Sciatic Nerve Pain!

[81150 CAFB]

I am currently 4 months post op from L4-L5 fusion. I had a diskectomy performed on this same level in August 2009 and when in the Air Force in 1989. I am in the process of filing my claim (I have all of my records and 4 doctors letters). My question is regarding the section covering sthe sciatic nerve. It appears that the rating does not cover pain, just numbness, loss of use etc... I am still having severve sciatic pain in my left buttock, even after the surguries and the doc said that it might be stuck in some pain loop and it may be permanent. I have been on lyrica for about 2+ months with not much success. I am also having severe pain in my hip that goes to my knee and then if I do something I shouldn't it goes down my lateral leg to ankle and toes. Is there any rating for sciatic pain? I occasionally get some tingling in my foot and I do have deep nerve sensation loss (can feel light touch but not if you jab into my calf), but no paralysis. The sciatic nerve rating is so subjective...I just don't know what to expect.

I am applying for sciatica and I guess/hope that they will evaluate and rate properly based on my severe pain and limits.

Please respond if you can help.

81150

[dizzyvet]

From one 81150 to another, Since you live in Texas make sure to have the TVC represent you and do not go through this without their help. It is a good organization and helped me to %100 over the last 4 years. This is the best state in my opinion to win your case.

Dizzy.

PS. Cold War Vet "83 to "91

[acesup]

Not to get off-topic, but what is "TVC" and how does one contact them?

[Chris111]

I have sciatic nerve issues but do not have anything in my smr related to this, only an ankle/ knee issure. I'm on a couple of nerve pain meds, Primary doc is referring me to a specialist. I was an infantryman humping 90lbs through mountains and stuff. how do i go about getting this issue service connected?

[Pete53]

TVC is Texas Veterans Service I think. They work for State and help Veterans as Service Officers. No matter what Service Officer you pick yhou still have to make sure your claim is advanced properly.

[blackbird]

I am currently 4 months post op from L4-L5 fusion. I had a diskectomy performed on this same level in August 2009 and when in the Air Force in 1989. I am in the process of filing my claim (I have all of my records and 4 doctors letters). My question is regarding the section covering sthe sciatic nerve. It appears that the rating does not cover pain, just numbness, loss of use etc... I am still having severve sciatic pain in my left buttock, even after the surguries and the doc said that it might be stuck in some pain loop and it may be permanent. I have been on lyrica for about 2+ months with not much success. I am also having severe pain in my hip that goes to my knee and then if I do something I shouldn't it goes down my lateral leg to ankle and toes. Is there any rating for sciatic pain? I occasionally get some tingling in my foot and I do have deep nerve sensation loss (can feel light touch but not if you jab into my calf), but no paralysis. The sciatic nerve rating is so subjective...I just don't know what to expect.

I am applying for sciatica and I guess/hope that they will evaluate and rate properly based on my severe pain and limits.

Please respond if you can help.

81150

I too had a L4-L5 fusion in 1996 as a result from injury. The pain never really improved and after much testing and drugs, injections it was determined that there was damage to the covering on the left ganglion nerve root that occured when the disc first herniated. This results in activity related leg pain radiating down my left leg into my foot. The more walking and standing or sitting I do the more pain I'm in. I was rated a total of 40% back to 2004. Then as of Aug 2009 they increased me to 60% due to IVDS episodes. I then filled in Dec for TDIU since I hadn't work since 2000 and was granted TDIU back to Aug 09 as of March 2010. They should, assuming you are service connected for this problem, rate you for limited range of motion, radiating pain, unusual scaring, and possibly a few other items if they exist.

Make sure you have good representation and good luck.

Blackbird

[cannoncocker]

I have sciatic nerve issues but do not have anything in my smr related to this, only an ankle/ knee issure. I'm on a couple of nerve pain meds, Primary doc is referring me to a specialist. I was an infantryman humping 90lbs through mountains and stuff. how do i go about getting this issue service connected?

My suggestion to you is to get a reputable Independent Medical Opinion from a local group of Spinal Neurologists who have a member dedicated to rendering opinions that your back problems are related to your service via repetitive heavy lifting vs say a sedintary work record. Most metro areas will have groups like these. Finding that group will be your largest hurdle but perseverance is your ally. If you follow through with this you can use "would a resonable person believe my back problems came from sitting in a chair lifting reports and files or humping 90 lbs for days at a time for years?".

How I did it. Also if you do get an IMO be sure they note they reviewed your SMR and make all your MRI etc available to them. Make it easy for them.

Good luck.