Increase for Anxiety related to chronic back pain?

[ColdWarVet]

Hello all,

I am 20% for my neck and 10% for lumbar back. I put chronic pain on my request for increase 2 years ago. In my decision letter they increased me from 10% to 30%. I didn't disagree at the time as I felt that 30% was a fair enough rating.  I just re-read the rating recently and they dismissed the chronic pain. They considered it but it does not meet the criteria or something to that effect.

For quite some time now I've had much anxiety and panic attacks that are triggered as a result of my pain. I DID NOT put that on the request for increase, as I didn't realize that I could until I started reading on this forum.

Question is, should I put in a request for increase based on anxiety (or chronic pain) as secondary to my back pain and hope that it can be established at a C&P exam, or should  I get a referral to the pain clinic and establish it that way first? Also, do I have any recourse, and will they go back 2 years as I put it down then, if I am eventually granted for chronic pain?

Thanks Much!

CWV

[Andyman73]

CWV,

One thing, tho, file that intent to file on the MH claim, because it will establish your EED, and it's good for one year while you gather your evidence for the claim.

Semper Fi

[ColdWarVet]

Will do, thanks for info!

CWV