Lower back injury while in the Navy. Caused radiculopathy in both of my legs, depression and anxiety, sleep apnea all from my back. Now the VA found I have a collapsed vein on the left side of my left leg which needs surgery to repair and caused "foot drop" in my left leg and diagnosed now with spinal stenosis. I think I should also see about my weight issues because it is very hard to exercise and even move around. A lot of people also don't know that when you are having sleep issues it causes your body to crave weird foods, especially carbs and sugar. It's a never ending cycle that the VA doesn't realize that veterans suffer with when they have issues like these
I've suffered back pain ever since an accident from when I was in the Army. The Army rated my knees at 20% each but my back at 0%. It was rated and granted service connection, but 0%. Foolishly, I trusted the Army when they told me to sign the paperwork and the VA would raise my ratings after I got out. They did the exact opposite and dropped the back rating completely, denying service connection, even though the Army said it WAS service connected. Going on 35 years later, my back is worse, my knees are worse and have affected my hips (which are now secondary service connected), and I have chronic bilateral plantar fasciitis. I know the VA is never going to grant direct service connection for my back, but I've contemplated filing for secondary connection due to my hips and knees (both service connected). Knowing the VA though, I have very little hope of any movement.
An outstanding video, so much excellent information! I have pretty much everything you've described. I just had my C&P exam on the 31st so based on everything I've read and been told from the medical community, my 80% should be upgraded to 100%. Question though, if my medical records annotate my migrains as prostrating (or immobilizing according to my neurologist) two to three times per week, with the VA criteria of 50% rating due to how often I suffer with them, can I file a claim for my initial rating of 30% when I retired in 2013 to be considered for an upgrade to 50%? Just curious. I've also tried to talk to my care team at the VA about depression as a result of my chronic pain and limitations but none listen to me at all. It's very odd. I can try again but it seems the VA would bend over backwards to help but they don't seem concerned in the slightest. Anyway, I'll try again, maybe it's a nonissue. Thanks, Brian
Thank you for watching I am glad you enjoyed the video. I am not sure about changing the severity from 2013. You may want to follow up with a legal professional on that part. I am sorry to hear about the response from your care team about the mental health aspects. Best of luck to you Brian and thank you again for watching
My depression rating is connected due to my back pain. My OSA is in higher level review right now for the back pain to obesity to OSA how you described in the video. Thanks for the video.
I’m on track to get TDIU. When I do, should I continue with other secondary claims? Does VA cover all health issues or just service - connected ones? I’ve heard that you should keep going but I’ve also heard people say don’t “poke the bear “. Thoughts?
Hey sir that is an individual decision that veterans make based upon their circumstances. My opinion as a Veteran is that if you believe something is related to your service you should not be afraid to pursue it. Best of luck, thank you for watching, and keep us posted.
I have had 4 back surgeries related to 2 total knee replacements, I walk with a limp, repeated C&P exams the examiner states that my knee problems can't be connected to my back condition.
That is a great question. Every case is unique and I am not the filling expert. Best bet is to follow up with an accredited legal professional like your free county VSO.
@@ro_boat I did not get paid anything. I did it for my hourly pay at the facility I worked for which was an urgent care. They just put people on my schedule that I fit in between anything else like strep throat or headaches or whatever
Lower back injury while in the Navy. Caused radiculopathy in both of my legs, depression and anxiety, sleep apnea all from my back. Now the VA found I have a collapsed vein on the left side of my left leg which needs surgery to repair and caused "foot drop" in my left leg and diagnosed now with spinal stenosis. I think I should also see about my weight issues because it is very hard to exercise and even move around. A lot of people also don't know that when you are having sleep issues it causes your body to crave weird foods, especially carbs and sugar. It's a never ending cycle that the VA doesn't realize that veterans suffer with when they have issues like these
Thank you for sharing. Best of luck to you and thank you for watching.
Lea this one of the best videos you have done
That is really kind of you sir. Thank you for your support and thank you for watching.
