cervical strain A Lot On The Line.

[Scout Swimmer]

In September I contacted a Veteran Attorney firm. They filed every service connection I had for increase plus 2 new contentions (IBS & Spinal conditions).

I had my C&P exam last Saturday and I think it went extremely well. I had medical diagnosis from a private GI specialist for the IBS and a private Neurosurgeon diagnosis with MRI confirming DDD of the cervical spine with damage to my nerve root causing radiation into my upper extremities.

The lawyers can't officially represent my claim until I receive denial and didn't want me to submit any evidence since if my claim is approved out of the gate they can't legally get paid. Well I did anyway and I have a good feeling about it.

The examiner seemed to confirm all my contentions and she was very thorough (the exam took about 2 hours). She mentioned I had the spine of an 80 year old and at the end, encouraged me to walk away from my job. She even tested me for old injuries that I had long forgot that she found in my C- file, so I feel pretty confident about it all.

The only thing of concern is that although I'm already rated for cervical strain, and I never got a private nexus for the DDD. I remember her saying however that I must have had DDD for a very long time because of the stage it's at and because I'm still very young. Hopefully she will put it all together for me.

I guess I'll just have to wait until I request a copy later next week. I'll keep everyone informed when I do considering the semi unique way I went about this.

Thanks for your time.

[jbasser]

Sounds like a promising exam. Get a copy as soon as you can and look at the requested opinions.

If you can, scan it here, omit any personal info and paste it here.

J

[georgiapapa]

Hopefully the C & P examiner will service connect you for the DDD since you are already rated for cervical strain. As jbasser suggested, get a copy of your C & P report ASAP. The opinions rendered by your C & P examiner will determine your next course of action. I hope you receive a well founded report supporting your contentions.

Good luck to you.

[john999]

If the Exam is not that great I think I might just wait until I get the decision and then get an IMO. I never waited myself. I started getting IMO's right away to try and minimize wait times and max my rating. Like you say once you get decision and file NOD the lawyers can come onboard. Wouldn't it be nice to get the max on your first decision. You would do this with an IMO/IME if you have money and time. Decisions come pretty fast after C&P.

[Notorious Kelly]

Sounds good.

Man, the Last thing we wanna do is delay our award to please lawyers; good move submitting your evidence!

I don't have any beef paying attorneys out of the retro money but it affects our lives a Whole lot more than theirs while we're waiting.

[Scout Swimmer]

Yup, and that's why I submitted. I know the lawyers would love a long and lengthy appeal, but meanwhile I'm working in a Federal prison.with a bad back and one useful arm. Not exactly a good situation for me. I'm at 92 points as it sits, I want out and I know only one way to do it.

Thank God for this site. I think it will ultimately save my life.

Edited October 17, 2014 by Philgrenier

[Scout Swimmer]

And I will post the exam results for you guys to review ASAP.