A Back Pain VA Rating Is A GOLD MINE & Here's Why
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
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0:00 INTRO
1:00 Diagnosis
1:53 C&P Exam
6:20 Bilateral Radiculopathy
Are you looking to increase your VA disability rating? If so, let's look no further than back pain. If so, there may be a way to get compensated for it through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Most veterans deserve a 60% rating, which can make a huge difference in your total disability compensation. In this article, we'll discuss what VA ratings are and how they apply to back pain. We'll also provide some tips on how to increase your rating and get the maximum benefit possible.
The first thing you need for any VA disability claim is a diagnosis! This diagnosis can be for back spasms, low back pain, back pain, lumbar strain, and many more.
Secondly, you need to write a well thought-out personal statement OR use the "Back pain" pre-written personal statement template available in our premium all-in-one VA Claims Academy course. Winning your claim and increasing your VA disability rating has never been easier.
Third, you need to know how to take prompts at the C&P exam. NEVER put yourself through pain at the behest of a C&P examiner, I do not care what they tell you. The examiner is not the one who has to live with the fact that you cannot bend down to play with your children or grandchildren for weeks after your exam, all for the privilege of getting rated lower than you deserve by the VA on top of that. KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES AND STICK TO THEM.
Lastly, enjoy your increase! Here at VA Claims Academy, if our course does not pay for itself each and every month, you can get 100% of your money back.That's how confident we are in this simple strategy and the step-by-step methods that the course guides you through.
Get in touch with Jordan: jordan@vaclaims-academy.com
#vadisability #vadisabilityclaims #veteransbenefits #veteran #veterans - Zábava
Do YOU have the ideal 60% combined rating for your back using this strategy? Tell me about YOUR experience with your own claim 👇
What percentage do you get for a degenerative disc/ herniated disks? Can that be added to a claim separately? I'm still active duty and I have an MRI that shows I have 4 degenerate/herniated disks.
I have 90%(actual 86%) for my back 20% for the back plus BiL 20+20 for radiculopathy sciatic nerve + BiL 20+20 for radiculopathy for femoral nerve plus secondary to back 50% depression-I would like to go back and get the back increased but not sure if I want to risk a down grade. I am now experiencing migraines due to my back- contemplating filing for that; but 50% for migraines will not get me to 95% actual. I am 66 years old.
If the ailment is not documented in your medical records while on AD can you still get a claim?
@@fursurething8659 You can probably get 60% like he says, but try and get your knees added, even at 0%. That way when they go you have it on a claim and then they can get treated and rated as they get worse.
Bl I only got 10% each for bl
During my C&P exam…. I asked the examiner (doctor) a question….. and he immediately responded with “I don’t have time to answer your questions, I have to get you in and out to evaluate the next person!” I was shocked but…. I didn’t say anything because…. I wanted my exam to go well! You know…. Just take it and be “nice” to get a “top” rating!
A little later… within minutes…. He received a personal phone call and left the exam room!
Veterans!!! My brothers and sisters….. don’t do what I failed to do! I didn’t report him!!!
These doctors (not all) give the VA the most important thing to your rating…. Their recommendation!!
If the examiner, like mine, presents himself/ herself as not carrying….. then it’s pretty safe to say that they DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOU!!!
No one is going to take care of you the way you can take care of you!!!
Hard lesson learned!!!
I had a horrible experinxe with an examiner, she was short and rude and didn’t even measure me before getting my rating reduced.
Refile a year later and now you know what to do
Was this at Martinsburg WV? He sounds exactly like my examiner.
I feel ridiculously fortunate… my examiner was also a Air Guard flight surgeon. He understood the military, what they put us through and the “military mindset.” In the end I ended up with 100% P&T straight out the gate. Now that I’m 2 years from the “55 y/o rule” I’m counting my blessings.
What is the 55 y/o rule?
@@Johnspenc2000yeah.... I'm curious
I'm 63 been waiting 2 years dont get 0:47 shit. In service hospitalization and surgery to repair fractures skull one week in Army hospital . File claim....they approve tinnitus 10% and defer the TBI been 2 years waiting. I think there are a lot who ruin it for others
After 55 the VA cannot 'claw back' your disability rating to a lesser percentage.@@Johnspenc2000
The VA 55 year rule states that veterans are protected from rating reductions if they are over the age of 55.
