Va Confusion

[rdnkjeeper]

Ok......I am 20% for lumbar strain. Went and saw a Neuro (private not VA) today and he said no sugery, but your diagnosis is "DDD (lumbar and thorasic) and Lumbar Stenosis". Now what I keep getting rated on is muscle spasms in the Thorasic area. He also said I have some sciatia going on too. The doctor sent me for an epideral steriod injection on 2/9/09. He said he is going to write a letter for the VA about his findings. Now for my questions....I have read the spine repository, but trying to decifer anymore information is going to blow my head up!

1. Can these conditions be rated seperatly? or are they considered similar?

2. I am going to file a NOD on my claim that just came back, but I am wondering can I add the sciatia? How about depression, even if I haven't been see for it yet. I have an appointment with the VA in a little bit and I am going to ask to go and talk to someone. I am really depressed and really pissed off.

3. I also have (4) herniated discs, (5) bulging discs. How would you handle my situation? The steriod injection has helped. Most Doctors just seem to ignore the herniations.

Thanks

[rdnkjeeper]

Oh yeah forgot. I tried to get a nexxus letter from my PCP VA Doc, but he won't. I do have one from my Chiro that the VA pays for and hopefully the Neuro, he said he has written them before. I hope he gets it right. Anyway......I originally injured myself in the military and complained of all the same symptoms as now, just more often now. Would that possibly be a CUE? I have done everything that the VA has told me to do, and it has still taken 12 years to get this far. Again Thank you.

[Pete53]

Be sure and get copies of your progress notes. It may help if this is what he is telling you.