ptsd Filing For An Increase, Back Problems Please Look

[10thFO]

I'm currently at 70%. 50% PTSD code 9411; 20% IVDS code 5243 (lower back); 10% IVDS Thoracic spine; 10% Tinnunitis code 6260; 10%Paralysis of Sciatic Nerve 8520.

My pain and problems have much increased. The sciatic nerve is affected in both legs now, to where I'm also having nerve impingement to the right foot. This was documented in a Nerve conduction study. My original Paralsyis only affected my left outside thigh, but now has taken over my right and left legs, so an increase should definitely take me from 10% to at least40% which is Moderately severe instead of mild.

I've got results from a Cervical MRI that I will be trying to service connect, which I've got the records to prove that I had the problem in the military. Here are the readings :

Cervical vertebral height and alignment appear to be withing normal limits. There is straightening of the cervical curature, can be associated with spasm or pain. Mild DDD seenat c4/c5 and c5/c levels. Disc dessication is seen at all levles.

C5/c6 level: there is a small right paracentral and far lateral disc herniation causing mild thecal sac compression and moderate narroing of the neural formina. There is probable Nerve impingemnet at this level. mild left sided neural formina narrowing also seen.

C6/C7 level: There is small left paracentral disc herniation causing moderate narrowing of the left sided neral formina w/o nerve impingement. There is mild thecal sac compression however.

Now for the Lumbar MRI:

There is sever degenerative disc disease at l4/l5. Moderate ddd at l3/l4. Mild ddd at other levels. Midl dis dessication at all levels. Conus is at the T12 vertabral level. Mild increased intradural t2 bright signal intensity seen within the spinal canal. at L1/L2 levels with few questionable serpiginous t22 low signal intensity. This is suspicious for arachnoiditis or Avmalformation.

L5/S1 thsere is mild diffuse disc bulge. mild facet degenerative change seeen.

L4/L5 there is large disc herination with right paracentral and left paracentral compnents casuing bilateral exiting nerve compression. significant compression of the thecal sac. Moderat spinal stenosis.

L3/L4 there is mild diffuse disc bulge, mild facet degenerative change seen.

L2/L3 there is mild diffuse disc bulge, mild facet degenerative change seen.

Alright, so now for the questions. Is my paralysis in both of my legs only considered two seperate, or would that be pyramiding.

Same for my left hand numbness and timgling. Is my cervical spine proablems combined with the lumbar at this point?

I'm filing for TDIU and the SO told me on the phone that filing for the TDIU would trigger new exams for my conditions. I was just rated for PTSD in May with my C&P in January 2005. I'm not worried about another exam for that as I do believe the percentage would stay the same or worsen.

Is it true that they will reevaluate all of my other service connections though? Just want to make sure this SO isn't trying to get off easy without having to help file the paperwork for an increase in the others, and filing a new claim for my cervical problems.

[david walker]

I don't think the operation will increase your percentage. I had C4/5/6 fused and only received 20% and my hardware broke. Range of motion is the key here.

[Guest jstacy]

David you are correct. Post Fusion wiull not grant a rating increase. But if you can prove the Damage done by the Cervical spine has caused neurological symptoms, Then there is a chance at a 40 percent rating. Firs there must be range of motion as well as radicular signs. Then use the actual nerve group and have it rated serperatly.