Sc Degenerative Disc Disease

[oldman273]

Hey I need some help I got my last update from Nuero Surgeon. From the results of MRI I have some nerve dammage that is the reult of repaired Disc from previous back surgery. Is there a seperate ratting for nerve damage? I also have another herniated disc which is going to require surgery to repair it. Any Ideas or a what I should exactly apply for such as a ratting increase for the current 10% for DDD and a seperate claim for the nerve damage. Thanks for all your help

[rentalguy1]

DDD is the same as IVDS. IVDS ratings allow for other neurological and orthopedic ratings as secondary to the the back condition. They probably will not infer these, however. If I were you, I would file a claim for the nerve damage, as secondary to the SC'd IVDS. I would also file a claim for increase of your SC'd IVDS. Just know the rating criteria prior to going in to any exams. Know that just having two blown discs does not earn a specific amount. You can have ten blown discs, but if you can bend over beyond a certain degree of forward flexion, then you don't get squat...or only 10%. There are also different rating ciriterias for specific nerves that can be damaged, but according to the VA Training Letter on IVDS, they only like to give a 10% rating for neuropathy, and no more than 20%, which is the same as moderate affects of a nerve. A 30% evaluation of most nerves that are affected in the back means that the nerve is completely severed, which would cause something like a foot drop.

Here is more information on IVDS, etc.

[oldman273]

Hey thanks for the rating info. I had orignaly rated for 10% but my back went out I was seen by the VA Doc at ER and scheduled for MRI I had been in the bed for a week at one point. I have been having trouble getting on my socks and it is a real pain having to get some one to put them on. I have trouble bending over I wil look over the rating schedule. Thanks for your help