Mri

[david walker]

I'm going for a follow up visit at the VA for an MRI of my C-spine. Since that MRI is was granted 10% for DDD of the Lumbar spine. I have never had an MRI of the lumbar spine. If I ask for an MRI of the lumbar spine do you think they will do it. I know I have some serious problems due to the lower back and leg pain. I just don't know how they will react to my asking, I've always hated to ask for anything. MRI's are expensive and I don't want to pay my civilian doctor for it. Thanks

[Guest jstacy]

DAvid, The VA most likely rated toyr lumber spine with results from X L spine Xray. Now As for the MRI of the C spine, It is allot better of a tool as it shows tissue. A Xray does not. This is a better situation for you.

get a copy of the report after it is done.

[jimlane1949]

I'm going for a follow up visit at the VA for an MRI of my C-spine. Since that MRI is was granted 10% for DDD of the Lumbar spine. I have never had an MRI of the lumbar spine. If I ask for an MRI of the lumbar spine do you think they will do it. I know I have some serious problems due to the lower back and leg pain. I just don't know how they will react to my asking, I've always hated to ask for anything. MRI's are expensive and I don't want to pay my civilian doctor for it. Thanks

I had open heart surgery due to sced hypertension. The surgeon damaged my intercostal nerve and I filed a claim which was denied. I went to a pain specialist and I paid for the testing and the letter he wrote secured service connection.The problem I had was the surgery was not done by the VA so they kicked the claim out. Bottom line, if I had not paid for this on my own the claim would never have been granted.

Jim Lane

[Guest VetWife Advocate]

DAvid, The VA most likely rated toyr lumber spine with results from X L spine Xray. Now As for the MRI of the C spine, It is allot better of a tool as it shows tissue. A Xray does not. This is a better situation for you.

get a copy of the report after it is done.

They kept taking "films" of Joe's knees/back. When we asked for a "languguage letter" from the VAMC and got accused of asking the Dr. to commit "fraud" by doing so, that is when I said, no films, I insisted they do a MRI--big difference. Shows Severe!! Knee replacement surgery OR Narcotics. Joe is resisting both. 56 is a little young for kreplcmt, and narcotics-just what he needs more "numbing".

Films did not show the condition

Insist on MRI. Also there are different settings and with contrast is usually a lot better, especially with the brain.

Something else I am learning.

Brenda

[Hoppy]

Diagnosis by MRI was necessary for the social security administration in 1996. They would not allow a diagnosis of DDD based on xrays. The pain clinic or physical medicine at the VA they will schedule it if the symptoms justify it. I have had several MRI's (cervical and thorasic) at the VA and never asked. Unless the symptoms are extream they will do a MRI only if symptoms are long standing and getting worse. If you are planning on applying for social security get and attorney.

[calton]

I'm going for a follow up visit at the VA for an MRI of my C-spine. Since that MRI is was granted 10% for DDD of the Lumbar spine. I have never had an MRI of the lumbar spine. If I ask for an MRI of the lumbar spine do you think they will do it. I know I have some serious problems due to the lower back and leg pain. I just don't know how they will react to my asking, I've always hated to ask for anything. MRI's are expensive and I don't want to pay my civilian doctor for it. Thanks

David,

I had an MRI of my C-spine back in 1988, from an outside hospital because of neck, shoulder, arm, etc. pains. Then in 1993 these pains were still so bad that Dr. suggested that they were service connected so I went to the VA. The Dr. at the VA requested the MRI and after he reviewed the MRI he promptly destroyed it (claims he returned it to my civilian Dr. but nobody ever received it from him).

Anyway, after appeals, I was awarded 40% SC for C-4,C-5 and C-6, retroactive back to 1993.

Then again in January 2006 I was unable to move my upper body, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands, and the pain extended down to my right leg, foot, etc. so this time the VA did an MRI of the C-spine and also of the Lumbar spine. That was in early January 2006, and to this day I have not heard a work from the VA. My doctor at the VA says there is nothing wrong and to forget about it, but he did send me some HYDROCODONE 5/ACETAMINOPHEN 500MG TABLETS that I take frequently and they seem to help.

[carlie]

David,

If you have a primary care team and doc at the VA it can't hurt to speak with them about this and ask that they put in a request for a MRI and consult on your problem.

My VA shrink put in the request for an MRI on my neck and right shoulder, which was done at St. Pete VA within one month of the request, so I know it can be accomplished.

Good luck,

carlie