Question About Being Wheel Chair Bound And Back Ratings

[iceturkee]

i am currently 40 percent for my thoracolumbar spine. last may i had an mri of my lumbar spine (for pain clinic) and as you know showed 5 herniated discs, a grade one vertabrae slip, spinal and foraminal stenosis, 2 torn discs and multi-level arthritis.

when i had my ortho c&p in october 2011 for my IU, they used the results of a routine lumbar xray which showed only arthritis and they kept me at 40 percent.

i have also been wheel chair bound since 2005 for my back and inflammatory arthritis.

i am considering filing for an increase based on the mri findings and (hopefully) a statement from my current primary care doc that i am use an electric wheelchair due to the severity of my back condition. i also have radiculopathy.

would i have a good shot at an increase to 60 percent or higher? thanks.

[iceturkee]

can't believe no one here is service connected for their back and or use an electric wheelchair.

in any event, my primary care doc messaged me this morning that she found a note from the ortho doc (from last may) which he stated i was wheel chair bound. i had fallen twice, my back was hurting real bad, had routine xrays of both my thoracic and lumbar spines and sent me to ortho on a consult. he raised big concern about the vertebral slippage and mentioned the problems i was having.

i'm trying to find out if its worth my while to ask for an increase based on the severity of last years lumbar mri and being wheel chair bound. thank you.

[Philip Rogers]

I would apply and I'd also look into a possible CUE. You could possibly be rated for the loss of use of your lower extremities. jmo

I gather you're already 100% and are trying to get some additional funds such as "SMC."

pr

[iceturkee]

I would apply and I'd also look into a possible CUE. You could possibly be rated for the loss of use of your lower extremities. jmo

I gather you're already 100% and are trying to get some additional funds such as "SMC."

pr

PR, i am 100 percent because the VA determined i was unemployable because of my back. shortly after, i applied for SMC (aid and attendance) and was denied. with all of this talk about IU possibly going away at 65, it has had me thinking whether or not i should apply for a back increase.