Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum. Sorry if I'm posting something that's been covered before, I did search in advance and read as much as I could find on these topics. If I missed something, I apologize.
BACKGROUND:
I was Med Discharged from the USN in 2006 for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at 10%. VA assigned me 10% for DDD, 10% for Sciatica, 0% SC for C-Spine injury.
In 2009 was diagnosed by VA for Sleep Apnea and prescribed CPAP.
Last year I filed for increased compensation due to DDD getting worse, which was increased to 20%. Sciatica and C-Spine stayed the same. Now 30% total.
Been having more pain lately, increased sciatica pain down both legs now, as well as radiculopathy in both arms with C-Spine pain. Went to VA for MRI. Dr. said I should join MOVE program due to Weight gain (I'm 6'7'' at 325 lbs). Dr. ordered MRI.
MRI completed last week. Results show lots of bulging/herniation in C1-C7 as well as bone spurs with nerve impingement. Also showed enlarged spleen (finding out what that is caused by as we speak)
QUESTIONS:
1) I'm depressed by the weight gain and limitations that stem from the problems with my back and neck. It's caused me to feel self conscious about taking my shirt off, having sex with my wife, being confident, etc. How do I go about seeing a VA Dr. for this and being prescribed treatment and diagnosed with depressive disorder due to my service connected back issues? Is this something that I can associate to my existing problems and have it become service connected as well?
2) Since my C-Spine injury is service connected, will it be rather easy for me to increase that percentage? I'm assuming C-Spine disabilities are rated just like the lumbar spine disabilities that I've been seen for (Range of Motion).
3) Is it possible/likely for me to associate the Sleep Apnea to my back disability? I can only sleep on my back, and the pain meds along with the weight gain have caused me to have the apnea. Just curious if I even have a case to make a Nexus letter.
4) Should I wait until I get all of these things lined up before filing, or should I file for the C-Spine now and file the rest of these later?
Question
gsxrmike
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum. Sorry if I'm posting something that's been covered before, I did search in advance and read as much as I could find on these topics. If I missed something, I apologize.
BACKGROUND:
I was Med Discharged from the USN in 2006 for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at 10%. VA assigned me 10% for DDD, 10% for Sciatica, 0% SC for C-Spine injury.
In 2009 was diagnosed by VA for Sleep Apnea and prescribed CPAP.
Last year I filed for increased compensation due to DDD getting worse, which was increased to 20%. Sciatica and C-Spine stayed the same. Now 30% total.
Been having more pain lately, increased sciatica pain down both legs now, as well as radiculopathy in both arms with C-Spine pain. Went to VA for MRI. Dr. said I should join MOVE program due to Weight gain (I'm 6'7'' at 325 lbs). Dr. ordered MRI.
MRI completed last week. Results show lots of bulging/herniation in C1-C7 as well as bone spurs with nerve impingement. Also showed enlarged spleen (finding out what that is caused by as we speak)
QUESTIONS:
1) I'm depressed by the weight gain and limitations that stem from the problems with my back and neck. It's caused me to feel self conscious about taking my shirt off, having sex with my wife, being confident, etc. How do I go about seeing a VA Dr. for this and being prescribed treatment and diagnosed with depressive disorder due to my service connected back issues? Is this something that I can associate to my existing problems and have it become service connected as well?
2) Since my C-Spine injury is service connected, will it be rather easy for me to increase that percentage? I'm assuming C-Spine disabilities are rated just like the lumbar spine disabilities that I've been seen for (Range of Motion).
3) Is it possible/likely for me to associate the Sleep Apnea to my back disability? I can only sleep on my back, and the pain meds along with the weight gain have caused me to have the apnea. Just curious if I even have a case to make a Nexus letter.
4) Should I wait until I get all of these things lined up before filing, or should I file for the C-Spine now and file the rest of these later?
Thanks for your help!
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