Statement Of Medical Examination And Duty Status

[ctbenja1015]

I am going to my C&P exams on Monday 18th of August. I have both the medical and psychiatric exams. I am worried about my Cervical Spine claim. I have a Statement of Medical Examination and Duty Status from my last deployment in 2009-2010. It describes pain in the neck, shoulders and numbness in both hands. I had x-rays and was given anti-inflammatories while deployed. I got back to CONUS in August of 2010 and was sent to physical therapy for 6 weeks but was not able to see a specialist until September of 2011. With no x-ray or MRI I was diagnosed with Arthritis (ICD-9-CM 716.90), Joint Pain, Shoulder (ICD-9-CM 719.41), Paresthesia (ICD-9-CM 782.0) and Spondylosis, Cervical, w/oMyel (ICD-9-CM 721.0). After moving to CA from IL, I was finally sent for x-rays and an MRI. The MRI showed 3 bulging discs, spinal stenosis and Foreman narrowing due to bone spurs. I think they will say it is DDD and the whole normal aging thing, but I had an x-ray 3 months prior to deployment that showed my neck as being clear. I am an 88M and we got thrown all over the place when going through checkpoints at 60 mph, often hitting your ACH on the top of the cab and then bottoming the seat out. I did complain the entire four years about my neck, shoulders and the numbness.

Any thoughts about how hard it will be to convince them it is service related? Or advice going forward?

[Mikemmlj]

Sounds like you have built a strong case from your end. Maybe an IMO or buddy letters saying how your physical disability effects you

[georgiapapa]

Definitely agree with Mike about the buddy letters and IMO.

[ctbenja1015]

Thanks, will try to get a couple before Monday.

[carlie]

I am going to my C&P exams on Monday 18th of August. I have both the medical and psychiatric exams. I am worried about my Cervical Spine claim. I have a Statement of Medical Examination and Duty Status from my last deployment in 2009-2010. It describes pain in the neck, shoulders and numbness in both hands. I had x-rays and was given anti-inflammatories while deployed. I got back to CONUS in August of 2010 and was sent to physical therapy for 6 weeks but was not able to see a specialist until September of 2011. With no x-ray or MRI I was diagnosed with Arthritis (ICD-9-CM 716.90), Joint Pain, Shoulder (ICD-9-CM 719.41), Paresthesia (ICD-9-CM 782.0) and Spondylosis, Cervical, w/oMyel (ICD-9-CM 721.0). After moving to CA from IL, I was finally sent for x-rays and an MRI. The MRI showed 3 bulging discs, spinal stenosis and Foreman narrowing due to bone spurs. I think they will say it is DDD and the whole normal aging thing, but I had an x-ray 3 months prior to deployment that showed my neck as being clear. I am an 88M and we got thrown all over the place when going through checkpoints at 60 mph, often hitting your ACH on the top of the cab and then bottoming the seat out. I did complain the entire four years about my neck, shoulders and the numbness.

Any thoughts about how hard it will be to convince them it is service related? Or advice going forward?

Welcome,

Sounds like you have some good documentation and medical evidence.

I think you will be A-OK.

jmho

[ctbenja1015]

Had my exams today, not sure how it went. The first doctor did ROM for my neck and shoulders, then asked questions about my sleep apnea. I think it went well although I kept having to correct her on events. She told my wife and I that she was having a family issue and would have to take a call and possibly have to leave, not sure if her mind being pre-occupied helped or hurt. The 2nd exam was for PTSD, questions strait off the DBQ, very dull and nonchalant, but already had 3 VA doctors confirm the PTSD, not terribly worried about that one would not expect it to be over 30% since I still work full time. Will post results when I get them. Thanks again.

Edited August 19, 2014 by ctbenja1015 (see edit history)