Hello,
First, sorry for the long post. If you have the time, please read and give me your opinion on the matter below. Any information would be greatly appreciated. A little background on me ... I am a 28 year old CPT, IN, 6 years in service, about to be 7 years, coming up on 5 years active and 2 years prior service in the GA Army National Guard.
I recently initiated MEB. I was told by my PEBLO that the VA would be calling soon and that I should have a list of everything I would like to claim... which kind of confuses me. When I file a claim, say for my back, do I just say back pain? Or would I claim each back problem as a different claim, for example, Lumbar Spondylosis, degenerative disk disease, herniated disks, thecal sac compression, annular tears, neuroforaminal narrowing .... I currently have a P3 profile for the conditions listed below as well as an H2 condition. I can not be exposed to noise in excess of 85 dBA.
Below is the MRI results and the overall recommendation of the Neurologist here at Ft. Benning.
Here is what my findings were from my MRI:
Mild disc desiccation and disc space height loss are noted at L4-L5. A transitional vertebra (lumbarized S1) was noted on the radiographs. The conus terminates at L1. Modic 1/2 change noted in L5-S1. Otherwise no significant focal abnormal marros signal is identified throughout the limits of the examination.
L4-L5: a bulging disc/right paracentral disc bulge causes mild thecal sac compression and mass effect on the exiting right L4 nerve root. There is a tiny annular tear.
L5-S1: A circumferential/left paracentral disc bulge causes mild to moderate thecal sac compression and mild mass effect on the exiting S1 nerve roots, left greater than right. There is minimal right neuroforaminal narrowing.
Impression:spondylitic changes and bulging discs as above.
Here is the write up from the neurologist:
1. Lumbar Spondylosis 721.3: The low level of his lumbar symptoms at low physical exertion really means that he needs to permanently limit his exertion. From an interventional standpoint, his symptoms do no rise above radiofrequency denervation The chromicity of his symptoms indicate that he would not obtain a long term axial pain relief from epidural injection. There is no good medication option and he does not require surgery.
My opinion is that the SM will not improve to the point to allow him to perfrom their militart duty within the year. As such, I would put them in permanent 3 category. Dr. XXX (Head of MEB) instructed me not to write permanent profiles that would initiate a medical board procedure. I would otherwise initiate MEB personally, but he wants this to be done by the PCM so that it will be more wholistic in scope I will restrict my concerns to the spine.
I understand that back pain is rated on ROM tests, which kind of makes me nervous. For the most part, I have no problem bending over and touching my toes. The level 10 pain doesnt really occur unless I do something strenuous... such as PT, rucking, ... and randomly happens just from bending over and doing absolutely nothing that you would think would strain it. On a day to day basis, my pain is generally a 1-2. Pain increases during prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or doing anything drastically increases while doing any strenuous activity like listed above.
Any tips on filing the initial claim with the VA and what to expect disability wise, if anything, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the help.
Josh
First, sorry for the long post. If you have the time, please read and give me your opinion on the matter below. Any information would be greatly appreciated. A little background on me ... I am a 28 year old CPT, IN, 6 years in service, about to be 7 years, coming up on 5 years active and 2 years prior service in the GA Army National Guard.
I recently initiated MEB. I was told by my PEBLO that the VA would be calling soon and that I should have a list of everything I would like to claim... which kind of confuses me. When I file a claim, say for my back, do I just say back pain? Or would I claim each back problem as a different claim, for example, Lumbar Spondylosis, degenerative disk disease, herniated disks, thecal sac compression, annular tears, neuroforaminal narrowing .... I currently have a P3 profile for the conditions listed below as well as an H2 condition. I can not be exposed to noise in excess of 85 dBA.
Below is the MRI results and the overall recommendation of the Neurologist here at Ft. Benning.
Here is what my findings were from my MRI:
Mild disc desiccation and disc space height loss are noted at L4-L5. A transitional vertebra (lumbarized S1) was noted on the radiographs. The conus terminates at L1. Modic 1/2 change noted in L5-S1. Otherwise no significant focal abnormal marros signal is identified throughout the limits of the examination.
L4-L5: a bulging disc/right paracentral disc bulge causes mild thecal sac compression and mass effect on the exiting right L4 nerve root. There is a tiny annular tear.
L5-S1: A circumferential/left paracentral disc bulge causes mild to moderate thecal sac compression and mild mass effect on the exiting S1 nerve roots, left greater than right. There is minimal right neuroforaminal narrowing.
Impression:spondylitic changes and bulging discs as above.
Here is the write up from the neurologist:
1. Lumbar Spondylosis 721.3: The low level of his lumbar symptoms at low physical exertion really means that he needs to permanently limit his exertion. From an interventional standpoint, his symptoms do no rise above radiofrequency denervation The chromicity of his symptoms indicate that he would not obtain a long term axial pain relief from epidural injection. There is no good medication option and he does not require surgery.
My opinion is that the SM will not improve to the point to allow him to perfrom their militart duty within the year. As such, I would put them in permanent 3 category. Dr. XXX (Head of MEB) instructed me not to write permanent profiles that would initiate a medical board procedure. I would otherwise initiate MEB personally, but he wants this to be done by the PCM so that it will be more wholistic in scope I will restrict my concerns to the spine.
I understand that back pain is rated on ROM tests, which kind of makes me nervous. For the most part, I have no problem bending over and touching my toes. The level 10 pain doesnt really occur unless I do something strenuous... such as PT, rucking, ... and randomly happens just from bending over and doing absolutely nothing that you would think would strain it. On a day to day basis, my pain is generally a 1-2. Pain increases during prolonged periods of standing, sitting, or doing anything drastically increases while doing any strenuous activity like listed above.
Any tips on filing the initial claim with the VA and what to expect disability wise, if anything, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the help.
Josh
