jrodusmc523

I was going to see if I can get an increase for my back. I know that I wont get an increase for the MDD. I know it will be hard also to get TDIU so I haven't even tried. I am just going to see if I can meet with at private doctor to get some answers. I was told by the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC that I needed surgery but the VA said that they don't recommend it. So I don't know what to do.

Hello everyone, this website has helped me so much in learning about how to file claims and what I am entitled to. I need help in finding out how to go about getting 100% I am currently service connected for the following 50% Major Depressive Disorder 20% Lower Lumbar Strain/herniated disc 10% Right Ankle Strain 10% Shoulder Strain 10% Knee Strain 0% Sciatica Total Service connection is rated at 70%. I have also been diagnosed with Arthritis in my neck, backa, and ankle; have Sacroiliitis on my left side of my lower back, and have developed a strong chornic pain in my neck/cervical area, (all by the VA, but don't have a claim for it yet.) I would like to start a claim to increase/or add the disabilities up top as secondary to my service connected disabilities. I have spent thousands of dollars hoping that my back pain would go away. I have had multiple injections, months of physical therapy, medication, ice pads, heating pads, you name it, I did it. It has been over 4 years now that I have my back pain and it is worse than when I first had it. The VA gave me an injection in my back in December 2010 for the sacroiliitis, that was the 2nd one by the way. I called the doctor a week after getting the shot and told her that I do not feel any better and that I am still in a lot of pain. She said, "Well I don't know what to do next, call me in a month to see how you are feeling." Like how am I supposed to deal with that?? My doctor telling me that she doesn't know what to do next?? My wife gave birth to our daughter 5 months ago and I can only hold her for about 2 minutes before I start to develop a sharp pain in my lower back. I had to go to the emergency room last week because I couldn't take it, I was curled up in the fetal position crying because of the pain. I have gained so much weight because it is hard to keep fit when you can't do exercises. I cannot do the things that I used to do, no roller coasters, no rides, running, wrestling, baseball, no activities that involve physical activity. I tried to shovel the snow this winter and couldn't. I get so depressed just thinking about not being able to do things and the fact that I can only hold my daughter for minutes at a time. It sucks. I call out of work at least one a week because of the amount of pain that I am in. I have been trying to get an appointment to see the doctor at the VA again and I can never get through to her. I have a case manager that helps me make appointments and even she can't get through to her. I sit at a desk all day and it is the worst, I have to get up every 20 mins or so to stretch and ease the tension on my back and neck. I really don't know what to do anymore, I feel like I am just stuck and need to get better. Does anyone have any advice as to how I can go about getting an increase and possibly TDIU?? Thanks