Secondary Claims

[lcurle]

Hey all,

I just put in a claim. Since I was denied Tendonitis for my R ankle and due to the chronic nature of it, I filed for Tendonosis. In addition to that I filed a secondary "Chronic Back Pain" to my lower lumbar degeneration as well as IU due to said conditions. Since I am in now unable to move very well, 32 years old btw, I am debating about going to the VAMC ER since the muscle relaxers and naproxin that was prescribed to me does nothing. The only thin that touches my pain and allows me to move freely is cannabis. Unsure what to do, this morning I was unable to move until my wife helped me out of bed. Debating about going to the VA today....any advice is appreciated. If this is what my life is going to be like unsure if I can handle it.

[lcurle]

Got a call back from Washington, Undersecretary for the VA or something wanting to get some information on the lack of MH I have received from the VA and get the typical rhetoric. I told them that the only help I get is the mention of a walk in clinic 40 miles away for any help. I also informed them that I was instructed not to file for IU from the RO because I just cant. Maybe once my wife and kids leave me and Im on the streets they might take interest who knows. whatever.

[Andyman73]

They told me they do not do MRIs at my va.....wtf I keep reporting ankle pain and twisting my ankle which should be a sc based on SMR. When I asked my pcp about it he keeps sending me for X-rays. X-rays do not show the ligament and tendon damage like and MRI. Now with my back getting jacked up more and more I wonder if he will do anything. Do I need to talk to patient advocate at the va?? Email mr. McDonald?? The rhetoric is now starting to take a told on my personal health and now my family financial situation since I cannot work.

Ok I think I get it now. Let's see if my pcp will play ball and make an attempt at fixing me.

That's interesting, I recently went through a C&P for increase on my back. The Doc mentioned an MRI, saying if it was her, she would want to. So I went for it, and ended up with increase from 10 to 40% for "lower back strain" inspite of obvious DDD and more at the L5-S1 area. Now I'm looking into whether or not it qualifies as CUE from 17 years ago. The original rating letter from VA stated DDD and disc narrowing, and spina bifida of the S-1.

I am learning, mostly due to this site, and encouragement from a young Marine at my job, that I(we) gotta fight...for the right...to(party) receive our due from uncle sam and the VA.

Semper Fi.

[Navy4life]

Is your 20% back S/C disability for (5003) Arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis)? The reason I ask is you are at the max allowed for this S/C Lumbar Disability...

With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints

or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating

exacerbations........................................................................................................................................................ 20

With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints

or 2 or more minor joint groups.......................................................................................................... 10

My boyfriend is currently suffering from back pain and has for a long time and is only 20% S/C for his Lumbar Disability. He was just denied for a back increase b/c of his S/C disability is at 20%. He has been through numerous day surgeries for injections to no avail and most recently had the deadening of the nerve day surgery and is now in worse pain! He has messaged his PCP about this and to see what can be done but he is just done with the VA...They just can't make the pain go away....The pain med's no longer him either.

If you are in pain and have swelling the best thing you can do is go to the ER and complain and hope to get the MRI earlier then at the end of the month. You are your own best advocate.

As far as the ankle issues as everyone has stated you have to be able to "connect the dots"

As far as MH and an increase all you can do is submit a new claim for an increase and see...Going from 50% to 70% is a huge milestone to accomplish with the MH Claim...BUT keep in mind when you open ANY new claim all disabilities are subjected for review. Doesn't mean it will happen but it could...

Good luck and I hope you get the help you need!

[Andyman73]

Denied because his SC is "only" 20%? Are they reaching that far to find a reason to deny?

[Navy4life]

Andyman73 are you referring to me? Sorry not sure but if so YES...It is quite sad! His S/C for lumbar is at a max of 20%! Unbelievable! He lives with this pain daily.....

[lcurle]

Yes my back is for "Lumbar spine degenerative arthritis" I can't straighten my back out without a sharp pain. Looks like i will be in the same boat with the MRI and injections. Finally my RO got a letter from the Secretary asking why I have not been offered anything other than the mention of a walk in clinic and now have an Intake Exam at the VAMC for treatment I would guess.