kimo67

Hi Everyone. I have seen a number of people with questions about how their ratings are compiled to arrive at their total rating. I have put together the attached tool for my own use and thought that I would share. I hope that it helps. K

I have been told by several sources (VA, VFW and a State VSO) that I should just refile my claim instead of appealing, reason being that an appeal will take much longer, and could take 2 years where a new claim or refile will only take 4-6 months. Is there a better chance of success with an appeal that would make it worth taking the extra time? Thanks, Kimo

Hi, I am new on here and I had a question for all of you. I have 7 herniated discs, that were discovered in 2008 and I have gone through a lengthy process to get the VA to recognize as service connected. I ETSed in 2003, due to medical issues, some of those problems such as nerve pain and loss of sensation in my left arm (which were SC when I got out) have now been found to be caused by these herniated discs. The VA put 3 of the discs under my Left Arm Radiopathy SC and did not increase my rating from 20%, and put the other 4 under 'mild levoscoliosis' a new SC disability at 0%. I am not really sure how that was worked out, as I have never been told by a doctor that I have scoliosis, but that I have 7 mild to severely herniated discs and Degenerative Disc Disease, but I am glad they are Service Connected now. I have since resubmitted, with MRIs, Dr's letters a nerve conduction test and what not for Degenerative Disc Disease and I am waiting for decision. For the first time though the VA has not set up any appointment to examine me, they said that they have all of the information that they need, and I am not sure what to make of that. What should I expect for 7 discs under DDD? 1 mild, 3 moderate and 3 severely herniated. I have also seen on here for the first time 'Chronic Pain Disorder' is that type of claim where I would be able to get them to acknowledge the pain and heavy narcotics that I have to take in order to function? I currently take 100 mg of Morphine, 3 Vicoden and 3 Flexeril, plus naproxin every day, all directly for my SC issues. Thank you for all of your help KKM - 60% SC 30% Hearing loss, 20% Left Arm Radiopathy, 10% Osteo Arthritis, 10% tinnitus, 10% Knee damage, 0% Mild levoscoliosis, 0% HBP, 0% Sinusitis