I've had chronic back pain/regular numbness for 20 years without thinking about it much. I figured that was just the way it was. I'm glad people in my life encouraged me to go this route. Your channel is very informative!
I actually had a C&P examiner that told me to stop when I felt any pain at all and explained it to me why. No, a good and honest Dr doesn't last long with the VA.
So true so true. Only the corrupted VA doctor continue employment with the VA.
100 pts just found this booklet truit I find a lot of it would help you wea need each other to make it
I’m 100% P&T. Took me 28 years. Helping other vets now. Started w VACI then went to another org. Your information is accurate and informative. Thanks for helping vets. I learned about the bilateral factor, goniometer. Dial up the enthusiasm. You have so much go stuff to share.
Thank you for the feedback and the kind words Shadowman ♟️ Congrats on your victory!
Can you help me get my 100%? I’m at 70% Unemployability. We have morons out here in the Black Hills.
I agree it was an excellent video keep helping others !! I have helped a several during this journey to P&T no way close to these guys on you tube Thank You service Thank you for helping others
I need help with mine I’m
Stuck at 10 percent
Having back problems I m at 100% but not P&T. Do I need to do to get P&T
Got you, I f4ed myself pulled the "Can do" spirit, when I should have done the "Done All I Could". damn.
This is amazing information. Just got 90% rating in July. Us veterans deserve and need this compensation and medical help. Don’t be afraid to submit your claims but just get educated on it first. Took about 3-4 months to go through the process
I’m at 30% how can I raise mine? And about how long would it take
@@jalenfrommiramar I gotta know what you claimed and your medical evidence. There is no real timeline but it usually averages 120 days or so. Even longer depending on the claims
@@wenceslaosandoval2618 I’m compensated 40% for “knee pain” & “adjustment disorder”… just got diagnosed wit Tinnitus by the VA doctor this past Thursday
I retired with only 20% back in 2011, but now at 90%, myself. To put it simple, I have two 50% ratings, a 30% rating, and four 10% ratings. My total is 89%, and still a long way from 100% unless I have a single rating of 60%. Even next spring when I get my second knee replaced at 30%, it’ll still be at 90%
I wanted to do this, This means you can’t work anymore
Man, I’ve been getting my medical records ready and you explain things the way we need it. Thank you!
You doing it like it should be done others are just ripping veterans off - you don't need to pay for a nexus you need to know what to say at the c&p exam and make sure you record it because them examiners aren't truthful at times !!!
You’re bang on about the C&P examiners, I’ve heard some real horror stories. And I agree about the the monetization point, I think there’s a fair way to exchange value. Cheers my friend
Doesn't matter what you say the examiner works for the VA ,they care less about you no matter what.
yeahi got denied for my back and the dr didnt even take out that ruler during my examination
@@terryjames5552truth. Best to the most medical evidence yourself from private doctors. That's how you win, real evidence. Don't rely on c&p examiner to do it for you. Some are good, most are bad.
Yea right. Having an independent Nexus is absolutely worth the price.
I wish I had known this before I retired. I had back pain the last 15 years up until my final months and the VSO just said that I didn’t have a case if they didn’t give me a diagnosis. I just started a new claim and it looks like the academy is just what I need!
It is good to know that there are a few of us who want to help us if we had this 20 years ago a lot of us would still be here thank you young guys for standing up we need you
10 years ago 😢 the only reason i even started going to the VA was because my two best friends died from not seeking help.
Dude you started mentioning the numbness in the legs and the pain and whatever and that is exactly how I feel. I actually included that on my initial claim it's been 8 months and I'm still waiting but so far they have given me a percentage for my asthma. This happened just yesterday. I'm glad to finally see something come of this because it feels like it's been a really long time
Indeed, the good ole “hurry up and wait”
I have my C&P exam in 2 days. I'm so glad I found your video. Plus I'm have another hearing test, respiratory test and a sleep apnea test done next month. Your videos are very helpful thank you!!
