Degenerative Disk Disease

[david walker]

I know with DDD range of motion is the big think. But does anybody know if residuals, pain or even arthritis effects your rating. I have read and read Title 38, and I can't understand it.

Thanks

[Guest jstacy]

David, I am rated for DDD and DJD of the cervical spine. It is rated under Ratigs of the spine. The VA rated mine toghether. The only thing they considered was the range of motion of the neck. However, if there are any radiating signs auch as weakness then the va is supposed to separately rate the effected nerve group.

[david walker]

How did you get them to rate you for DJD? I claimed arthritis of the cervical spine and had an MRI from the VA to back it up. They only rated me on DDD.

[Guest jstacy]

I had ruptured or herniated disks in my neck and had fusion to correct. The ruptured disk is what got it rated.

[Sean]

Well, Hopefully I'll find out soon. I just mailed my NOD claim off last week for my measely 10% rating I got for osteoarthropathy which is Arthritis I guess. A CT scan and MRI revealed DDD, Hernisted disc, partial herniated disc, and Spina Bifida. Hopefully I'll snaggle some more. I'll let you know when they decide to screw me B)

Sean

[Guest Berta]

men-is the newer IVS Invertebral Disk Syndrome C & P appropriate for these conditions?

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/disexm53.htm and VA Training letter 02-04 on Invertebral disc syndrome-

It is my understanding- and I could be wrong -I am not a doctor- that the Oct 24,2002 revision of the worksheet for spine -that the newer version is more favorable to vets than any older ones that pre existed the new one-

The VBM (2005 ed) pages 407 to 419 states that IVS is a nonmenclature to include DDD, sciatica,discogenic pain syndrome, prolapse,rupture, herniated nucleus pulposus etc- terms that are often used interchangably-

It also states Lumbar IVS accounts for 62% of all disc disease, and that all but 10% lumbar is at the L-4, L-5 or L5-Si level

C6 and C & is most common yet IVS is much less common in the thoratic area.

I sure hope you guys are getting the right C & P-

and it does not hurt -if your last C & P was prior to 2002, if you feel you have additional disability from

DDD or IVS ,since then , to file a claim and get the more recent C & P exam.

I feel anyone with this type of claim needs to access a VBM 2005 edition as the NVLSP has a lot of excellent information in it for IVS or DDD, or radicular effects or any secondary affects from this condition to bladder , or bowels or sexual function.

[wallyg]

Berta

The reason the (relatively) new IVDS examination is considered more favorable to the Veteran, is that the revised rating schedule allows for two methods of determining the award level. The old system only alllowed doctor ordered bed rest - is now revised to allow ROM, pain, fatigue, weakness, etc for each affected area. It also specifies that the IVDS C&P should be done by both an Orthopedic specialist and a neurologist.

I had an IVDS C&P done by an internist, who didn't even know how to use a goniometer, back in October, and I'm still fightingwith Manila OPC over his incompetence. With no response yet, of course.

I'm waiting for our new VARO Director to arrive, before I elevate it to VARO.

Dabid,

Get a copy of the C&P ASAP, and if there are no comments about limitations caused by pain, fatigue, or weakness, then file a complaint for an inadequate C&P examination. You should also compare it to the worksheet and the Training letter, and cross reference any failures on the part of the examiner, to follow the provided guidance.