About two years ago I filed for an increase for my 10% SC lower back. The C&P examiner also checked for radiculopathy. My back increased to 20 % and I was also awarded mild radiculopathy at 10% for each foot. That’s a good examiner!
I recently had a C& P exam on my lumbar spine. Exam date was November 9th. Having bilateral radiculoptcy, incontinence, loss of feeling in both feet with numbness yet tingling sensation. Recently had surgery on L-4-5. Laminectomy procedure was done. With no improvement yet. Puzzling is the C&P examiner said she was going to make sure I get help quickly. 2 weeks later I received another letter saying my case was being reviewed for a second time by a Nurse Practitioner. My neurosurgeon did write up a very well written NEXUS letter, stating my back issues are secondary to my left knee and right foot military injuries.
0:10 so again, paying for Nexus is being unfairly pushed on disabled veterans. It is against the law to make a veteran pay a business for assistance in getting benefits. So they found a way to get payment in a way that skirts that law. Now the VA is pushing veterans, requiring a Nexus letter, otherwise it is guaranteed you won’t get a service connection without it. And since most if not all PCPs will NOT do any kind of “disability” write ups. So the veteran is FORCED to seek out a “doctor” that is not your treating physician, have them write you a Nexus letter, and pay them high fees. For vets like me that are on fixed incomes and are very limited on where they can work because of their disabilities, this is not an option. It’s a racket, and unfortunately the VA is participating in it. It’s shameful.
Hi, thanks for the great videos. I have a question regarding rating of back pain and related conditions. I submitted a claim for “low back pain” and have my C&P in a week. I have in service medical documents showing diagnosis of Spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy. My question is regarding rating. I will make sure my various diagnosis are covered at the C&P exam, but when it comes decision time should I anticipate a rating per diagnosis? IE back pain based on ranged of motion, DDD, Spondy and Radiculopathy or is it just one rating for “back pain”? Thank you again
I've had some awfully incompetent VA doctors over my years with VA HEALTH! The few good ones I had were either moved, or they left to go work in the private sector! My bad experiences have caused me to never tell the VA staff all the issues I'm dealing with! Now that the PACT ACT is in place, I fully understand the extent of the VA incompetence and why they MISDIAGNOSED so may of my conditions. I'm 10% and should have been left at 100%! The VA put rods in my neck and left much of the work undone! You can't trust the VA! At all!
After 9 years VA finally granted my back issue claim...radiculapathy 10% left and right side and 20% lumbarsacra cervical strain. I had to do c and p exam. I did lots of lifting my 8yrs in army. I worked in post office and mailroom. Had to unload and load mail trucks. 40% disabled. I'm doing secondary for this horrible knee pain and insomnia because I can't sleep well due to these issues!
So I have service connection for cervical strain, cervical arthritis and now have been diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy. Do I need nexus letter or just submit diagnosis?
So, at about 6:00, I believe it was stated, if I get service connected for degenerative disc disease, and my C&P exam for that specific disability shows evidence from my MRI I now have radiculopathy, which the examiner did note, the VA will automatically give me secondary service connection for radiculopathy?
I have been told that my condition was probably from being a Paratrooper and the many jumps I did. They will not issue a letter for me to what they told me. Is this common? Whom can I contact to help me?
I filed for the same thing in this video is what I filed and if I would have known how to apply for disability I injured my back and they said it was a strain my back pain and it was a pinch nerve and right after I was discharged I woke in so much pain and I was treated by a chlorpractor and I can’t find any records and this was the doctor that treated me for this pinched nerve from October 1984 until September 2005
Service connected back injury.. I have a Lipoma in my left sciatic area. Primary care had another Lipoma removed and mentioned to be sure to not to remove lower left one because it takes special surgery. Have flair ups of severe pain and numbness limited movement. Constant aggravation. Would this be secondary to my existing back rating?
Interesting! I suffered an injury in 1972 while in the Army. Spondylolisthesis in L5, which got me a 20% rating. By 2011 I was having issues walking and required surgery to fuse S1-L5-4-3 due to loss of sensory nerve in each leg. Applied for VA increase in disability, was sent to a non VA chiropractor located in a strip mall in San Jose between a Tequila Taqueria and a Sushi Bar. I was denied an upgrade and appealed, requesting a Video Hearing with a VA Judge in DC. Had an exam by a VA Nurse Practitioner in Fremont which resulted in a 20% rating for each leg but nothing for the back. Gotta love VA math 20 + 20 + 20 = 50%. Eventually got the video hearing which resulted in an increase for the back to 40%. Again, the funny VA math, 40 + 20 + 20 = 60%. I have Neuropathy in both legs, can’t climb a ladder without a great deal of fear, constant feet discomfort, balance issues while walking, leg cramps, foot cramps, etc. Have never heard of Radiculopathy, but it sounds like I have it in spades and no mention of it in my VA awards. Should I attempt another increase? Think I’ll run this by my ortho doc, ex Army Major. Any thoughts. Never did get as kicker for bilateral for both legs, they actually dropped mit by 10% with their funny math?? Thanks.