Brother, with that video you totally convinced me, I'm gonna sign up to your Academy. Maybe it's the way you explain things in a calm manner or the music in the background, but that's exactly the information I was looking for. Keep doing what you're doing, your channel is gonna sky-rocket, that's quality info you are giving
Alex, thank you for the kind words and valuable feedback. That’s one of the challenges of being a younger man in an older demographic is that perceived credibility takes some extra work; understandably so. Hearing you and others who get value out of this fired me up! Hope to see you inside
i agree this channel is gonna sky rocket if it keeps going this way. then im gonna say i was one of the original fans i was here before it was famous and nobody’s gonna believe me 😔
@@BA-pz3lo 😂
Keep the videos coming Jordan. Great content!
My man Swoopy, always appreciated my friend
Outstanding explanation!! Wish I could have discovered you much sooner. I suffered a back injury many years ago while in service and finally got a 20% rating. Keep up the excellent work with this channel!
Thank you for the kind words Maria and congrats on getting them to finally admit service connection for your back, that’s a big win 🥇
Now it's time for an increase. Blessings.
Pure gold thank you for this
Make sure when you go to the C&P exam for your back, if they ask you to take off the shoes you are wearing, do not bend over. They will screw you over with that. Wear shoes you can slip on and off with ease.
Don’t bend over with them on ? Take them off first I’m confused
Yeah you right had examiner drop a pen and asked me to pick it up. I said I can't. I took slipper or flip flops as well.
My first c&p for my back went not very well. They didn’t ask me too much, nor did they explain things. They never said on the bending test, to stop when I felt pain. They just kept saying to bend as far as I could. So I did, with great pain. I almost couldn’t raise back up straight. I ended up with 10% disability, service connected.
I re-filed after talking with another disabled vet who said they were supposed to tell me to bend until it hurts. I even had my Dr. fill out a DBQ, even though I knew it was absolutely needed since they had already service connected it. They scheduled me for another C&P, and that Dr. was awesome. She had pulled up my previous exam, and when I mentioned how my Dr. and a spine Dr. both said I had degenerative discs, she said the original c&p exam said I did not have any degeneration. She asked me a lot of questions, including for ridiculopathy. I felt like she actually was looking out for me.
I got the opposite. You can never factor in their disposition during your appt, and how they truly view you. That part is a crap shoot and not in your control. Glad it worked out. I’m still frazzled.
Thanks, I wish I had viewed your video prior to me going to the C&P exam. You made it simple and understandable. My claim has been denied for over 20 years and I just got my first C&P exam, because of my knees. Currently set at 10&10. I have the numbness, tingling and burning sensation down both legs to my feet. I can’t remember how well I expressed my symptoms but I think I covered most. I was truly in pain and each day I wake-up in pain…Thanks for the concern and training.
GREAT INFORMAION!! BEST BREAKDOWN I'VE SEEN ONLINE!!! THANK YOU
Cheers Alexus
Thank you my brother I needed to hear this
Mr. Anderson, I spent 27 years as a Infantryman, no secondary MOS. In average I carried a rucksack weighing 190lbs. I skied with this rucksack, I walked up and down steep mountain’s. I walked in snow wearing snow shoes with this rucksack. I learned to shoot and maneuver with this rucksack. Oh, by the way I spent 10 years jumping out of planes along with my rucksack. I have 3 lower vertebrae damaged and yet no rating! Everything is in my medical records.
Sounds like you need to take those medical records to some civilian docs and get actual diagnoses. Stack the paperwork.
Bro. I just submitted for an increase in my disability rating.. I'm waiting for them to schedule my comp exam. Last comp exam I missed and got chopped from combined 30% to 20%. So I'm out to get back whats mine and more. I'm service connected already for lower back strain, chronic urticaria, and chronic rhinitis. And the exam goes exactly how you said it goes. And not 1 time have I ever seen the examiner iwth a "goniometer".. I'll be taking your advice. I took notes watching your video a couple times.. to make sure I get it right. I'll report back here with the VA's decision.. Thank you for this information bro. I can't believe I came across this video today.
