New, Please Don't Haze

[AngryA]

Hello everyone,

stumbled upon this site looking for answers on the internet. I am an OIF/OEF vet and was rated for several conditions back in 2006; I was so grateful for the financial assistance (still am) that I never questioned the diagnoses, or the ratings. Now that I am around veterans a lot more I have realized that I should re-evaluate my disability rating and its conditions.

One of the things I would like to be re-evaluated/adjusted/edit is my back condition. I was a gunner on a Humvee and was thrown from the turrrett. I broke some ribs and also messed up my back. I was given 10% for UMBOSACRAL OR CERVICAL STRAIN, but going over my recent VA notes, I see that there are mentions of Degenerative arthritis of the spine and stuff like "Facet osteoarthropathy most pronounced at L5-S1".

The back pain I am having now is the same pain I had in 2006, however, it appears that the notes from the recent C&P exam state that the arthritis is not related to the back strain. To me that seems absurd; it seems I was given a wrong diagnosis back in 2006, whether intentionally, or not. I believe I should have gotten the arthritis diagnosis back then. I was only 26 back then, and even now, it appears awfully strange to have arthritis at this age.

How would I go about adding/modifying the diagnosis related to back trauma? Please advise, and I apologize if I posted in the wrong forum.

[Vync]

Sciatica, or shooting pains down the legs, can also be connected as a secondary claim. In addition, see if your VA doc can order an MRI so you can get a better idea of exactly what's wrong. Xrays just are not enough on their own.

[stillhere]

Why do you have your post "No Hazing"? Just wondering and you don't have to answer.

I would like to say I have been a member for a few years and this site is one of the best and one of the major reasons is the moderators.

Stillhere

[AngryA]

Well, AngryA you seriously need to start reading Title 38 USC, and review the Spine section. ! Notice the various classifications and VA Dig. Codes which match the language of spinal or back sections called out in your medical notes. Study the issues of ROM, Pain, and flareups = physician prescribed "Bed Rest. Those issues you are discussing here are filed as increases against your lumbosacral strain/ The best thing now is you study the spine and learn the sections and structure. Here's a question for you... Are you working and what type of work are you performing. What relationship does your back or spine have with the performance of labor. ?? Have your VA Medical Providers recommended any Physical conditioning treatment (PT) and/or Medication for your back condition ? Do you have any bladder control problems or UI issues. ? If so you may have neurogenic bladder which is a secondary claim to spinal cord injury (lower back).

Thank you for your answer. Ironically, I work for the VA as a HUD-VASH social worker, which means I work with homeless vets. I do a lot of driving, walking, sitting (car/desk). I have a lot of pain in my back throughout the day and need to take breaks for stretching. Sleeping/standing/sitting in one position really sucks.

Last week VA Rehabilitation Therapists ordered some stabilization exercises (haven't started yet, scheduled for Sept.). As far as the meds- I was told to take anti-inflammatory stuff that is mild, I think it's Ibuprofen, as well as Gabapentin for sleep/pain. I've had some substance abuse issues, which I think are documented in my VA file, so there isn't any potential for opiates being prescribed by the VA; not sure I'd want to take them long term, anyhow.

I'm sorry, Im not familiar with the term UI, tried searching for it, but couldn't find anything. Urinary infections? I don't have any issues with my bladder, but started to notice symptoms of IBM around the same time, but never claimed it, as I didn't think it was a "claimable" condition, and was embarassed about it. Not sure if it's related, or even possible to claim at this point, since I got out in '06.

Additionally--my neck has gotten to be pretty bad, as well; it began after my 'lil flight from the turret, and over the years it's got to the point where it's quite bad. Again, Im sorry for being so naive and ignorant about claims--is it too late to try to add it to my claim stemming from my 2005 mishap?

Edited August 4, 2014 by AngryA

[AngryA]

Why do you have your post "No Hazing"? Just wondering and you don't have to answer.

I would like to say I have been a member for a few years and this site is one of the best and one of the major reasons is the moderators.

Stillhere

Hey there, that was my attempt at humor; before joining I noticed great there being great posters here and tons of relevant info, so I thought I'd break the ice with that :/

[AngryA]

Sciatica, or shooting pains down the legs, can also be connected as a secondary claim. In addition, see if your VA doc can order an MRI so you can get a better idea of exactly what's wrong. Xrays just are not enough on their own.

I think I asked my C&P examiner for an MRI, and was told it was unnecessary, which irritated me, because I was given an advice that echos yours, that an MRI might be important for this type of claim.

[Navy04]

Welcome aboard. I agree with Phillip as stated above. God Bless and good luck. Keep us posted