Lower Back Disability

[orlando107]

I have a 50% combined disability in which I only receive 40% payment. Of that 20% is for Degenerative Arthritis of the spine. I was recently diagnosed by VA with L5 grade 1 posterolisthesis and Degenerative disc and facet disease, increased. I believe my condition is getting worse and I was told by a VA doctor that I was not getting what I was supposed to get monetary wise. Can you help me with this. Is it true and should I claim and increased due to this new findings?

[jbasser]

I have a 50% combined disability in which I only receive 40% payment. Of that 20% is for Degenerative Arthritis of the spine. I was recently diagnosed by VA with L5 grade 1 posterolisthesis and Degenerative disc and facet disease, increased. I believe my condition is getting worse and I was told by a VA doctor that I was not getting what I was supposed to get monetary wise. Can you help me with this. Is it true and should I claim and increased due to this new findings?

YOu should file for an increase if your condition has worsened. Your ROM is what the Va will look at.

J

[etihwr]

If you read your rating decision, you will note they state the numbers don't add up.

Most people don't do their homework prior to taking the C&P examination.

Check out this link for when you have to do a C&P examination:

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

Remeber, the DVA wants to see what your range of motion is w/o pain. Then they want to see how far your willing to bend over in pain.

First mistake everyone makes is moving really FAST. You should take one minute to move every 1 inch. If your in pain from the outset, why would you move. The more you move, the lower the rating you will get. Only give them the range of motion w/o pain. Even a slight amount of pain is the start of your disability and you don't want to move through it. Also when you do your C&P exam, ensure they use some sort of measuring device (whether a tape or mechanical device) to measure your range of motion!

By knowing what your exam is supposed to have take place, if it doesn't happen, you the right to a second opinion. Write a letter to your Regional Office and request a second opinion and give a reason as to why (using the information from the link provided). Wanting a second opinion, doesn't qualify you for a second opinion. You must give them a good reason.

YOu should file for an increase if your condition has worsened. Your ROM is what the Va will look at.

J

[orlando107]

YOu should file for an increase if your condition has worsened. Your ROM is what the Va will look at.

J

Thank you very much. I don't know what ROM means but, I believe what u say about filling for an increase because my condition has worsen.

[jbasser]

ROM is used for Range of motion.

J

[john999]

Do you have depression or chronic pain from your back? Many people who have permanent back injuries also suffer from depression.

[slough52]

I am currently going thru this ..just had mri done last week...results pending...will file for higher rating regardless...all they do for me is give me pain killers and that dont help much...hell i get more for my shoulder than i do my bavk..can't work anymore no one will hire someone who is always hurt and at 59 yrs old no one will take the risk