Arthritis In My Back Sc For Ddd

[oldman273]

Hello to all I have a question I have been having back issues again with my back (Service connected for Degenarative disc disease 10%) it seems my VA physician told me that he is under the impression that my biggest problem other than my back goign out all the time is arthritis setting up in it. I am appealing this as my civialian ortho surgeon has said there is noting he could do for me at this time. I was glad to have his opinion but what should I do now? I have recently put in for my umemployability I am at 80% but my heart and shortness of breath have also reared their ugly head so I went ahead and asked to be consideired. I do not like to put in any claims unless they are well grounded and should return a favorable ratting. Any Ideas. Thanks for all your help...

[john999]

You need a letter from your doctor saying you are so disabled by your SC condition that you are unable to work. You need to spell it out for the VA. With 80% you should be able to get IU but you need a statement from a doctor saying you can't work.

[cowgirl]

Old man, sorry about the heart and back issues. Sure glad you have care for them. If your doctor will provide an IMO for your back, get it. If the claim is still processing, submit the extra evidence, IMO along with a support statement. I get the impression that you are asking for IU based on your sc heart issues. Is that right? Adding your worsening sc lumbar issues to your IU claim seems very just.

Anyone? or John, whats the best 'concrete' word(s) for unemployability the doc can give oldman for IU? Unable to work, can't work or? Read somewhere va raters prefers docs not to use 'unemployability'. Am thinkng correct wording wins and deters fudge factors that delay.Thanks,

Best to ya Oldman,

Cg

You need a letter from your doctor saying you are so disabled by your SC condition that you are unable to work. You need to spell it out for the VA. With 80% you should be able to get IU but you need a statement from a doctor saying you can't work.

Edited October 9, 2008 by cowgirl

[Berta]

The full IMO criteria is here at hadit-

the doctor will have to give a complete medical rationale as to why your SC prevents you from working.

Mecidications with severe side affects like do not take and drive, can cause drowsiness, confusion etc - also has to be considered by the VA.

The arthritus can be claimed as secondary to the back condition.

Bu it seems to me that TDIU is an award that is often easier for VA to make then considering many secondaries-

I think every vet should try for SC ratings on anything they have that can be attributed to service-a secondary condition could set the stage down the road for SMC.

Are you 70% for heart and then 10% for back?

[Berta]

I wasnt too clear there-what I meant is as long as you are unemployed -focus on the TDIU claim-then the arthritis could be claimed as secondary- and you might be in higher rating level for the heart situation if that has gotten worse-

also I hate to bring this up sometimes but a veteran could die of a secondary condition or one with a low SC rating-that is listed on the death certificate as contributing in some way to death-

the spouse will have easier chance at DIC- and maybe get it faster- if every SC condition has a SC rating.

[jbasser]

The best word in this case would be "Preclude"

This gentlemens back condition precludes him from working.

Old Man, the biggest issue for an increase is the level of your ROM.

An examiner should be able to measure your range. You can look at the schedule for rating disabilities from Hadits home page. (There is a link)

You need 4.71a ( scroll down to the spine).

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-....26&idno=38

Good luck

J

Edited October 10, 2008 by jbasser

[oldman273]

Hey Thanks I am establishing all the criteria for the back and all my other problems as a whole person not that much left of me that does not hurt I will seek my Ortho Surgeon and see what he says My cardilogist said not wrote that all of my service connected injuries did not add up to a person who could hold a job. I will see him also this month. I just got a letter rquesting more info so I will send them what I get. Thanks for your help. I have been in bed for a while just getting back around to get on the computer. Have a good day..

Old man, sorry about the heart and back issues. Sure glad you have care for them. If your doctor will provide an IMO for your back, get it. If the claim is still processing, submit the extra evidence, IMO along with a support statement. I get the impression that you are asking for IU based on your sc heart issues. Is that right? Adding your worsening sc lumbar issues to your IU claim seems very just.

Anyone? or John, whats the best 'concrete' word(s) for unemployability the doc can give oldman for IU? Unable to work, can't work or? Read somewhere va raters prefers docs not to use 'unemployability'. Am thinkng correct wording wins and deters fudge factors that delay.Thanks,

Best to ya Oldman,

Cg