C&p Spine

[Inthewind]

Ok, I'm confused. So any advice or comments will be greatly appreciated.

I went for my initial C&P in 2004 for my C-spine and L-spine. I wasn't familiar with the process, and I'm still not. I pre-medicated before the C&P but STILL had very painful ROM and told the Doc that during the exam. I now know better then to take 40mg of Oxycodone before I go this time.

I was rated at 10% for my neck and 0% for lumbar strain and it seems like it was all based on my ROM's. It's like they didn't even consider the x-rays and MRI's, because there's clearly evidence in the findings.

C4-C5 Central disc protrusion indenting the ventral thecal sac causing moderate stenosis of the spinal canal. Central annular tear.

C5-C6 Mild loss of disc height and a diffuse disc bulge indenting the ventral thecal sac causing moderate stenosis of the spinal canal. Bilateral uncovertebral hypertrophy leading to moderate right and mild left neural foriminal stenosis. Central annular tear.

C6-C7 Disc bulge indenting the ventral thecal sac.

T3-T4 Small central disc protrusion indenting the ventral thecal sac causing moderate stenosis.

L3-L4 No significant disc bulge. Mild facet hypertrophy is seen.

L4-L5 Mild disc bulge is seen with bilateral facet hypertrophy and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy resulting in mild spinal canal stenosis and moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis.

L5-S1 Disc bulge is seen along with bilateral facet hypertrophy. This results in moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis.

I currently have a claim in for increase. I should have appealed when I got the rating but due to the disarray of my life it wasn't important at the time.

I'm in constant pain, regardless of any movement at all. I've been on pain management, epidural steriod injections and narcotics since 2002. My fear is that I'll go into another C&P and do the same thing. I can move because I'm not fused but it's EXTREMELY painful. Am I supposed to move only to the point of pain? If thats the case I wouldn't move PERIOD!

Any advice is welcomed.

[jbasser]

Range of motion of the neck for 1 segment and the back for the other segment. This is 2 rateable issues. I would have to see your award letter to advise you.

The regs state ROM regardless of pain. That sucks.

J

[iceturkee]

Range of motion of the neck for 1 segment and the back for the other segment. This is 2 rateable issues. I would have to see your award letter to advise you.

The regs state ROM regardless of pain. That sucks.

J

the way the va determines ratings for the spine is criminal.

[Inthewind]

1323913023' post=265926]

Range of motion of the neck for 1 segment and the back for the other segment. This is 2 rateable issues. I would have to see your award letter to advise you.

The regs state ROM regardless of pain. That sucks.

J

I'll scan it and stick it up in here. I seriously need some help. Does anyone know where to find some IMO verbiage examples??

Thanks brothers

[tmoe]

inthewind, Am I supposed to move only to the point of pain? Yes this where you stop, I had an exam i told the dr i couldnt bend backward,or side to side,

just forward flexion to 10 degrees my service officer says you should ask for a new c&p because va wont accept this, i told her i could not bend because

of the pain I have & dont ask for another c&p. I got 40%, they mostly look at forward flexion for your rating. jmho

Edited December 20, 2011 by tmoe