Newbe Here Cna You Help?

[Guest William75]

Hello All, Let me start out by saying that I think what you are doing is a great thing.I stumbled across this site trying to find some info on my claim. While I don't think I deserve as much help as some people on this site I wouls like to see if some of you could ansewer a few questions for me. I had lowere back surgey when i was on active duty. Since then i continue you to have problems with my back. I am still able to work most of the time. But it does effect how I do things in my everyday life. I cannot be as active as I was before the surgery. Even playing with my kids can sometimes cause a problem. I have started my claim and even had a Physical at the VA. But it did not seem like the DOC had a clue what kind of pian i was having when i left there. I have not heard anything back yet. What i was hoping some of you could tell me is what kind of rating do they give for back problems. I do not think what i beleive should be what they give me. The problem is there is really no way to find out unless i compare mysely with other vets. Any help would be great.

Thank you.

[Ricky]

John999 - Just wondering what type of chronic neuropathic pain you have that the VA only awarded 10 percent for. Does it affect other body parts such as hands feet etc? I have Dejerine-Roussy Syndrome (chronic central pain) as a result of a stroke and it has caused loss of use of my foot and hand. Neurologist IMO provided severe incomplete paralysis with functional loss of hand and foot. thanks

[Ricky]

sorry but the functional loss was stated as complete functional loss

[September]

Hello William75

I have had very similar lower back problems, I was discharged from the USCG with a 20% rating for DDD and was refered to the VA for evaluation in 1991, following numerous doc visits and emergency room visits for low back pain they finally did an MRI and figured out I needed surgery. I had the first surgery in 1998 and was given a disability rating of 40%, was fine for a while then started all over again with the doc and emergency room visits, I had the second surgery in 2003 (to fix the problem again) and was given a rating of 60%, I have now applied for IU and am waiting for a decision now,

I feel for you, I know what the pain is all about, I hope you get what you deserve. If you have questions please ask them and I will answer them if I can.

Good Luck!!!

[Jay Johnson]

I think it would be best to get an individual medical opinion from a civilian doctor (or 2) and submit it as new evidence. Back pain, like PTSD, is very subjective.....opinions as to the degree of impairment can vary widely among different doctors. The more positive information you send the better your claim is and you have better control over civilian opinions as opposed to VA opinions.

Welcome to hadit and good luck:-)

Jay

[Guest William75]

Hello William75

I have had very similar lower back problems, I was discharged from the USCG with a 20% rating for DDD and was refered to the VA for evaluation in 1991, following numerous doc visits and emergency room visits for low back pain they finally did an MRI and figured out I needed surgery. I had the first surgery in 1998 and was given a disability rating of 40%,  was fine for a while then started all over again with the doc and emergency room visits, I had the second surgery in 2003 (to fix the problem again) and was given a rating of 60%, I have now applied for IU and am waiting for a decision now,

I feel for you, I know what the pain is all about, I hope you get what you deserve. If you have questions please ask them and I will answer them if I can.

Good Luck!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

September

Thanks for the info. I still have not heard anything back yet. I did call them only to hear that they were in the review process. Did you let the VA do the second surgery. I would be a little concerned after the first time i let them open me up. During the first surgery the told me that they were going to do the surgery with a laser. Come to find out that after the cut me there was to much spinal fluid in the way for the to do that so the cut some more. Did you have a problem with spinal fluid with your surgery. I just seems to me that should not have been there in the first place. After the got the fluid out of the way the cut some of my spine out and fuse it back togather. I do not have my medical records but it seems to me like the doctor told me that my back would never be 100% agian. I have a feeling like i'm in for an uphill battle with the VA. Get back to me if you have any more info.

Thanks

[September]

William

I don't think there were any problems with my surgerys, I cannot recall any of the doctors saying anything bad about them, I agree with you it is an uphill battle with the VA however you should get ahold of your local DVA and have a representative on your side and things will be much easier for you when dealing with the VA. You have to be patient though as these things don't happen over nite and usually takes several months but I think you will get compensated for your injury if you deserve it (Service Connected) Just hang in there and follow all their instructions and don't miss any appointments, Good luck my friend, hang in there!!!