lumbosacral DBQ CLARIFICATION FOR LOWER BACK

[VAW-126]

I am looking at one of my DBQ for Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions for which i have file for a increase evaluation for my S/C Lumbosacral Strain.  The following is what the C&P Examiner wrote verbatim "The examination is neither medically consistent or inconsistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss with repetitive use over time". What does the mean. I am currently rated at 70% P/T with IU. The Social Security Administration has found me disabled as well because of my service connected back and cardiac conditions. A Medical Expert testified at my social security disability hearing as to the extent and severity of my service connected conditions which ultimately resulted in my being granted social security disability. My heart condition is currently rated at 10% but based on the research that i have been doing it appears that my heart condition should be rated at 100% because of the fact that i take medications to help control my stable angina and that I have been hospitalized twice in the past 12 months prior to my C&P exam for my heart condition. Please help clarify if possible.

Service Connected: Lumbosacral Strain 20%, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy 20%, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy 20%, Right Acromial Fracture 20%, Coronoary Artery Disease 10%

Current Claim filed for: Herniated Discs secondary to SC Lumbosacral Strain, High Blood Pressure secondary to SC Coronary Artery Disease, Coronary Artery DIsease (Increase), Obstructive Sleep Apnea with use of CPAP secondary to SC Coronary Artery Disease, Lumbosacral Strain (Increase), Aid and Attendance.

 

Edited March 9, 2017 by VAW-126
Included more info

[VAW-126]

The examiner is Sandra Reid, DNP, FNP-BC Nurse Practitioner

[Berta]

Oh - not a cardio doc nor maybe with no Spine exam  experience at all.....

The DBQ, if it causes problems with your IU due to her statement ,can be rebutted ,in my opinion because the DBQ is too speculative....and she probably has no cardio background.

I did the same thing when the BVA asked for a third VA opinion on my DMII claim from a cardiologist.

I got an opinion from a VA PA.The BVA agreed with my rebuttal.

Nothing wrong with NPs but some time ago I put the Federal Register comment link here for all to comment on whether NPs should take the place of MDs for VA C & Ps. Thanks to all who commented on that.

The VA went ahead and decided ARNPs could do C & Ps. 

If I were you I would wait for the decision. It might not be as bad as it sounds.

But her statement as to not being unemployable is concerning.

Edited March 9, 2017 by Berta