excellent advice i havent seen anyone explain things the way you do big up youself
Wagwan BA thank you, I’m glad you’re getting a different angle here, sometimes that’s what makes learning a topic click
I know this comment may not even reach you but thank you so much for explaining the Gooneeometer or whatever BECAUSE indeed my back does hurt as soon as I bend at that 30° mark and I wouldn't have mentioned it. Like a Marine I would have tried to bend down and touch my toes and never mention the pain. Would have felt weak for saying "here is where I starting hurting when bending". So thank you, after watching this I will take care of myself and get what I deserve. In a couple months when this is all said and done I'm going to donate to your channel. Thank you
I had back surgery about 6 years ago. I submitted a claim which is being checked. My prior claim for my back turned a zero percent from the VA. My back got worse and I had to have my surgery which I did. I hope the VA gives me a decent rating for my back. I presently have a 90 percent disability rating. All I need is that 10 per cent to make my 100. I am praying the VA is fair.
Thanks for your educational videos and steps to help you the VA disability claims process.
Much appreciated Wayne, cheers
Herniated my L5 disc and have sciatica started back in January. It took the USAFR until end of July to get me my LOD. Getting ready for surgery soon.
Good info in this video for the future.
OMG, I had my C&P yesterday and this is what I did exactly what you stated on this video I'll keep you posted on my outcome. God bless.
How did it go? Have you checked your tricare online to see what they put? U can do that.
@@KrispyKlinicI'm at 90% now but they still was denied for sleep apnea.
@@anthonygrant2902why denied for sleep apnea?
Did you get 60% from back pain alone?
@@jigpy1482 No they only gave me 20% started out at 10%.
Great info. Thank you!
the back and neck pain never goes away - the disability helps with paying for therapy - thanks!
In 1983 when I was stationed at Shemya AS, I hurt my back. When I got out, I tried to claim back problems. The VA flat out denied the claim and yes, I was seen by a doctor at the time.
Excellent I just posted that exact comment on another video. Ask do I stop when I feel pain, very important and do not let the examiner assist in anyway.
I have compressed/bulging disks L4-S2 A tingling sensation from my waist to toes in both legs since '92. I was able to retire in '03. Im now at 90%.
I’m 24 and I feel this, rah
My son has been denied several times for his claim. This is very informative because he will have his QTC exam next week. Thank you so much for the info.
Perfect timing for him to prep, wishing him well
@@vaclaimsacademywhat if you never went to medical for your back but still have bad pain that limits you. Can you still get this?
Your video is very informative, thanks for sharing.
Wish I would have seen this before my c&p exam!
I’ve been at 100% and not P&T because after a second C&P the examiner said I had a slight improvement in range of motion. I’ve been scheduled for a future exam in May 2022 but here it is 2023. Thank you for this info, now I’m ready if they call me back!
So somehow a slight improvement in range of motion somehow makes you employable? Smh
With back issues you can get another 50% . Having back issues causes frequent urination problems . There’s lots of medical study’s on this . I’m just waiting for my C&P exam to get done and rated to go after the 50% for urinary problems .
Interesting one, thanks MK Ultra
Let me know how that turns out. I have a back issue with urinary problems too.
I have the same issues and have been fighting mine since 2009. Also they say i have signs symptoms and everything with bi lateral radiculopthy but that i dont have it
I’d like a link to a study. I thought I was just getting old. 😂
@cwilks5592 search back pain and urinary frequency, or spinal stenosis and bladder issues...terms like that. The last is also an article.
I only heard about this recently but have had the issue for over 20 years. Was in for a C&P exam recently and brought it up in passing. He confirmed it's extremely common...so something else to look into now. LOL
I saw you the first time I thought you were some crazy kid. Until tonight thanks brother.
I appreciate the feedback Fred, I’m glad you find this information useful
With radiculopathy they rate it at mild, moderate, and severe. 10, 20, 30. So if you want 20% make sure you tell examiner it’s moderate. You get the picture.
What are the symptoms for moderate?
Thanks for this!! 🙏
fan for life, thanks bro
Great video. I have my increase exam next week. Thanks for the info!
Thank you so much. I’m going back in to try to get 100%. I’m currently at 40. I didn’t know about the bilateral thank you very much.
Great video! Thank you.
As a disabled combat veteran this makes me think about why it’s so fucking hard for someone with injuries like myself to get a damn thing. Happy for you but disgusting the system fucks us over like that. 😤
What are you trying to say ?
