I have a question for anyone here that I have been trying to find the answer to. I have recently been diagnosed with cervical arthritis C5-6 and on a C&P as well as by a neurologist.
The VA denies service connection even though it has recognized right shoulder arthritis with neck pain. I have current Xrays of my cervical arthritis as well as Electromagnetic testing and an MRI confirming the disease and noting C5-6 radiculopathy in both arms.
When I was discharged in the mid 90's the VA recognized "arthritis right shoulder with neck pain" and it was coded 5010-5203. The VA also recognized my low back condition with osteophyte formation under 5295-5010.
When I learned of my neck problems I submitted to the VA for recognition of my neck condition as far as service connection and disability because I had also found an undiscovered radiological report in my personal files showing that I had broken ribs (which I didn't know about until I saw the report). Which according to the report was "most likely post traumatic".
The VA deniedthe claim by saying that the only X-ray of the neck in my file was taken in the mid 70's and showed nothing. That was 20 years prior to my discharge!
I have now found another document in my medical records from 4 years prior to my retirement which states
"c/o aching in muscles especially in both upper extremities + 6 months; also has pain in fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulder joints bilaterally. No obvious redness swelling in joints. Often wakes up with pain in lower rib cage."
Even though they did not take an X-ray (they took blood tests looking for rheumatoid arthritis) is there a way to file a NOD here? I was transferred shortly thereafter and did not pursue these things.
Would or could this be enough to show service connection as these are definitely the symptoms for cervical arthritis and the record shows they existed for at least 6 months while in service? Would appreciate any helpful comments.
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oldvet
I have a question for anyone here that I have been trying to find the answer to. I have recently been diagnosed with cervical arthritis C5-6 and on a C&P as well as by a neurologist.
The VA denies service connection even though it has recognized right shoulder arthritis with neck pain. I have current Xrays of my cervical arthritis as well as Electromagnetic testing and an MRI confirming the disease and noting C5-6 radiculopathy in both arms.
When I was discharged in the mid 90's the VA recognized "arthritis right shoulder with neck pain" and it was coded 5010-5203. The VA also recognized my low back condition with osteophyte formation under 5295-5010.
When I learned of my neck problems I submitted to the VA for recognition of my neck condition as far as service connection and disability because I had also found an undiscovered radiological report in my personal files showing that I had broken ribs (which I didn't know about until I saw the report). Which according to the report was "most likely post traumatic".
The VA deniedthe claim by saying that the only X-ray of the neck in my file was taken in the mid 70's and showed nothing. That was 20 years prior to my discharge!
I have now found another document in my medical records from 4 years prior to my retirement which states
"c/o aching in muscles especially in both upper extremities + 6 months; also has pain in fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulder joints bilaterally. No obvious redness swelling in joints. Often wakes up with pain in lower rib cage."
Even though they did not take an X-ray (they took blood tests looking for rheumatoid arthritis) is there a way to file a NOD here? I was transferred shortly thereafter and did not pursue these things.
Would or could this be enough to show service connection as these are definitely the symptoms for cervical arthritis and the record shows they existed for at least 6 months while in service? Would appreciate any helpful comments.
Thanks,
oldvet
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