Back And Sciatic Nerve Questions

[parsavers]

Guys and Gals,

I'm new to the board but I thought that I would jump right in with a question. I am currently rated at 20% for a back condition. I have had two back surgeries, one laminectomy and one discectomy. During my last event, either during surgery or the injury itself, I suffered nerve damage. One year after surgery, the VA didn't think the nerve damage warrented anything. I requested another exam (about three years after surgery) because I feel like I'm losing a lot of strength in my leg. That being said, during the C/P exam, the examiner stated that she notices a slight foot drop during walking, loss of some reflex and also noted that my left leg (dominated side) thigh was about two inches smaller than the right leg, calfs measured the same in diameter. Anyone have any idea what I should be expecting as far as a rating on this? Apparently, my information went to the rating board on April 24 and still no decision. Like most of you, the waiting is brutal.....

[rentalguy1]

You are most likely correct that they are trying to avoid giving you an increase. My guess is that they want you to see a neuroseugeon for the sciatica/neuropathy. Don't sweat it. Look in THIS THREAD for the VA training letter on IVDS, and read through the section regarding sciatica and neuropathy. Then read up on a web site like WebMD.com for buzz words associated with sciatica. This way you will be better at describing to the specialist what you are going through. You may also want to search recent BVA decisions using the search term sciatica. It isn't necessary for them to send you to a specialist for this, as the C&P worksheet and IVDS rating criteria both allow for neurologic and orthopedic deficits involved with IVDS, but it isn't unheard of, either. Just read up and be prepared before you go in.

[parsavers]

Could this be one of them situations where Dr. Bash should be used? I'm not sure what options I have as to what specialist that I am to see. It could be one of them where I have to go to a VA specialist.

[yoggie2]

Could this be one of them situations where Dr. Bash should be used? I'm not sure what options I have as to what specialist that I am to see. It could be one of them where I have to go to a VA specialist.

You ever get that copy of the C&P??

[john999]

Yes, but be sure you have complete copies of your SMR's and C-File. Dr. Bash needs to review these. If you have a back specialist who knew how to write a report for VA consumption you would not need Dr. Bash, but I don't know anyone like that unless you can google it and find someone.

[rentalguy1]

call the C&P department at your VAMC and ask which doctor they have you scheduled with and what kind of specialist he is. You can also ask them exactly what the VARO is looking for in the exam. It states what they are looking for on the sheet that the VARO sends them. Just be polite to these people...they can be your best friend.

[parsavers]

Yes, but be sure you have complete copies of your SMR's and C-File. Dr. Bash needs to review these. If you have a back specialist who knew how to write a report for VA consumption you would not need Dr. Bash, but I don't know anyone like that unless you can google it and find someone.

I'm sure that this information is available somewhere on one of these forums but was is the SMR's and C-file? By the way, as soon as I get the letter in the mail with more details, I will be picking your brains for advice...