Cervical Spine

[tnygaard]

I am active duty army working as a construction supervisor coming through the ranks as a plumber/carpenter and have 16 months to retirement. I have 3 herniated cervical disks in my neck. I have been seen by two specialist who recommend no surgery at this time. I have significant loss of range of motion and the Dr. stated I won't be able to work as a carpenter/painter/plumber since the overhead work will cause me extreme pain.

I am trying to narrow down what my disability % will be. Is this considered favorable or unfavorable ankylosis? What is unfavorable ankylosis and favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine?

Is there someway to ask a DR these questions?

[carlie]

I am active duty army working as a construction supervisor coming through the ranks as a plumber/carpenter and have 16 months to retirement. I have 3 herniated cervical disks in my neck. I have been seen by two specialist who recommend no surgery at this time. I have significant loss of range of motion and the Dr. stated I won't be able to work as a carpenter/painter/plumber since the overhead work will cause me extreme pain.

I am trying to narrow down what my disability % will be. Is this considered favorable or unfavorable ankylosis? What is unfavorable ankylosis and favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine?

Is there someway to ask a DR these questions?

tny,

Welcome. Get a doctor to put all of this in writing.

carlie

[mags1023]

I am active duty army working as a construction supervisor coming through the ranks as a plumber/carpenter and have 16 months to retirement. I have 3 herniated cervical disks in my neck. I have been seen by two specialist who recommend no surgery at this time. I have significant loss of range of motion and the Dr. stated I won't be able to work as a carpenter/painter/plumber since the overhead work will cause me extreme pain.

I am trying to narrow down what my disability % will be. Is this considered favorable or unfavorable ankylosis? What is unfavorable ankylosis and favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine?

Is there someway to ask a DR these questions?

As Carlie said, get the Dr. to document your problems especially the limitation of motion and the effect it has on your ability to work. That is the key. If it effects your occupational ability and a Dr. will put it in writing, you will have a great leg up on most of the folks getting out. Also, don't be a tough guy on your retirement physical. Get them to write everything that is possibly wrong with you down on that physical. The VA is great about reflecting back on your separation/retirement physical if you state nothing is wrong. MRI and X-ray evidence are the best, so if you don't have them, try to get them now while Uncle Sam is footing the bill. Good luck and keep us updated and we'll try to help you along the way.

s/Mags

[carlie]

tny,

Be insistent on some MRI's - they are considered the gold standard.

carlie

[1994andcouting.....]

I have no answer for you on the specifics but MAKE SURE that you get all your active duty medical records and statements like that in writing and file IMMEDIATELY after you get out. Dont make the mistake that I did and wait. Nexus is hard to prove if you sit on it, like I did. It has been very hard to prove the S/C for the cervical injuries due to the fact that my lower back was hurting the most in the beginning.so I ignored my neck injury thinking that I could say something 'later'. WRONG!

Otherwse, I'm hoping that someone here can help you with your questions.

[rentalguy1]

It is neither favorable, nor unfavorable ankylosis. Ankylosis is the fixation of a joint, or complete loss of range of motion. Favorable ankylosis represents the fixation in the anatomical neutral position. Imagine the way that a normal person stands. The way the spine is curved in that posture would be the anatomical neutral. Unfavorable ankylosis represents the fixation in any position other than anatomical neutral. Imagine the little old lady that is all hinched over. That would represent unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar (thoracic and lumbar) spine.

The VA diagnostic code (listed in 38 CFR 4.71a) for herniated discs is 5243, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS). It is rated either under incapacitating episodes (complete bed rest perscribed by a physician) or under the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine. The majority of IVDS claims are rated under the latter. With loss of motion of the cervical spine that represents forward flexion of the cervical spine of less than 15 degrees, the rating is 30%. If you have a forward flexion of the cervical spine of greater than 15 degrees, but less than 30 degrees, the rating is 20%. if you have greater than 30% of flexion of the cervical spine, the rating is 10%. Since there is a lower natural range of motion of the cervical spine than that of the thoracolumbar spine, the ratings are lower. Click on the link in my signature line that says Spine Claim Repository for more information on back injury claims.

My advice would be to figure out all of the other ratings that you could apply for in the 16 months you have before retirement so you will be prepared to file for all of them at one time. Also think about what's called a mood disorder due to a general medical condition. It is a ratable condition. That is the pissed off feeling that you carry around most of the time due to the relentless pain from your herniated discs and the realization that you can no longer do the things you've always been able to do. Read up on 38 CFR 3, 38 CFR 4, M21-1MR, and The C&P Service Clinicians Guide in that time also, so you will know exactly what to expect. If you can get a total combined rating of 30% or higher (it may actually be 20% or higher) from the VA, then you are eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation. You can get either vocational training, or four years of college to prepare yourself for another line of work after the military.

Good luck and welcome to hadit!

PS...I'm moving your thread to the general claims sections where it will get more attention.

[tnygaard]

All,

Thank you very much for the rapid response. I have had three MRIs. The final one the surgeon stated that I have limited range of motion, maybe I can get the forward range of motion less than 15%. A few things all the MRIs state: C5-C6 disc herniation, osteophytic narrowing of the neural foramon, multi-level cervical spondylarthropathy, and spinal stenosis.

I just stumbled across this website and MAN am I glad. I am getting a little nervous about getting out and the medical stuff. As we all know, the magic number is 50 (percent that is). I have tinnitus, hearing loss, a broken wrist, thumb with a loss of range of motion, and the neck. If anyone knows of any other things to get checked please let us know.