I was just told, at a C&P Exam and being stopped mid-sentence while describing my back symptoms to the examiner, "lumbar strains can only be muscular in nature and that radiculopathy can’t be a secondary condition to a lumbar strain." Simple question: Is this true? I was surprised because everything I have read seems to suggest that a lumbar strain can be, and is often, a musculoskeletal condition.
Have X-rays or CT scans ever been performed? A muscle strain can be a symptom of the underlying lumbar disc disease process, that disease process over time can lead to a bulging disk and eventually a bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. The compressed nerve causes radiculopathy. If the practitioner told you they were not related they are wrong and not knowledgeable of the pathophysiology of the MS system disease process or they knew and did not want to acknowledge there could be a link.
Hello, I am a Vietnam Veteran, and I am Type 2 diabetic. My left leg from my knee down my leg and foot, pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. The V.A. gave me all kind of tests MRI, EMG, X-RAY and more I don't remember there name. And they said I have Radiculopathy, abnormal MRI. Do you think I have a secondary claim on Type 2 diabetic?
Did they diagnose you at your c&p exam for your legs? If so, did they do an EMG to test nerves or take your word for it? I’m going through this now. My neck, right arm, and back are service connected but now I’m trying to get my left arm and both legs rated because I’m having severe nerve pain.
@@michellejd6363 Hey, I was diagnosed prior to the C&P exam. Chiropractor and physical therapy diagnosis. And my word. I believe 2 prior PCP's had it on their records as well.
@@michellejd6363 Let the VA do a MRI on your back and neck and the day you get it, request the images and bring it to an orthopedic doctor to examine the images and let his or her word be your evidence. The VA can't argue with a MRI.
@scrapguy6816 this is so encouraging!! If you don’t mind my asking, did they say what of your summons and evidence led to your leg ratings? I posted a long comment about my situation, I’m stressing!
Thank you, your information has fortified my own research. Now, maybe, I can relax and exhale, for a few days. Your transparency and belief in our U.S. Constitution, Laws, (statutes) enacted by Congress, and Rules declared by federal agencies, are the definitions that Stoke my belief, through your altruistic actions
What if you have lumbar and cervical herniated discs , degenerative discs top to bottom, spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis , radiculopathy and one you may not be aware of is dural ectasia which proves nexus for all of it ?
They said I'm recieving compensation for neuropathy.... but my rating says it for radiculopahty which I have also. These outside compensation reviewers are the worst. I have a lot going in in my back and she ( the reviewers) said my cervical problem is no related to my lumber conditions. The review system needs to be reviewed.
I could use some help/advice. I got denied for my LBP because I did not have a current diagnosis at the time. I now have a current diagnosis my med files from active duty shows my back injuries ( 2 occasions) Fast forward 9 years later, I’m currently seeking treatment at the VA. I now suffer from sciatica, L5-S1, crooked spine, radiculopathy. In fact I was prescribed a cane by my physical therapist. My question is, will I go to a C&P exam for my supplemental claim ? Also, would anyone know when I get rated if my sciatica, and radiculopathy would be included for my lower back pain ? Thank you all for your help.
How is degenerative disc disease service connected? What if you entered service not knowing you had a pre existing condition and the military didn’t know either? While on active duty an injury was sustained. Are you eligible for benefits.
Same here.. I found out last year I have a crooked spine from X-ray from VA. I filed secondary to a SC condition for it and included a copy of the X-rays showing it down into my pelvis. I included internet articles showing you’re born with it and upon enlisting back in the 70’s the enlistment exam only included eyes ears throat and them holding a mirror up to see if you were breathing. My left rib cage extends out which is another sign of a crooked spine. Claim is still pending from December 2022. I wrote I didn’t know I had it and several VA doctors didn’t catch it until I had X-rays done on my hips. So I sent doctors diagnoses, X-rays, internet articles and my statement. Now it’s a waiting game.. Good Luck 👍 👍🇺🇸👍
Hello! Veterans should use VA Form 21-526EZ. Please find more information on our blog: cck-law.com/blog/how-to-file-a-va-claim-for-secondary-service-connection/
How does bilateral factor work exactly. I'm rated 20 for each leg in radiculopathy, 10% lumbar, plus 10% each hip do I get bilateral for both the hip conditions and the leg ratings? I'm asking as my rating is 89 overall and am so close to getting the 95% needed.
I was told that you can get the bilateral factor for each issue on your leg but you also max out at a certain percentage percentage per leg. For instance, you can’t be rated on one leg more than an amputee would get. It’s been 3 months since you posted so hopefully you’re at 100% now!
So I have been rated for radiculopahty in both legs they didn't give me any rating for my poly neuropathy are they the same? I'm filing a claim for the neuropathy(I had a nerve test after my surgery and it's listed on the findings) and also for an increase in the radiculopahty which is no 20% rt and 10% left.