I think you know what he’s saying. Dudes who served in combat being turned down and chairforce bitches milking the government w/o any real sacrifice.
@@clintonlund1461 If you learn how to read and speak you will get your rating. but if you're a chimp and can't speak properly or express yourself the right way you'll get nothing. stop being bitter and learn how to represent yourself. the military doesn't care clearly be your own man the military can't hold your hand anymore your useless to them now.
It helps if you don't wonder why its so fucking hard to get help.. for example.. when you go to a fastfood place to get food.. how often is your order correct, and fresh and how often is it not.. ?
Agree
I am this! 20% 20% 20% and 70% mental health 10% morton's neuroma in right foot. Waiting TDIU since 2020..... I've been fighting since 2003!
Glad to know this info, they had me go as far as I could then made my back worse from o er stretching and they denied my claim
I’ve got my lower back C&P exam next Friday, hopefully all goes well. Thank you for your knowledge brother, I’ll keep you updated how it goes when they make their decision.
Update?
@@jvalusmc0331 just finished my c&p exams in April, still waiting the decision
Great info thank you!
Your awesome thank you for your service, love this channel stay blessed 👏👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 you rock Jordan. Hu Ra…
Thank you brother! Semper Fi!
I was at Hines Blind Rehabilitation Center, when I slipped in a puddle of water inside the hospital and had to be rushed by ambulance to the emergency room for a cracked tailbone. They told me that I was not injured enough for them to compensate
I just had my C&P exam done for my back and the lady was so helpful she told me stop when you feel pain and she sai im here to help you and everything went good i hope to get maybe 80%
Update?
@jvalusmc0331 I got my back pay yesterday I couldn't believe it idk what percent yet
Im a veteran and still would do it again for l8l pay just l8ke 45 years ago,im just thankful for medical care
Wow, wish I had found you sooner. Great job
Cheers JT
Well done!
They way that they rate this is crazy. My back hurts no matter what and the angle that you were showing is about the angle that I’m usually stuck in and it hurts to try and stand up straight or bend over further because of bulging discs in my lower back. I have the constant pain that goes down both legs. It’s either tingling, heat or a sharp pain that I usually feel going to my knees. Mine also gets so bad that I am stuck in bed or on the floor and my wife has to help me out.
Not only should you be getting 40% for your back, 20% for radiculopathy left leg, 20%, radiculopathy, right leg, but you likely also qualify for the VA caregiver program which would supply your lovely wife with a nice 4 figure monthly stipend.
The tangible difference in quality of life between being under-rates and being rated properly is massive.
Mine is the same and they only gave me 10% I miss like 2 weeks a year total from not being able to get out of bed from the pain
@vaclaimsacademy have you done a video on the caregiver program?
@@vaclaimsacademy I only got 10% on my lumbar which I thought was going to be my highest rating since I was in the ER about 4 or more times a year because of my lower back. I’m retired and living in the Philippines now and when my back goes out I can’t stand or walk for about two weeks and it’s usually a month before my back to being okay but not normal. With all of my disabilities I’m rated at 100% P&T so now I’m just doing pain management and when my back goes out I’m usually stuck in my living room laying on a mat and binging a tv show or watching movies for a few days or week or however long it needs so I can stand on my own.
What rating can i get with Osteoarthritis. As a result of OA, I had meniscus repair surgery in 2019; and about to get left total hip replacement in a few weeks. How can i prove its service connected? I out processed from the army in 1991.
2 ruptured and bulging discs from injury WHILE ON DUTY, rated service connected 0% initially after I filed again it was upped to 20%...disregarded sciatic pain etc...they took the measurements and I explained that "today is a GOOD day, I can move" and disregarded the fact that I have days where I can barely get up, can't put on my own socks or tie my own shoes, etc.
great video. I have an exam today. I wish I knew about your your channel before just now.
You got this! Cheers
This video is spot on. When I went in for an increase for my back the C&P examiner also diagnosed me with Radiculapathy on his own. This eventuality lead to me getting approved for P&T TDIU. I thank God for that examiner because being at 100% is definitely life changing.
Did you do everything yourself or have a company help?
