Diskectomy In 1989

[81150 CAFB]

First, great to find this site. I had this posted elsewhere,but I didn't know if was in the right place.

My question is regarding my back. In 1989, while in the USAF (1987-1991), I had an L4-L5 diskectomy (right side) and 20 years later I am currently recovering post-op for a micro-laminectomy/diskectomy on the left side along with removal of a bone spur...the imaging (MRI, myleogram w/ C-T scan) also showed additional protrusion on the right at L4-L5 and mild protusion at L5-S1 with possible nerve displacement. The private neurosurgen was only concerned with the l4-l5 issue and only does micro. He said that it would add a couple of hours to the surgery to reconstruct the right side. The only current problem I have on the right side is sciatica flair ups if I sit for extended periods of time and my toes are always insensitive/numb. He didn't want to mess with it since most of my pain was on the left. Should I get a letter from him saying that additional work is probabily needed and that I have DDD or IVDS?

I never filed for a claim when I was discharged in 1991 (why? no idea I guess something you really don't think about when you are 22 and no guidance).

Do I have a chance for a claim? I really haven't missed much work or have seen the doctor for my back in the last 20 years, since it was something you live with until about 4 months ago when the pain became severe and familiar except on the left side this time.

Do they rate you on how you are feeling now (he had surgery and is fine) or do they look at the surgeries as an indication of degeneration (ROM)? I am pretty sure that within 5 to 10 years, I will have additional surgeries...fushion or reconstruction.

Should I wait to see how this surgery effects me i.e does the sciatica pain go away etc...before starting a claim?

Additionally, I had a broken bone removed in my left foot about 5 years ago. I am constantly running into things and ended up breaking a small bone in my left foot that would not heal and had to be removed. Could this be related to my back (balance-gait-foot drop-atrophy)? Is there a test for this?

After reading some of the back pain/spine posts and repository, I'll admit that I am still confused about what compensation I would be entilted to (10%-40%)? I guess

Any help would be appriciated.

[jbasser]

38 CFR 38 4.71 schedule of ratings muscoskeletal system. Scroll down to Spine.

Look the other stuff up from the Same page. The Body segements are listed under each heading.

J

Edited September 12, 2009 by jbasser

[Berta]

You could be eligible for 100% Temp Comp for convalescence. Those regs too are here at hadit- But this depends on getting it all service connected first-

I believe there is a time limit on temp convalescent appls- maybe best to claim that with your formal SC claim.

Make sure you access the topic I wrote called Getting an Independent Medical Opinion. Available under search.

If a IMO doctor doesnt follow this criteria- as to making the nexus statement with full medical rationale based on referrals to your SMRs and also your clinical records, the VA will reject the IMO.

IMo docs should also have any C & P results too in order to shape their opinion well.

You dont need the IMOs to file the claim- also claim the scar too.

I think scar ratings have changed- will post that info after I check it.

[Berta]

Scar ratings changed as of Oct 23 2008. All I have is 73 Fed Reg 428-this is in the new VBM 2009 edition page 300 and might not have been in 38 CFR yet due to their publication date-

The new change states that all scars must be rated separately.

Also this change is discussed in the Veterans Advocate 2008.

The Schedule of Ratings here should have the updated scar criteria.

[Tanya]

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html#d

4.40 - 4.73 - The Musculoskeletal System

[81150 CAFB]

Thank you for all of your assistance. I have all the documents printed out and only need the nexus from my neuro (appointment in a couple of weeks). I should have enough ammo and by well prepared.

Thanks

81150 CAFB

[81150 CAFB]

I have a question regarding my recent myleogram that maybe some one can help me with. Reading the report it states that at L4-L5 there is a relatively prominent anterolateral defect on the right with a truncated apperance of the right L5 nerve root. This is the same side as my surgery in 1989 ..showing a herniated disc on the right that isn't bothering me to much (few sciatica spasms - right butt and insensativity in the foot, etc...). I am just wondering what the heck is a truncated apperance of the right L5 nerve root. I still don't have the op report from the NRPC, but it sounds weird to me.

I have my neuro appointment in a couple of days - maybe he will fill me in, but he has zero bedside manor and an ego to match.

Thanks