pelicanbrave

Was Medically discharged in 2000 and received a disability rating of 20% left knee lateral laxity and 10% hypertension. Was denied for hearing loss and cyst on my right wrist. Beside cyst on right wrist there was written, (NWG). Not well grounded. After gathering up all local ER records today from 2000 to present I found some interesting info. At one of the local hospitals I had been seen on 10/26/2000 for right wrist pain and numbness and right shoulder pain that radiates in the neck. The doc wrote most likely carpel tunnels, versus the ganglion cyst that I claimed in the Service. On 12/14/2000 I was seen again for hand numbness and shoulder pain that radiates into the neck. She wrote that could be consistent with a cervical radiculopathy. I have been seen for this same condition at least 10 to 15 times since 2000 and just recently underwent anterial cervical diskectomy and fusion at C6-C7. The VA did test me for carpel tunnels on 11/05/08 and I tested positive for severe median neuropathy across the right wrist consistent with carpel tunnels syndrome. They have seen me until they are tired of seeing me for this. In my opinion this has to be service connected. I have suffered for 10 years because of this and would like for someone's opinion on what I should do. Thanks for your time.

I have been searching for info myself. We may be in a similar situation but I just filed an informal claim today. I had a partial patellectomy with a lateral release and scope for plica in 1998 and have had significant back issues for 6 or more years now. Osteoarthritis, Spondylosis, and Carpel Tunnel. A few more I think I can tie in but It's hard to read some of the VA Regs. Just had surgery for a herniated disk New Years Eve. I did talk with my neurosurgeon and he said he was more than sure that my Osteo and Spondlyosis were service related but I don't understand the formulas the VA come up with sometimes for compensation. If I do find out I will post and I'll keep up with your progress. Good Luck!

Thank you.

Great info. Thank you!

Berta, Thank you for replying. What's the best way for me to obtain all medical records from Air Force and Army and VA? I have an appointment today with the surgeon who did my operation last month so I guess I need to ask him alot of questions. He is not a VA surgeon. Should I just ask him if he thinks it could all be tied together and do I need to get something in writing? Thanks again!

oldman, I had the surgery 30 days ago and did get some relief but if your nerves are damaged you may not get a whole lot of relief from it. I had a pinched nerve at C-6 and C-7. The numbness is gone but still have some spasm and residual pain from nerve damage. One heck of a sore throat for about 8 or 10 days. Easy on the meds because if you take too many they lose their desired effect. Take it easy and let your body heal! God Bless!!!

I'm 30% disabled. 20% for left knee surgery for a bipartite patella and lateral release and 10% for hypertension. Was active duty Air Force for four years in which time I had a hernia repair surgery and was diagnosed with fallen arches. No claim was ever made for disability in the Air Force. Three years after discharge from the Air Force I joined the Army and was medically discharged after five years for the health reasons stated above. I have since been diagnosed by the VA with spondylosis and severe carpel tunnel syndrome as I have been having back problems such as numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms in my right arm and shoulder for several years now. Last month I had cervical spine surgery on the economy because of the level of pain I was in. I couldn't drive or ride 90 miles to Charleston SC. I had the surgery because of a herniated disk and a pinched nerve between L-5 and L-6 which made the numbness and tingling in my hand go away but I'm still having pain in my shoulder and under my arm. My question is could my carpel tunnels and spondylosis be caused or connected to my two knee surgeries? My hypertension is now at its highest level ever and have also. Sorry for the long post but I need to know if anyone out there has been in my situation or has knowledge of the possibility of higher rating due to all of my issues. Any advice would be appreciated!

I am also a new user. I haven't seen my post either. Does it usually take a while?

I currently receive 30% disability. 20% for two knee operations and 10% for hypertension. I have been diagnosed with Lumbar Spondlyosis through the VA and I had cervical fusion for a herniated disk in my cervical spine on New Years Eve of this year. I had this surgery done in Myrtle Beach due to the fact that I could not drive, much less ride to Charleston which is 90 miles away. I was in two branches of the service. Air Force from 87-91 and Army from 94-2000. I had a hernia repair and was diagnosed with falling arches in the Air Force but I was never rated for any of those conditions, only rated for disabilities in the Army. I am lost and could use some help on what, if anything I should do at this point. Do I qualify for increased disability?