@@nicholasheuermann9221 I requested a copy of my C-File and gave that, my employment and education history to a vocational expert. He did a vocational evaluation and determined I was unemployable. He then wrote a report that I submitted to the VA. Just remember that if you apply for TDIU that it’s not a stand alone claim, you must apply for it as part of a claim for an increased rating.
Thanks for info good job.
I was rated at 100% p&t about 2 years ago. I'm 77 years old and it took me years to get to that rating. I have been suffering with back pain since my mid 30s, in one of my flare-ups, I lost total control of my legs. Wish I knew about this before now. It .ight have made it easier to get the 100% rating.
I broke my back in the Army. Drills be hollering at us to run under full ruck, didn't have my back brace, full force of the steel Allison rack was slapping against my back under 30-40lbs of weight, and bam!! Back got broke! Couldn't run for a whole month and had to limp with a crutch. I healed though before discharge.
Another great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have back pain AND tinnitus documented but they didn't give me any percentage for either, though I have 40% for the combination of what they did give me a percentage for. Just recently started working with DAV (went with them before discovering your channel) to get my initial claim (ten years old) appealed and also have my burn pit exposure added to it as well. Fingers are crossed that I can get it squared away before too long.
I have the very example you used fromJumping out of perfectly good aircraft in my youth. I just had a C and P exam last week. The Dr. didn’t even bother to ask me anything after he saw three papers- DD214, Diagnosis from a Private doctor and MRI results. He told me to bend until pain felt and did his measurements. He then said something like “i bet you feel numbness, shooting pain and or tingling on BOTH of your legs”! Damn right, I said yes because it is the truth. Stabbed both of my legs a couple of times each one harder than the previous. Got back to his computer then he said “20 years is a long time, Airborne”! Coming from a former medic in the 82nd, I fully understood what he meant. Thanks doc and thank you fie putting out very useful info out there. Keep them coming!
That’s what I call a smooth C&P exam! Good job, hoping you get some great news in the mail
Thanks for the information. I have my exam tomorrow.
I hope it went well for you!
Jordan! Awesome video thank you so much! I just filed for disc herniation. And I will sign up for your academy when exam is scheduled! Ttys!
Talk soon Harry
I got diagnosed in 04 with degenerative disk disease. I filed a claim in 05 after getting out of service and was denied. I have suffered with the pain for 20 years before I found out how to reopen my almost 20 year claim. Now I have another c&p next month on this condition. Thank you for your advice. Because before I was always told to bend until I couldn't anymore. I have even filed a claim for back pain 2 years ago and was denied.
@derangedmetalworks9489 You got a diagnosis for a degenerative disk disease in your military record and they denied your claim?
@1stnamebr406 yes they did. I have been told that the VA has changed things since then. At that time I did not know that I could report the c&p examiner, and did not know how to appel things. Now because of videos like this one I have learned how to reopen claims and help myself through the process.
Just through experience, I initially gained a 30% rating straight out of the Marines in 1982 because I suffered a HNP L5/S1 with radiculopathy and the experience of the surgery in 1980 to help me walk again. Immediately after the injury, the nerve impingement was so severe that I lost use of my left lower extremities. After the recovery phase (which was years), I went to school on Ch. 31 benefits in 1989 and did okay financially, but mostly because my wife had income. By the time 1994 rolled up, my back condition became much worse, with bilateral pain and numbness and subsequent issues with pain induced depression, the VA re-evaluated my case and upped my rating to a 70% combined. rating. Voc rehab tested me and determined that I qualified for further education so that I could get a master's degree, a better job may await me, but the major depression proved to be much more debilitating than even they or I could imagine it would so soon, so the next step was a 100% rating due to unemployability. I was an MP in the Marines, so that was the threshold employment where I would qualify for under that rating. After that, I had and have episodes where I need days of bedrest in order to even become mobile again, I am dependent on morphine and muscle relaxers for pain management (understand, please, I never have relief from the pain unless I take much more opioids than the VA pharmacy will allow outside to non-hospitalized patients), so basically, I just exist, in constant pain, and I don't call that a life. Because I am routinely and often on bedrest, exacerbated by the limitations of major depression, would I gain anything from applying for SML extra payments? Just a few years ago, I was doing okay financially, not well off, but not begging for food or gas money. The Biden economy has ruined my quality of life. What would I need to do to get evaluated for SML?
