degenerative arthritis Degenerative Arthritis Secondary to Lower Back Pain

[Anthony61]

I served in the Marine Corps from 1980-2000. During Boot Camp and throughout my 20 career and even now, I suffer from incapacitating lower back pain, which is far worse today than it was during my years of active duty. The back issue was noted during my VA exam upon retirement, and didn't receive at rating in 2000 after I retired. In 2014, I decide to file a claim due issues with my, which had worsened. In May 2015, I was awarded a 10% disability rating under VA Code 5235. I know for a fact the lower back pain I experience today is a direct result of the trauma, wear and tear and misuse of my back during my military career. A recent MRI shows (Mild facet hypertrophic changes with congenital shortening of the lumbar vertebral pedicles resulting in mild narrowing of the neural foramen at the L3-4 through L5-S1 levels bilaterally. The central canal is patent throughout the lumbar region). My Doctor stated these are just terms that mean I have Degenerative Arthritis. I'm trying to determine if I should file a secondary claim for this issue under my current disability rating for my back pain or approach the Degenerative Arthritis as a separate claim seeing the range of motion has already established under my current disability rating?      
 

[Anthony61]

Claim for an increase and secondary for any other issues you may think is connected within reason.

You may get some issues service connected at 0%.  Don't look at that as a bad thing, look at it as a stepping stone to a higher rating in the future.

Keep in mind, this may take a while.  I have posted (many others as well) namy times, I went 30 than 40 than 60 and most recently 70% over about 6 years timeframe.

Nothing is magical or automatic, and dont expect any help from the VA regards your rating, you need to drive this train yourself.

Good luck,

Hamslice

Thanks again!

[jo8347]

I have 10% on migraines ever since leaving the military in 2005 now, I have to be injected with botox every 3 months and still taking 2 other meds to alleviate at the onset and preventive. My migraines have worsen by 85 to 90% to a point that I have spent time from work, social and personal locked up in my bed for days this has affected my work and marriage as well. How can I increase this since it has never been looked at since 2005.

[GBArmy]

Sounds like you should be putting in for an increase. Migraines, if includes prostrating for periods of time, can be 30 or 50%. Look up Diagnostic code 8100. You should get the worsening symptoms documented by a doctor. If you use the VA Health care, call your pCP and ask fora new eval. Get it documented and submit a supplemental claim. In the meantime, start a headaches log. Time, duration, details, dates, frequency. Do it for a month while you are waiting for your medicals. You may even get to skip a C&P if your exam provides the medical evidence. (Maybe.!)Do it today!