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

[Chris111]

I also just found out i have a pinched sciatic nerve on my right side; and a right dropped foot. I do have a military injury on my right ankle, can it be related?

[john999]

I think foot drop is considered loss of use.

[Chris111]

I went to a private foot doctor who wrote a nice letter for me. On his report he said the following:

difficulty walking

pain in limb

chronic r medial ankle pain s/p sprain while in USMC.

R sciatica by hx

R drop foot

R EHL weakness.

Diminished R achilles reflex.

From reading this can it be assumed that the sciatica/ dropped foot can be secondary?

[81150 CAFB]

Did you get an MRI of your back? What is causing your pinched nerve (rupture?). Your foot drop would be rated with sciatic problem which would need to be connected to your military injury. Did you injure your back in the Corps? I would try to get your doc to relate the two problems with a good nexus, but I am unsure if your foot can lead to a pinched/injured sciatic nerve.

81150

[Chris111]

yes i had a MRI, but i dont know the full details, just pinched nerve in lumbar area. I dont have anything in my medical records of injuring my back in the service. Next doctor appointment i will try to see about getting a nexes letter, and more details of MRI results. How would i get the MRI results through the VA on a non C&P MRI?

[81150 CAFB]

I am not sure since all of my surguries and imaging so far has been with private docs. Maybe someone that knows can help with thu, but it might be in your C-file and you can request a copy.

Don't forget to have your doc do a proper nexus letter to include all of the proper wording. See how you can get him to connect...maybe because your foot problem caused you to put strain on lumbar area which caused the pinched nerve?

81150