cervical strain Mri Results

[Scout Swimmer]

I had a sit down with a neurologist to review my MRI about my neck problem and what he said sort of shocked me.

Currently 20% rated for "cervical strain" awarded back in 09. (They never did the MRI).

The imaging revealed degenerative disc disease with 2 herniated discs which are pinching a nerve which makes my left arm basically useless. Bone spurs too.

Except the nerve thing, same symptoms I've always had since injury so I'm thinking the VA misdiagnosed me. I just sort of dealt with it but after 2 months of pain meds I had enough.

Debating on asking for an increase but not sure how to go about it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

[Navy04]

Just submit an FDC to have that condition Increased. No biggy bud, the evidence is there. You have nothing to lose to submit an FDC. I had a 0% for Testicular and 30% for PTSD. I submitted an FDC last Sep and now I am 40% Testicular, with SMC-K, and 70% for PTSD. I was denied on my Back, Neck, L Knee and R Shoulder last year when I was medically retired. The VA denied all this with no C&P exam. My VA Chiro Doc Requested MRIs and now I have DDD, Bulging Disc, whole in spine the size of a quarter, torn rotator cup, and damage to the left knee due to right knee. I reopened those claims, and now the VA Docs are going to see all the actual evidence at the C&Ps. You know what you are doing bud, just go ahead and submit the claim.

[63SIERRA]

See how mild the va likes to try and make things... cervical strain. like you slept on too hard of a cot one night. I would submit a claim for DDD and possibly paralaysis of arm. dont let them call it what they want to call it. they try to call a turd a popsicle and hand it to you.

[Fat]

The current diagnosis/medical arm of the claim seems to be solid. I would confer with the physician about residuals from the ongoing injury/disease.

Once he states his expert opinion (supported by medical information) on residuals from the herniated discs, I would submit all medical information on any secondary issues associated. GOOD LUCK.

[Scout Swimmer]

Thanks guys. Hopefully everything he said will be in the neurology report when I get it. He wanted to fuse it and I said no thanks. Going to go see some fancy lazer treatment doc instead and he didn't like that. Ha.

[ArNG11]

When you re talking about surgeries like that, he'll yeah I would get 2nd and 3rd opinions. Hopefully you have a good doc but I would make sure that surgery is the last resort. Although technology and medicine has come a long way, spine injuries and surgeries are exceedingly difficult and complex, and don't always yield the results we're looking for. JMO. Good luck.

[Scout Swimmer]

Was denied. They stated cervical strains do not cause nerve damage. Submitted letter of reconsideration for them to change the diagnostic from starin to IVDS.