal or not, it happens). Is filling this form out and submitting it claiming that I'm unable to work at all and will they contact my current employer and for what? I can still get an increase w/o being Unemployable, I assume. Thanks for the information in advance.

I recently filed a claim for increase of my 20% disability ratings as my service connected disability is worsening with age. I have a back injury from a motor vehicle accident in which I was thrown from the vehicle in 1994 while stationed at Eielson AFB, AK. I am 33 y/o now and I frequent my back doctor who, at this time has me on Bioelectrical treaments and PT along with steroroids, ibuprofin and muscle relaxers. I'm afraid what my quality of life will be when I'm 53. In recent years, the back pain is getting more unbearable and there are more frequent episodes in which I'm unable to walk or move for 3 to 5 days in a row. Also concerning is that I have always had a shooting paid down my legs since the accident, but lately my hips and knees are giving out and I am experiencing some pain in these areas.. The VA scheduled my exam to evaluate my condition. During the exam the Dr. noted that I had compression and fractured vertabrae and my compensating for these injuries is almost certainly creating the strain on my legs, hips and knees. As a result, more pain in those extremities. QUESTION: The VA sent me a form 21-8940 VETERAN'S APPLICATION FOR INCREASEDCOMPENSATION BASED ON UNEMPLOYABILITY. At this point I'm employeed. Although I have missed many days, altering between sick days and unscheduled vacation, while laying face down on the hard floor in my home to minimize the pain, I am able to work most days. My fear is that if I fill this form out and submit it, the VA will contact my employer and my employer may classify me as a risk because I'm disabled (legal or not, it happens). Am I by filling this form out and submitting it, claiming that I'm unable to work at all? Will they contact my current employer and for what? Thanks for the information in advance.