New Claim

[slphelan]

Since I have been awarded for Lumbar spine disk disease (DDD), bilateral limited motion of ankles (DJD). I have been diagnosed with bilateral arthritis of the hips (DJD).

I have been looking for a link for this being secondary to my back DDD and bilateral ankle disability.

I have searched on google but have not found anything that would show a link.

Does anyone else have a similar medical condition and if so what reference was useful to you in order to prove this is linked for service connection?

Thanks

[VetsLady]

Since I have been awarded for Lumbar spine disk disease (DDD), bilateral limited motion of ankles (DJD). I have been diagnosed with bilateral arthritis of the hips (DJD).

I have been looking for a link for this being secondary to my back DDD and bilateral ankle disability.

I have searched on google but have not found anything that would show a link.

Does anyone else have a similar medical condition and if so what reference was useful to you in order to prove this is linked for service connection?

Thanks

Seems to me you should be able to file to re-open your original claim due to worsening of your sc condition. I'm not an expert, but the hip bones are connected to the spine bones, the leg bones are connected to the ankle bones.

You would need a written medical opinion on this for certain, from an Orthopaedic Physician. They are the bones Docs. I worked for a bone doc for over 30 years but the type without the M.D. behind his name. Gravity and aggravation place added stress on the body over the years....those disks start to disenegrate and place greater pressure on the hips. It makes sense but, not to sound cynical, the VA will kick it around from here to there and back.

I'd have every piece of evidence you can find, suggestions from others here on this board may come along with more information. Try going into the National Health Institute web-site....NIH.org. You aren't a doctor and even if you were, you wouldn't be able to form a dx of yourself....so best advice I can offer, see your doctor and get a referral to an Orthopaedic and get that medical opinion in writing.

Good Luck,

VetsLady

P.S.

I just checked Laser Spine Institute's web-site:

laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/arthritis_of_the_spine

The spine is the supporting structure of your body. The hips are weight bearing joints of the body.

I know you said you are sc for DDD of the Lumbar spine and limited bilateral mobility of the ankles....but, I think you may find some worthwhile reading in their web-site. You'll still need to see a doctor.

Edited November 21, 2009 by VetsLady

[sixthscents]

Sec. 4.58 Arthritis due to strain.

With service incurred lower extremity amputation or shortening, a

disabling arthritis, developing in the same extremity, or in both lower

extremities, with indications of earlier, or more severe, arthritis in

the injured extremity, including also arthritis of the lumbosacral

joints and lumbar spine, if associated with the leg amputation or

shortening, will be considered as service incurred, provided, however,

that arthritis affecting joints not directly subject to strain as a

result of the service incurred amputation will not be granted service

connection. This will generally require separate evaluation of the

arthritis in the joints directly subject to strain. Amputation, or

injury to an upper extremity, is not considered as a causative factor

with subsequently developing arthritis, except in joints subject to

direct strain or actually injured

Basically the VA states that they recognize that if a lower portion of the anatomy is injured this would cause levels above to be subject to strain and injury due to it. This line of reasoning stops with the lumbar spine, and goes down to foot. So an injury to an ankle can, at a later date cause an injury to a knee...

But you will need to get an opinion from a doctor stating that this is probably why you have this. I have won claims just like this, but expect to be in for a long round of NODs etc. Further, have you filed for loss of use? Have you filed for any SMC?

Bob

[slphelan]

Thanks for your insight I am ok if it takes awhile as long as there is a chance it can be service connected. I will start to look for an orthopedic specialist here in the Tampa Bay area in order to get a medical opinion that is positive for service connection. If anyone has suggestions leet me know.

Thanks again