Degenerative arthritis- Back

[Frankgs]

I recently had back xrays done at the va and the notes below are written by my Rheumatologist. i currently have 10% Left and 10% Right knee Osteoarthritis. Are the findings below related at all to the osteoarthritis in my knees? Any translation is greatly appreciated

 

Findings: 7 views of the lumbar spine are submitted. There are

five non-ribbearing vertebral bodies. There is preservation of

normal lumbosacral lordosis. The disc spaces and vertebral body

heights are within normal limits. There is marginal osteophyte

formation involving the lower thoracic spine. The oblique views

show unilateral left L4 spondylolysis with no spondylolisthesis.

No significant bony neural foraminal encroachment. There is mild

facet arthropathy of the lower lumbar spine The sacrum and

sacroiliac joints appear intact. No paravertebral mass is

appreciated radiographically.

Findings: There is preservation of thoracic kyphosis with 12 rib

bearing thoracic segments identified. The visualized

cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar junctions appear grossly

normal. The visualized vertebral bodies and disc spaces appear

to be maintained in height. There are significant degenerative

changes of the lower thoracic spine with marginal osteophyte

formation. The pedicles appear symmetric. No acute fracture,

malalignment or focal paravertebral soft tissue abnormality is

identified.

[Buck52]

Just my opinion   it would be best if you ask a specialist this question?

 were not Dr's But in some cases a condition that a Veteran has will cause other conditions to arise  but that information needs to come from a Qualified Doc  preferably a Specialist in this field of medicine.

[Frankgs]

Yes of course a Dr.'s opinion would be better. I don't see him for another 2 months. 

[brokensoldier244th]

Looks like all back stuff to me, unless they mention altered gait or something somewhere else. I’m 40% back plus bilateral radiculopathy so I can’t feel my toes. My gait is altered because of it. My bilateral rating for numbness is more than I’d get for any gait issues, though ( or may include it, I don’t remember the exact wording) so if you have numbness and pain shooting down your legs you might look into that. It’s under partial paralysis of sciatic nerve.

[Buck52]

yes well maybe a hadit member that as a condition such as yours can chime in here and let you know what all is needed? , some conditions can cause a secondary condition and the claim would be a secondary claim to that S.C. Condition

Either way you need to talk to your Dr about this  ask him these questions  because your going to need this information coming from a Qualified Dr

our opinions do not count. but  a member that has a related condition such as yours maybe able to help you.  keep watching your post.

[broncovet]

I read your report.  My translation:

Your doctors report "did not" opine on the etiology of the arthritis of your knees.  You need an etiology opinion, however, to get SC.  (An etiology opinion is the docs opinion of what caused your disorders.  Were they caused in service?  Were they secondary to your current SC conditions?  We dont know and your doctor did not make such an opinion in this report)

My advice:  Reveiew the rest of your medical records and your cfile.  Read them.  Here is what to look for:  Look for the phrase "at least as likely as not".  If one of your doctors made this opinion, then you probably have your etiology you need for service connection. 

If, after review of your records, there is no such statment "at least as likely as not" , then you will likely need to get an IMO to get SC.  However, you can go ahead and file, but I suggest at the same time you consider getting a private medical opinion. (IMO), because you will need that, unless its already there, to get sc for your back issues.  

My suggestion is you "not" apply for :

Quote

non-ribbearing vertebral bodies. There is preservation of

normal lumbosacral lordosis....more medical mumbo jumbo terms....

Instead, apply for a back pain issue because a different doc may well diagnose you with something different, whether or not he reads this docs report.  You dont need to be a doctor to get benefits, just apply for a back problem..dont try to be as specific as this quote.  

Edited December 28, 2019 by broncovet

[Usmc03031]

Mst