Stenosis

[david walker]

My MRI results came: severe stenosis right C3/4; moderate stenosis right C6/7. Mild C3/4 canal narrowing with spur disc. I am going to a specialist tomorrow. Should I file for an increase, I am rated at 20%? Thanks

[*Bergie*]

My MRI results came: severe stenosis right C3/4; moderate stenosis right C6/7. Mild C3/4 canal narrowing with spur disc. I am going to a specialist tomorrow. Should I file for an increase, I am rated at 20%? Thanks

David,

John is right file your claim. All they can do is deny it. Also, don't focus on the MRI that is the evidence that confirms your condition. Focus instread on your symptoms:

Radiculopathy-what is going on ie: numbness/tingling in arm, hand and fingers, pain in arm hand fingers, is the radiculopathy in both arms?

Impact on work/quality of life, family. Have your family write impact statements to support you. Are you depressed by this condition?

These are just a few of the things I can think of off the top of my head, I used them for the exact same condition and I'm waiting on the NOD/DRO outcome. It has been 20 months and counting so if all goes well I should get a nice check (hopefully).

Take care,

Bergie

[dav_marine72]

Hi David,

You have gotten some good advice here. I spent years trying to pump up my 7 MRIs. The VA doesn't really care nor would you ever see an examiner that probably even knows how to read one. As said earlier it's all about the symptoms and what rating criteria they use. The 0% for your neurological issues is BS. Even I got 10% at the BVA although the U.S. court just threw that out because they should have rated both my lower extremities. The moral of the story is.................don't focus on MRI results even though VA law says they are supposed to look at the full disability picture.................focus on the symptoms for your highest rating.

You have a mental condition 2nd to your neck right? If not file and start seeing a therapist or shrink at the VA. I don't know your whole story but if things get really bad you'll need your ratings bumped up to get TDIU if you need it. I finally just got it after working for nine years in severe pain. I had a surgery in March of this year which was destined to fail. It was an L3-S1 fusion. We all know the more levels the lower the chance of the surgery working. Anyway after the surgery I have gotten worse and became totally unable to work. This is what it had to come to for me to get TDIU. Let me know if you have any questions. I have a ton of time on my hands now and want to give back to Vets. Not to mention over the last ten years I have gotten up to speed on VA law like it's not funny

[david walker]

Thanks guys, I have been scheduled (Fee Basis) for nerve impingement surgery to releive my back & arm pain. I can't wait. I do have and issue at L5 and had a nerve burnt in two. That may be my bladder and bowel. I don't know. Currently all I seem to be able to do is look at the stuff for a claim, just can't seem to get it worked out in my mind. I think it's cause of the back & arm. It's like I get to on spot and just lock up???

[john999]

If you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowel then that may be serious impingement of your spinal cord. That is very serious symtom like inability to walk or numbness of your legs.