I appreciate you talking the time to share your military experience. I am a Camp Lejeune Marine 0311 and when we did a West Pack Deployment , and had to do Cold Weather training in Main land Japan, my back snapped whenever we were forced to climb up this steep snowyy hill with full cold weather combat gear and wearing skees.
I got 20% in ‘74 for a slipped vertebra in L5. In ‘11 I needed back surgery, fusion S1-L5-L4-L3 due to nerve damage, issues walking, neuropathy in both legs constant tingling in both feet. I put in a claim for an increase. They eventually sent me to a civilian chiropractors office in a strip mall in San Jose, in between Tequila Taqueria and a Sushi Bar, WTH?? They didn’t want to hear about the legs,just then back. Could not even measure the length of the surgery scars correctly. I got denied an increase. Contacted the DAV in San Francisco to assist with the appeal and requested a video hearing with a judge in DC. First I got an appointment with a local VA clinic in Fremont with a nurse practitioner. That resulted in 20% per leg. Gotta love VA math, 20 + 20 + 20 = 50%. Finally got the video with the VA Judge in DC, eventually got the back raised to 40%. That was years in the process but at least the pay was retro active to when I submitted the claim. And more fuzzy VA math, 40 + 20 + 20 = 60%
Sad man. The govt views us as "useless eaters." That's why they put us through this crap.
Update, filed for an upgrade, Have 3 MRIs for back, L, T and C and an EMG showing severe radiculopathy and severe neuropathy in both legs. Also having neck issues with headaches (severe neck strain in my discharge records from 50 years ago). Balance issues. Had a favorable C&P exam, went in loaded for bear with all my docs and examiner said she would give me a favorable report. Hoping for 100% P&T at this time.
Shout out to you for making this video. I’m 100p&t and your absolutely right on the details you mention.
Glad it helped!
great information
I was medical retired for back issues got the small disability you spoke of. Went back 3 years later as it was worse and they wanted to cut in in half as I moved 2 degrees more hopped up on pain killers (literally a handful of pills a day) My doc fought to keep my rating the same. and since have had pain pump inserted to cut down on the amount of narcotics I took. I'll never go bad to VA
Its a shame you have to wait after you're discharged to find this info out. I will be submitting my claim for my lower back it has gotten worst I was laid up for two days the pain was unbearable. Great information I'll be sure to pass it on.💯👍👏
I still didn't find out until 20 years after I got out. Damn shame..
Im a 12 year combat veteran. I left active duty Jan 2 2022. I submitted my claims and got rated at 60 percent. I currently have a c&p exam March 1 and 14. This video really gave me good insight on what I should expect. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏽
Download thr VA WARMS book online. Look up your disability and you'll know what they're looking for to get rated.
Also, don't forget to claim depression/anxiety/ sleep deprivation as secondary to your back pain during your mental health appt.
It'll all stack up
You earned your disability. I'm a combat vet as well 2 tours. Guys like this is teachinf you how to con the VA. He was Airforce! Lol no deployments. This is exactly why the VA is backlogged. This dude who has made a business on conning the VA. Its disgusting. This bothers me more than anything.
@@user-wb3vb1rq5eHow's he conning the VA? Maybe he's good at articulating to the C&P examiner his disability.
I had an C&P today. The female examiner did not use the device. She talked more. But when she told me to touch my toes I stopped and did not touch my toes. She seen I was in pain. She recommended acupuncture and p.t..
Great video
I know I have back pain, hips, knees and leg numbness. From being in the navy, going up-and-down all the latters of the ship and ealking on the hard deck also walkijg around the ship endurring high seas. For a good 6 years, sometimes 8 to 20 hours at 1 time. However, I don't have a diagnosis.
Glad i came across your videos, you are a very smart veteran and explanations are pretty clear. I have had this rating for about 5 years (since 2018) I'm at age 64 now, finally got BVA remanded letter a month ago (June 2023) with one granted Bi-lateral hearing loss, it has been on appeal since 2019. While claim was on appeal i have been diagnosed with migraines, chronic neck pain ( spine specialist) says its to bad to operate on with multiple levels of radiculopathy, also been diagnosed with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, currently heading back to the specialist for my right shoulder where the MRI show tears in rotator cup and bursa sack, i have not gotten an answer from the regional office where my claim file was remanned...(What is my next step)???
