holdingontohelp Posted July 4, 2006 Share Posted July 4, 2006 Thank you all. So, so much. I was released last June, after nearly 10 years in the Navy, and in Oct I filed for MDD/GAD and back pain. I was accepted as 50% for mental and denied for back pain. However, I am overjoyed at this much, the 1st time up. I'm so glad I took those few extra months before filing. Everything from getting records together, to how to dress for the C@P was a wonderful help. Now, question time; Ok, so I'm riding my bike to work in Aug. 2003. Get hit by a car. My command investagated it, and decided it occuered in the line of duty. Besides an ER visit and a shot of cortisome (most painful thing EVER!) I was fine. Then I get out, get a job at Walmart unloading trucks, because I'm not the brighest blub in the box. After 2 months of this, I had my PCM write a weight limit for work. I now hang clothes. (which i DO enjoy,lol) My back pain (ER doc and VA said there is disk space narrowing at L-4/ S-1 space) has continued. (stopped the trucks in May). I belive the increase in pain to be from the fact that I had been a Navy CT, and did not work untill this past march. For anyone who dosent know, the rate is pretty much a desk job. While hanging clothes I am on my feet all day, and even though I stopped lugging around 50# boxes, I can still feel pain raditeing down mylegs, though to a lesser degree then right after I was hit. My current PCM (paid for out of pocket) would also like me to have an MRI SO.... should I even bother filing a NOD for my back when I'm already 50%? From my research, I'm thinking as a 50%, my butt could fall off, and all I would have to all is pay the copay. Or should I Just go to the VA/private doc for treatment , building up back pain records in case my back really goes? Don't get me wrong, very happy with the 50%, I just want protect myself. Thanksagain! as soon as my bills are paid off with that back pay, T-bird can expect a little to keep this place open for you all, and for people like me, who don't have a clue! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berta Posted July 4, 2006 Share Posted July 4, 2006 If the cortizone and the accident is in your military records-it is possible that you suffer today from consequences of that accident- it wasn't that long ago- and this would be logical but as you know -it will take a medical opinion to connect it- and I assume you never had any other injury that could have caused the spinal pain etc? I would NOD this part of the decision if I were you veteran- glad you like us here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder JR Reihs Posted July 4, 2006 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted July 4, 2006 File the NOD first, then get yourself to a Neuro Doc outside of the VA for a opinion as to what is going on in relation to you injury in the Navy. The medical must state that it is " More likely than not " that the back injury is military related, and you are still suffering from it. Do not depend on the VA C&P doc to see it you way, have the ammo ready to counter any adverse opinion they may throw your way. GOOD LUCK & congrats so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder john999 Posted July 4, 2006 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted July 4, 2006 I agree. Get that private back doctor/neurologist to say " At least as likely as not " that this injury to your disk happened from the accident in service. If that doc won't say it find one that will. Even if you get 10% that opens up the door for a higher rating if it gets to where you can't work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder Pete53 Posted July 4, 2006 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted July 4, 2006 Holding Welcome to Hadit. I think you already got some good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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