si joints and low back

[msvj3]

Hi,

If I am already service connected for IVDS syndrome and degenerative changes of thoracolumbar spine.  I have arthritis in both SI Joints.  Is this connected to the IVDS?

[Vync]

There is a medical possibility that they are connected. From personal experience, I can tell you that my issues started in the lumbar area and crept into the SI area and later I had cervical/neck issues.

Quote

§4.66   Sacroiliac joint.

The common cause of disability in this region is arthritis, to be identified in the usual manner. The lumbosacral and sacroiliac joints should be considered as one anatomical segment for rating purposes. X-ray changes from arthritis in this location are decrease or obliteration of the joint space, with the appearance of increased bone density of the sacrum and ilium and sharpening of the margins of the joint. Disability is manifest from erector spinae spasm (not accounted for by other pathology), tenderness on deep palpation and percussion over these joints, loss of normal quickness of motion and resiliency, and postural defects often accompanied by limitation of flexion and extension of the hip. Traumatism is a rare cause of disability in this connection, except when superimposed upon congenital defect or upon an existent arthritis; to permit assumption of pure traumatic origin, objective evidence of damage to the joint, and history of trauma sufficiently severe to injure this extremely strong and practically immovable joint is required. There should be careful consideration of lumbosacral sprain, and the various symptoms of pain and paralysis attributable to disease affecting the lumbar vertebrae and the intervertebral disc.

I highlighted an important part in bold.  That means that you will only have one rating even if you are SC for both areas. The VA would likely consider this pyramiding.

There is a separate set of ratings for arthritis, but personally I am not very familiar with them. I do not know if they pyramid/overlap or can be awarded as separate ratings.

Do you also have radiculopathy? It affects the nerves going into your arms/legs and can feel like numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, the "fell asleep" sensation, burning pain, shooting pain, etc... If you feel that your SC spine disabilities might be causing that to happen, consider filing a claim for it. If approved, the VA would rate it as secondary to your SC spine disabilities. If you get both legs or arms rated, it would be considered a bilateral rating (look up bilateral ratings for more info). One thing to keep in mind is the VA may want to do some additional testing or even an EMG (not a pleasant exam, think of it like mild electrocution). EMG's are not 100% perfect tests though.

 

[broncovet]

Its about your doctor.  Did your doctor state your "arthritis" is at least as likely as not related to SC IVDS?  If so, you should be able to get service connection as a secondary.