..all of these diagnosis was done through VA Community Care...
I have back problems and feel tingling in my legs and feet too. I’m a Army Veteran who injured my back on active duty during Desert Storm.
Check your service treatment records for your diagnoses
I have been fighting my back issue for over a decade. All they keep saying is that injury was in service but I didn't continue treatment. Pre911 USMC was a bullish environment to keep going to sick call. I left service with issues. Now the VA found I have spina bifida. I will try again thanks for the help
Get an MRI outside of the VA.
My CMP Doc had me face a wall and put my toes up against the wall, and lean forward towards the wall. Didn't even reach the wall. He told me to make another appointment for just my back. I was there for my leg, he said my leg problem was from my back.
It was the opposite for me. I was there for my back, and he checked my feet for feeling. And I couldn't feel a thing. I got 10% for each foot, and I didn't even have a claim in for that.
My problem is I’ve had a shoulder problem since I was in service. I never got it looked at while I was in (I was never taught think about future VA claims). I had it looked at several years ago and was denied benefits because they deemed it wasn’t service connected.
GET YOUR ISSUES DOCUMENTED WHILE IN SERVICE.
they denied me back pain even though i am considered a combat vet and went on 2 deployments and many underways, being an HT on an aircraft carrier i think qualifies for presumptive back pain lol..carrying a 138lb snake to unclog heads up and down steep ladderwells multiple times throughout my naval career took a toll on my lower back
Yes I can use the help because I broke my ankle in c school
When I retired they tried to give me 30% for my back. Still needed to get L2-3 fused, bulging disc, degenerative disease, narrowing where the nerves travel. Said no to the whole claim. Bumped it up but back went from 30 to 40%. I fought it later and got it to 50%. The best is to get your MRI and recommendations oh what it needs to be fixed. And C&P, I definitely made sure the Dr didn’t push down as I “touch your toes” like the Dr did on my original C&P. Which is bs but I didn’t know any better.
I had this know it all C&P examiner try the “push through the pain and try to touch your toes . I told him I have 2 herniated disc in my lower back I’m done I got rated 10%. I had a lot of other stuff making me “250% disabled “ I spent 9 years in the ARMY and I don’t know where they find some of these medical “professionals “
This is great advice. My C&P examiner really insisted that I bend down and touch my toes and I stopped and wouldn't go further as soon as I felt pain.
Update I can't believe I had a C&P on 4/29/24 and had a decision on 5/1/2024 but I did. I did what this video said only went up 10% on my back to total 20%. I don't think she measured correctly or just screwed me over.
I was a storekeeper in the navy. Years of moving extremely heavy equipment and supplies up and down 5-6 flights of stairs on a carrier. Been living with back pain since I got out in 2008. I was just happy to get out and move on with my life. Never even thought to file a claim because you just learn to live with pain. It just becomes normal. I’m thinking maybe I should now.
I was diagnosed with Lumbar radiculopathy
I've filed two secondaries one for sleep apnea and another for irritable bowel disease and the summary for degenerate disc disease i have to do a sleep study that's been ordered already I'm also waiting for a claim for for toxic exposure which should be arriving in the mail in the next few days if not today
My examiner told to go as far as I could. I had loaded up on Naproxen that morning. I got a letter from the VA last week and my claim was down-graded.
Ive had good chiropractor care and good range of motion. However due to disc problems etc i have developed nerve pain in my feet.
I have had back pain for years from a service injury and missed many days of work after the USAF. The only document I have is form 88 upon discharge in 1969 that states a back injury. Thinking of the C & P exam, and if they use a goniometer and ask me to bend over till I feel pain, then I would not move at all. Standing straight, I am in pain. Slight movement forward helps with the intensity of pain until I move a little more forward then more severe pain returns. I have never applied for compensation.
I have a total 70% rating for heart and individual unemployability
Ugh, I wish I had seen this video before I took my C&P exam, or spoke to a VSO.