DDD Thoracic and Lumbar

[Ttalbot84]

So I am already SC for my Lumbar DDD and was looking to see if anyone has any information linking thoracic DDD to my already SC Lumbar DDD? I cannot locate anything that would link it but I might not be using the correct search criteria. I have a follow-up appointment with my pain clinic doctor at the VA in a couple weeks and will ask him about his opinion as well.

I just had a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) installed on 16 July and that has helped to reduce some of the pain but it does not block all of it.

Here is what I have:
*T3-T4 small broad-based disc bulge
*T4-T5 moderate-sized broad-based posterior disc bulge
*T4-T5 mild to moderate right and mild left neural foraminal impingement
*T5-T6 small focal right paracentral disc bulge
*T5-T6 mild impingement upon the right exiting nerve root
*T7-T8 small to moderate-sized right paracentral to right neural foraminal disc bulge
*T7-T8 moderate impingement upon the right exiting nerve root
*T9-T10 moderate-sized right paracentral to right neural foraminal disc bulge
*T9-T10 mild to moderate impingement upon the right exiting nerve root

-Bilateral Radiculopathy - Legs
-Disc Space Narrowing L5-S1
-Disc dessication, Disc Space Narrowing, Facet Arthropathy, Facet Hypertrophy and Annular Tear L4-L5
-Disc Dessication, Disc Space Narrowing and Annular Tear L5-S1
-3 Broad Based Disc Bulges L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1
-Bilateral Neural Foraminal Stenosis - L5-S1
-Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region
-Segmental and somatic dysfunction of thoracic region
-Segmental and somatic dysfunction of cervical region
-Segmental and somatic dysfunction of lumbar region
-Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbar region

 

[RGZWS6]

The key words you're looking for are "secondary condition". There is a bunch of information out there on how to file a successful claim for a secondary condition(s). The only problem is that you open yourself up for a full review of all new and previous conditions when you file that claim. There is always a slim chance that your current percentages could be decreased, but looking at what you've posted, thats probably not likely. Here is a link to a case where cervical was linked to lumbar: https://www.va.gov/vetapp07/files3/0723654.txt

As long as there is a nexus, and you're examiner states that "its as least as likely as not" that your thoracic issues are connected to your lumbar, you should be good.

 

[Ttalbot84]

The key words you're looking for are "secondary condition". There is a bunch of information out there on how to file a successful claim for a secondary condition(s). The only problem is that you open yourself up for a full review of all new and previous conditions when you file that claim. There is always a slim chance that your current percentages could be decreased, but looking at what you've posted, thats probably not likely. Here is a link to a case where cervical was linked to lumbar: https://www.va.gov/vetapp07/files3/0723654.txt

As long as there is a nexus, and you're examiner states that "its as least as likely as not" that your thoracic issues are connected to your lumbar, you should be good.

Thank you. I am well aware of the secondary condition part of the VA claims process. I was looking for any literature that might show a link between Lumbar DDD and Thoracic DDD. I will definitely review the case you provided.

 

[Former MiTT Team Leader]

Thank you. I am well aware of the secondary condition part of the VA claims process. I was looking for any literature that might show a link between Lumbar DDD and Thoracic DDD. I will definitely review the case you provided.

Read quite few posts spinal conditions- one above from with case from: https://www.va.gov/vetapp07/files3/0723654.txt pretty interesting on "secondary" service connection- see brief "quotes" from listed web-site:

"Cervical spine: The veteran asserts that he has developed a cervical spine disability as a result of his service-connected lumbar spine
disability.The medical evidence confirms that the veteran has a cervical spine disability. For example, x-rays in August 2002 showed marked degenerative disc disease in the lower half of the veteran's cervical spine, a finding that was confirmed by a VA examiner in August 2002. In May 2005, the veteran underwent a VA examination to determine the etiology of his cervical spine disability. After examining the veteran, the VA examiner assigned diagnoses of degenerative disc and joint disease, and he opined that it was at least as likely as not that the cervical spine disability was caused by the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The examiner explained that the veteran's baseline in the military for cervical spine pain was zero, but as the disc disease in his lower back progressed, the cervical spine symptoms increased in severity as well. The examiner explained that this was a result of a weakening of the muscles in his lower back, which resulted in a disruption of the veteran's gait.
In April 2007, Dr. Gordon, a medical consultant to the American Legion, concurred with the VA examiner's opinion, indicating that she was of the opinion that it was at least as likely as not that the cervical spine disability was either caused by the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability or aggravated beyond the expected natural progression. As the portion of the opinion which states that the cervical spine disorder is caused by the service-connected lumbar disability is the more favorable portion of the opinion, the Board interprets the opinion as favorable to a finding of direct service connection.
As such, two doctors have concurred that the veteran's cervical spine disability is a result of his service-connected lower back disability, and the veteran's claims file is devoid of acontradictory medical opinion of record. Therefore, the preponderance of evidence supports the veteran's claim, and service connection is accordingly granted.
Knees
The veteran contends that he has a bilateral knee disability which was caused by his service-connected back disability."

Howler after reading-scanning quite a few posts did not see much on actual treatment and how it actually worked other than:

I just had a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) installed on 16 July and that has helped to reduce some of the pain but it does not block all of it

Interested if anyone this forum can explain their various experiences with different modalities treatment for issues with say: Cervical Spinal Stenosis Video and/or any of the spinal issues addressed at https://www.columbiaspine.org/condition/degenerative-spine-conditions/ ??????

Compensation, although important, does not equal quality of life, and the proper successful or continuing treatment for disabling conditions.....thanks.......

(still issues this web-site and/or internet)

 

[golfrnut]

I'm not sure if this is the answer you were looking for but, the Lumbar and Thoracic spine are rated together and given one rating.