willie 74

And how do I know what to claim, is there a questioneer? I have and continue to keep records of everything.

How do I know at what percentage I fall under? I mean dont the VA decides that right?

Ok, so in 07 I started having back pain and finally had a MRI. Findings were herinated disk L5-S1. After several steroid injections, nothing helped. A year later my disk collasped and I decided have a disk fusion. So had the fusion and now a year later I am having pain going down my thigh to my heel. I am currently active duty and I was affraid of getting med boarded out. I have a friend who works for the VA, and so I gave her my medical records to just have someone to give me an estimate on a disability percentage just in case I get boarded out. She said it would only be around 10 percent. This was not documented, just a favor for a friend. I have not been a doc to measure my flexability which I know play's a role in all this. Well I am still active, but now with the pain radiating down my leg: I am having issues with my bladder and I will be seeing a nueologist very soon. If I am understanding this correctly from what my doc say's this can be cuased from my surgery. I have everything documented, and even got a permanate waiver from the docter stating that I cannot take part of the sit and reach portion of the physical fitnesss test due to my loss of flexibility. I guess I am just a little confused. I mean if I get out do I go see a VA doc to measure my flexability? Is that when I claim things? I am reading everyone's post but still somewhat confused about the process. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....

New to the site and I am learning a great deal. I am curently active duty and had disk fusion surgery on my L5-S1 back last year. Ofcourse everything is being documented, but know I am having Bladder issues. Going to see the nuerologist next week. I am reading about other people's expiriences and it is somewhat of a scary thing thinking about applying for disability if I have to get out. So I understand things are based off of range of motion and such. If my bladder issues are diagnosed as something from my back as well; off everyones expirience what kind of rating do you think I would see. I mean I know it is based off of so many things. Just wondering if anyone could give me some type of feedback. Thank you..

Hello, I am new and cant find the forum concerning spine issue's and claims. I had a spinal fusion on L5-S1 and I am currently still active duty. I might be getting out soon and would like to read some info that people have posted. I am sure there is several great info in here, just need a sign to get there. Thanks