I have all mentioned in this article. Have suffered for years. VA has abandoned me and has no interest, what so ever, in my SC Lumbar back injury. VA has never examined my Thoracic or Cervical spines to any extent but acknowledges "spinal stenosis" in all areas. My lower back has spondylothesis, stenosis, radiculopathy, neurosis, degenerative disc and pinched nerves L4-L5 with arthritic facet joints. When rated, VA Combined all noted diagnosis and rated as one injury at 80% TDIU. Do I have a snowball's chance in hell to obtain 100% TDIU? Just as a note: I was also disabled from my USPS job do to an aggravation to my SC injuries. Pain is all that has been addressed and meds. prescribed, never has the source cause of the pain been evaluated. Can not sleep well at night due to increase in pain, legs sweat, cramp and numbness increases. I do not walk well "stager" and legs feel weak/rubbery /numb and lower legs feel heavy. My feet tingle and sweat constantly. Shoulders, arms and hands always in some degree of pain, cramp or numbness. I waire shoes and socks out continually due to my gate being affected. HELP PLEASE!
TDIU and 100% schedular or 100% TDIU pay the same. Since they awarded you TDIU, be THANKFUL. Alot of veteran TDIU claims gets denied Everyday; Some with 90% disability rating for over 15 years and still can't get 100% rating or TDIU.
So I am rated 20% for back pain (L5/S1) due to a large herniated disk caused in service, and 20% for radiculopathy on each leg. I have had surgery on my back and have done PT twice. The radiculopathy comes and goes, some days I feel nothing, and others I can't really move. I am scheduled to be re-evaluated for these soon and am having an MRI completed before the evaluation. Considering my nerve pain is intermittent, and back pain is 24/7 if the MRI shows nothing compressing the nerve at that time, will that be enough evidence to lower my rating? I am just worried that at the time of my evaluation I am feeling good and they judge me based on that, and possibly the MRI which might not show compressed nerve at that time. The radiculopathy has been rated 2 years ago but back pain 7 years ago, this is my second re-evaluation for my back, which was held last time. I am 100% but no P&T with all other conditions being static. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!
My husband was airborne for 4 yrs. He got out on permanent profile for knees but just recently got 20% on each knee. However, now he has lumbar DDD and lumbar radiculapthy. The VA just denied his claim. He had a MRI and EMG. His flexion is also under 30°. Not sure what to do at this point.
How did he file for the back condition and lumbar radiculopathy? Did he file each as a new, stand alone condition or as secondary to knees? Does he have anything in his medical records stating back pain?
Hmmm; well the short answer is new and material evidence. Recon Marine, knees bilaterally rated at 100 percent. Radiculaphy, MRI, nerve study, and service medical evidence my back is rated at the rare 100 percent. It's your husband's narrative; enunciate it to a medical doctor for support...
I just had a C&P exam for DDD due to spondylolisthesis in my S1/L5. I am experiencing double sciatica and radiculopathy in both legs and feet. The examiner set me up for other exams for tinnitus (which I am already rated for) and hearing loss related issues and an eye exam because I had cataract surgery in both eyes and because I answered her questions about other issues. I'm scheduled to have back surgery for S1/L5 fusion (private doctor) before my hearing-related exam. Since I will only be out of surgery for two weeks, I am wondering how that could affect my previous C&P exam. Will it be viewed by the VA as having been resolved by surgery? Do you have any thoughts on the matter? Thanks. ~John
Well, both my arms go numb when I lay down on my back to relive my headaches. Both hands only go numb from the ring finger out. And my right arm only half bottom of my forearm goes numb.
question for anybody here... i filed claims for my back and knees they found 3 things with my back...1-mild multilevel lumbar spine degenerative ...2-upper spine mild multilevel disc space narrowing...3-small schmorl nodes through out and small anterior endplate osteophytes...and in my left knee -patellar enthesophytes...right shin still gotta get MRI x-ray said underlying bone lesion...for the back are these all considered separate issues which would make for separate ratings??? and I'm not sure what they would think for the knee anyone else have this diagnoses ???...I do not know how all this works yet lol...
good morning I love your videos and appreciate all that you do! Question, I have a back condition service connected low 10% (arthritis of thorocoulmbar). I just got diagnosed from my private doc with radiculopathy in my legs from my back condition. I also just recently was diagnosed with a neck condition and was just diagnosed with radiculapthy in my arms from the cervical issue. I don’t have any records or complaints in service about my neck. Any advice on getting it (neck) service connected?
Thank you for tuning in to our videos! Our blog on VA Disability for Neck Pain may be helpful to you : cck-law.com/blog/va-disability-ratings-for-neck-pain/
Good afternoon, Our firm has assisted individual veterans seeking VA disability benefits for over 25 years. We are uniquely positioned to represent Veterans nationwide in a variety of claims and appeals before VA and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. If you’d like more information, please give us a call! We can be reached at (401) 331-6300.
