Needing help

[Matthewcrawford83]

I've filed paperwork with the VA and the rep keeps asking me for more proof I have gone to my personal doctor and was told I have issues with my lower back and I also have degenerative disk disease in the 2 injured spots in my back i was on a deployment when this occurred but it was way back in 2003 and im one that hates to ask for help but as I've gotten older the pain keeps getting worse and worse and the only thing I can't seem to get is a letter from my original chiropractor that said he saw me back then for this injury I went to the doctor on base and they said I had a pulled muscle and gave me the usual motrin and drink water bit im wanting to know if I was to submit my mri my x-rays and proof that I'm not faking this injury if that would be enough to get it pushed through the system im not out looking for a massive pay day or anything just need help with this im afraid they are going to say I can't work anymore and im going to be screwed when it comes to providing for my family 

[ShrekTheTank]

The VA will not a say you can't work anymore.  Now if you can't work then you can get unemployability.  Which would mean you already can't work.  

I am 100% P&T and I still work every day.  It is an office job, but it works.

It is fine to send this information in, but in a C&P exam they will probably want their own scan.  Regardless of what you have.  The VA has the duty to assist, and they almost always take this to the level of they need all the information as up to date as possible and they want it from the VA hospital or a contractor for the VA.

Yes submit the information, and no they will not stop you from working.  

[broncovet]

VA claims 101:  CALUZA ELEMENTS.  Cover those, and get SC.  

Check your records to make sure: (Dont guess or "assume" this is in your records)

1.  You have a current diagnosis of disability claimed. 

2.  You have documented an "in service event" which injured your back.  

3.  You need a letter from a doctor that says your "in service event" at least as likely as not caused your current diagnosis.  

    Beyond this, you need "current symptoms".  How often do you have back pain?  If you can no longer work due to SC disabilties, then you can get TDIU.  Yea, I know.  the waiting period from when you are not working, until VA finally SC's you, is often long.  Hopefully you have a large savings account.  

      If you can work, keep working.  

Edited July 29, 2021 by broncovet

[pacmanx1]

A lot of veterans that are rated 100% scheduler or TDIU also get their SSDI (EARLY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE). If you can prove that you can't work, you can collect both benefits. You are going to have to do some research and find out what is best for you and your family. I was told by my VA doctor to quit my office job, but I continued until I could not work, and things got worst. If you’re a government employee, you can also try to retire early. 

[El Train]

6 hours ago, broncovet said:

VA claims 101:  CALUZA ELEMENTS.  Cover those, and get SC.  

Check your records to make sure: (Dont guess or "assume" this is in your records)

1.  You have a current diagnosis of disability claimed. 

2.  You have documented an "in service event" which injured your back.  

3.  You need a letter from a doctor that says your "in service event" at least as likely as not caused your current diagnosis.  

    Beyond this, you need "current symptoms".  How often do you have back pain?  If you can no longer work due to SC disabilties, then you can get TDIU.  Yea, I know.  the waiting period from when you are not working, until VA finally SC's you, is often long.  Hopefully you have a large savings account.  

      If you can work, keep working.  

Even though you might have all three of these (like I did) the VA can deny if you don't have continuation of care after you got out (you have to have Dr. visit records).  Even though I sought continuous care (up until I filed my claim) when I got out, I did not keep these records.  DR's retire or destroy records after a certain amount of time.  This is what got me denied.  I couldn't prove continuation of care.  Hopefully you kept good records.

Could I win this in an appeal?  Yes, I have the means to get several Dr's opinions, but I'm 100% P&T, SMC-S.  So I let them have their small victory.  I still get care for my spine issues through the VA (Chiro, massage, etc.), so that helps.