I have a question about service connected and secondary claims
I have had 2 previous C & P exams for my back, knees and shoulder
I am currently rated:
40% for Traumatic arthritis lumbar spine secondary to surgery for lumbar disc disease
20% Paralysis, incomplete, moderate, right sciatic nerve
10% tinnitis left ear
10% bilaterally knees for DJD
I have an appealable claim for left shoulder residuals from surgery post service for symptoms that manifested during service.
I recently had a 3rd C & P for a few other claims seemingly unrelated to any of the above listed claims. The examiner asked if I used my shoulders and arms more when lifting, sitting, raising from a sitting position, and other activities, and if I had headaches or tingling numbness in my hands. This C & P has resulted in numerous appointments, including an MRI for cervical spine that had a diagnosis of HNP (severe impingement) c5-c6, osteophytes(9mm), neuritis, and carpal tunnel. The MRI was listed as "STAT" on the appointment letter. I have an EMG/NVC scheduled for Upper Extremities. All of these have happened at a much faster pace than I have normally experienced with the VA.
I have a question about the cervical spine being considered secondary to the lumbar spine.
The original C & P specifically cited "no noted abnormalities of cervical or Thoracic spine".
The second C & P was dramtically different
Diagnosis:
Traumatic arthritis lumbar spine secondary to surgery for lumbar disc disease
Paralysis, incomplete, moderate, right sciatic nerve, as likely as not secondary to service connected lumbar spine condition.
impacts:
decreased mobility, problems with lifting and carrying, pain
prevents: exercise, sports, recreation
severe: chores
moderate: shopping, traveling, bathing, dressing,
mild: toileting, grooming
none: feeding
My activities are severely limited as a result of the problems with my back, so my question is:
1. Likeliness of a rating for the cervical spine as secondary to lumbar spine, even if the C & P was not for my cervical spine.
2. If I do not recieve a rating for the problems with my cervical spine, should I start a claim.
I have assumed the back pain was natural with the arthritis and DDD so my cervical spine has never been a specific complaint to a doctor. It seems apparent that I have progressive issues with my spine over the previous 3 years
Note: All appointments for my lumbar problems and cervical spine have been with VA doctors.
Question
lt4ds
I have a question about service connected and secondary claims
I have had 2 previous C & P exams for my back, knees and shoulder
I am currently rated:
40% for Traumatic arthritis lumbar spine secondary to surgery for lumbar disc disease
20% Paralysis, incomplete, moderate, right sciatic nerve
10% tinnitis left ear
10% bilaterally knees for DJD
I have an appealable claim for left shoulder residuals from surgery post service for symptoms that manifested during service.
I recently had a 3rd C & P for a few other claims seemingly unrelated to any of the above listed claims. The examiner asked if I used my shoulders and arms more when lifting, sitting, raising from a sitting position, and other activities, and if I had headaches or tingling numbness in my hands. This C & P has resulted in numerous appointments, including an MRI for cervical spine that had a diagnosis of HNP (severe impingement) c5-c6, osteophytes(9mm), neuritis, and carpal tunnel. The MRI was listed as "STAT" on the appointment letter. I have an EMG/NVC scheduled for Upper Extremities. All of these have happened at a much faster pace than I have normally experienced with the VA.
I have a question about the cervical spine being considered secondary to the lumbar spine.
The original C & P specifically cited "no noted abnormalities of cervical or Thoracic spine".
The second C & P was dramtically different
Diagnosis:
Traumatic arthritis lumbar spine secondary to surgery for lumbar disc disease
Paralysis, incomplete, moderate, right sciatic nerve, as likely as not secondary to service connected lumbar spine condition.
impacts:
decreased mobility, problems with lifting and carrying, pain
prevents: exercise, sports, recreation
severe: chores
moderate: shopping, traveling, bathing, dressing,
mild: toileting, grooming
none: feeding
My activities are severely limited as a result of the problems with my back, so my question is:
1. Likeliness of a rating for the cervical spine as secondary to lumbar spine, even if the C & P was not for my cervical spine.
2. If I do not recieve a rating for the problems with my cervical spine, should I start a claim.
I have assumed the back pain was natural with the arthritis and DDD so my cervical spine has never been a specific complaint to a doctor. It seems apparent that I have progressive issues with my spine over the previous 3 years
Note: All appointments for my lumbar problems and cervical spine have been with VA doctors.
Thanks for any and all responses.
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