Thank you for the information and your service
Thank you for watching!
I've suffered back pain ever since an accident from when I was in the Army. The Army rated my knees at 20% each but my back at 0%. It was rated and granted service connection, but 0%. Foolishly, I trusted the Army when they told me to sign the paperwork and the VA would raise my ratings after I got out. They did the exact opposite and dropped the back rating completely, denying service connection, even though the Army said it WAS service connected.
Going on 35 years later, my back is worse, my knees are worse and have affected my hips (which are now secondary service connected), and I have chronic bilateral plantar fasciitis. I know the VA is never going to grant direct service connection for my back, but I've contemplated filing for secondary connection due to my hips and knees (both service connected). Knowing the VA though, I have very little hope of any movement.
I am very sorry to hear this sir. Best of luck to you
Good video! My MH was diagnosed due to chronic lower back pain. Have conditions in now for radiculopathy. Thanks.
Best of luck to you! Keep us posted!
Great video! 👍
Thank you for watching!!
An outstanding video, so much excellent information! I have pretty much everything you've described. I just had my C&P exam on the 31st so based on everything I've read and been told from the medical community, my 80% should be upgraded to 100%. Question though, if my medical records annotate my migrains as prostrating (or immobilizing according to my neurologist) two to three times per week, with the VA criteria of 50% rating due to how often I suffer with them, can I file a claim for my initial rating of 30% when I retired in 2013 to be considered for an upgrade to 50%? Just curious. I've also tried to talk to my care team at the VA about depression as a result of my chronic pain and limitations but none listen to me at all. It's very odd. I can try again but it seems the VA would bend over backwards to help but they don't seem concerned in the slightest. Anyway, I'll try again, maybe it's a nonissue. Thanks, Brian
Thank you for watching I am glad you enjoyed the video. I am not sure about changing the severity from 2013. You may want to follow up with a legal professional on that part. I am sorry to hear about the response from your care team about the mental health aspects. Best of luck to you Brian and thank you again for watching
Thank you
Thank you for watching!!
My depression rating is connected due to my back pain. My OSA is in higher level review right now for the back pain to obesity to OSA how you described in the video. Thanks for the video.
You bet. Best of luck with that OSA and keep us posted!!
I’m on track to get TDIU. When I do, should I continue with other secondary claims? Does VA cover all health issues or just service - connected ones? I’ve heard that you should keep going but I’ve also heard people say don’t “poke the bear “. Thoughts?
Hey sir that is an individual decision that veterans make based upon their circumstances. My opinion as a Veteran is that if you believe something is related to your service you should not be afraid to pursue it. Best of luck, thank you for watching, and keep us posted.
Thank you, as always, great info. I will be filling for a claim regarding how my years of NSAIDS usage has aggravated my gerd. Wish me luck.
Best of luck to you and thank you for watching!!
I will be using some of the articles you mentioned for my sleep apnea as relates to my back
@@kelvincurtiss3286 sounds great good luck!
I have had 4 back surgeries related to 2 total knee replacements, I walk with a limp, repeated C&P exams the examiner states that my knee problems can't be connected to my back condition.
I am very sorry to hear this sir. Thank you for watching
Is it a good strategy to list these articles on your claim as a nexus to an already SC’d condition?
That is a great question. Every case is unique and I am not the filling expert. Best bet is to follow up with an accredited legal professional like your free county VSO.
Nice...back pain claims can lead to VERY high value 2nd secondary conditions.$$$😊
For sure! In many cases! Thank you for watching!
Nice Master Blaster T shirt
Thank you! That was my unit T-shirt from my time in the 82nd back around 2005.
How much money does a C&P Examiner get paid per veteran?
There are many variables that go into that. It is not a black and white answer
@prestigeveteranmedical so, how much did you get paid, period ?
@@ro_boat I did not get paid anything. I did it for my hourly pay at the facility I worked for which was an urgent care. They just put people on my schedule that I fit in between anything else like strep throat or headaches or whatever