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lumbosacral Had Degenerative Disc Disease Changed To Lumbosacral Sprain
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hawkcrewchief
This is what I got for SC Aircraft accident which hurt my back
The evaluation of chronic lumbosacral sprain, previously diagnosed as degenerative disc disease is increased from 0 to 10% disabling.
Va exam results dated Dec 08, from the VAMC noted your medical history relating to your low back disability. The examiner noted your current subjective complaints of increased low back pain with radicular pain toy your left lower extremity and decreased motion. The physical examination your gait and posture were normal. The examiner noted range of motion testing of your thoracolumbar spine was normal with flexion to 90 degrees, extension to 30 degrees, right lateral flexion to 30 deg left lateral flexion to 30 deg right lateral rotation to 30 deg and left lateral rotation to 30 deg. The report noted objective evidence of painful motion and tenderness. The examiner noted there was no additional range of motion loss due to pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination following repetive use. The neurological portion of the exam was normal. X-ray was normal. The provided was chronic lumbosacral sprain.
----That was fine I guess untill I noticed that I am really in pain doing regular things at work, so my PC doc at the VA went ahead and ordered an MRI to see whats going on...? And here it is...
Findings: The alignment of the lumbar spine appears normal. Vertebral bodies are normal in height. Loss of normal disc signal seen at T11/T12 and L4/L5 levels, where mild disc space reduction is also noted.
There is a mild broad-based disc ostephyte complex seen at the T11/T12 level, indenting the ventral aspect of the cord, without any obvious cord compression.
On the axial images, at the L4/L5 level, a mild broad-based disc bulge with a posterior annular tear is noted (sounds bad?) causing mild central canal stenosis w/out significant exiting nerve root compression. Remainder of the levels are unremarkable.
-Have I just claimed the wrong thing???
-Would this new evidence prove there is more than a strain there and require an increase?
-Do I file an NOD, and if I do what do I state?
-Im a bit confused, is my back ok?
Thanks in advance!
Edited by hawkcrewchiefLink to comment
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hawkcrewchief
This is what I got for SC Aircraft accident which hurt my back The evaluation of chronic lumbosacral sprain, previously diagnosed as degenerative disc disease is increased from 0 to 10% disabling.
rentalguy1
nothing to worry about. All of the spine dx codes are rated under the same criteria based on range of motion. The only difference is that the dx you had (DDD) falls under the rating criteria for IVDS
rentalguy1
MRI vs X-ray won't make a difference on the rating. Only range of motion measurements will matter on that. It would make a difference on the dx code used. The findings of the MRI make your condition I
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