Award Decision Arrived

[bufloguy]

I had recently filed a claim for neck disability with pain radiating to shoulders,

head and upper arms. Both my hands become numb after sitting for short periods

of time. I also suffer from occipital headaches (cervicogenic) approx 15 x a month,

that can only be helped by a chiropractor.

I was awarded cervical spine spondylosis and extruded disk at C6-C7

DX 5237 at 20%

I was also awarded left & right C 7 radiculopathy

DX 8510 both at 0%.

Shoulder pain was ignored in the

decision, and the headaches were not mentioned.

Does ths sound right, or does it sound

like I was lo-balled?

Thanks!

[carlie]

I had recently filed a claim for neck disability with pain radiating to shoulders,

head and upper arms. Both my hands become numb after sitting for short periods

of time. I also suffer from occipital headaches (cervicogenic) approx 15 x a month,

that can only be helped by a chiropractor.

I was awarded cervical spine spondylosis and extruded disk at C6-C7

DX 5237 at 20%

I was also awarded left & right C 7 radiculopathy

DX 8510 both at 0%.

Shoulder pain was ignored in the

decision, and the headaches were not mentioned.

Does ths sound right, or does it sound

like I was lo-balled?

Thanks!

bufloguy,

Congrats on the increase.

With additional evidence you maybe able to get an increase in the

bilateral radiculopathy.

You say the headaches were claimed but not mentioned.

Did you have a C&P for them and was a nexus provided ?

carlie

[Chuck75]

If you have problems that were not addressed by the notice/decision, it's really a good idea to disagree with the determination, as soon as possible and specifically mention them. If you don't the VA will undoubtedly take a stance that is unfavorable to your claims. (Besides the lowball attitude they usually have)

I had recently filed a claim for neck disability with pain radiating to shoulders,

head and upper arms. Both my hands become numb after sitting for short periods

of time. I also suffer from occipital headaches (cervicogenic) approx 15 x a month,

that can only be helped by a chiropractor.

I was awarded cervical spine spondylosis and extruded disk at C6-C7

DX 5237 at 20%

I was also awarded left & right C 7 radiculopathy

DX 8510 both at 0%.

Shoulder pain was ignored in the

decision, and the headaches were not mentioned.

Does ths sound right, or does it sound

like I was lo-balled?

Thanks!

[bufloguy]

I guess the question I should have asked is sould I have gotten mor for the radiculopathy as my hands go numb after sitting for short periods of time? Also would the occipital headaches be considered secondary to the neck disibility. Thanks!

[john999]

I think you should get more evidence for those conditions to show a higher level of disability, and to state that the headaches are secondary. The VA won't connect dots for secondary conditions. You have to have medical evidence that spells it out to them. If you are going to the trouble of appealing it is good to get more evidence so you don't wait two years for another low ball or denial. I would appeal the conditions you are speaking about because the VA low balls and ignores or denies valid disabilites all the time.

[Testvet]

I think you should get more evidence for those conditions to show a higher level of disability, and to state that the headaches are secondary. The VA won't connect dots for secondary conditions. You have to have medical evidence that spells it out to them. If you are going to the trouble of appealing it is good to get more evidence so you don't wait two years for another low ball or denial. I would appeal the conditions you are speaking about because the VA low balls and ignores or denies valid disabilites all the time.

I have to agree with John appeal appeal and appeal learn patience and persistence my claim took 7 years from Oct 2002-June 2009 hte local RO would not even deal with some of my issues the BVA Judge did though....

[blanco63]

quickly submit a request for reconsideration for an increase and on the same 21-4138 apply for secondary migraines and send a doctor's letter pertaining to both issues. concerning the migraines, try to have your doctor put that magic word "prostrating" in the letter a few times. that's what the va wants so give it to them. it works. let me know how much more you receive within the next 6 months.