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warthog maintainer

warthog maintainer

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So question is I was boarded for neck pain (fusion C5-C6) low back pain (fusion L4-L5) rt shoulder pain (winging of scapula) lt knee (ACL/medial menicus/micro fracture)... However sine my package has went to AFPC my back issues have gotten worse I have had 2 episodes of incapacitated MRI show C4-C5, l5-S1, T3-T4, T6-T7, T7-T8,T8-T9 disc bulged with contact of nerves and spinal cord. However majority of this was unkown prior to package going to AFPC. My T-Spine wasn't part of my package so how do I get it added to the total package. Now my pain management doctor wants implant a SCS to help with pain for L and T Spine. If package comes back low rated should I appeal and add my T Spine issues. Or what should be my best route to get the best results or what do you think ratings should be my ROM from C&P was not to abnormal only 10% in extension on lumbar Rom but the pain is my real big issues however that's not rated. Just seems I'm going to get a low rating due to Rom but my PCM really knows how bad I hurt so she has limited me to 8 hrs work days and said if there is any delays on the approval process for the SCS that she will handle it so I can get it done asap but how will this affect my meb will it change any ratings or slow it down. Thanks for any advice.....
 
I am not going to go into a long dialog, but give you a pretty simple answer. If it were me, I would ask to be fixed. I know it is not what you want to hear, but it is the best route if you want to impact your life the least. While you are on active duty you collect a full paycheck, have access you care and the chance to maximize your recovery. They can suspend and pick your MEB/PEB once you recover. If you don't do this now, you have a good chance that you are going to have a tough go of it. Having to make money and survive takes precedence over getting fix. A civilian employer will not wait for you to get better.
 
I see your point, however my bigest concern was T-Spine weather it could be added with my package or if AFPC will request more evidence about it since it's only mentioned by me in my MFR that I wrote for the C&P exam narrative. Also the spinal cord stimulator is going to be temp implanted for the trial and if works after 2 weeks permanently implanted. Don't know if this will slow up MEB process or change any ratings. I really don't if it doea either just wondering. I have got to get my pain under control even if the SCS only helps 10% of it. My sciatica nerve down my right leg is throbbing the full length of the nerve ending on the top of my foot. Causing me to limp and dropping my foot to where it drags the ground a little when I walk unless I do a high step. I guess my aniexty is just getting to me thinking they will just rate my back a 10% or something just heard to many horror stories already. What does anyone think my I should do about the T-Spine wait till AFPC comes down with their rating and then appeal it and submit the T-Spine evidence and go that way or what? Thanks for any and all input.
 
Is a implant of a spinal cord stimulator rated at all Im suppose to get one in the next few weeks probes in my L Spine and T Spine. Just wondering if it will hurt my rating or what it may due I just hope it helps the pain if that works I guess I really wont care what the rating would be.
 
The neurostimulator itself does NOT get rated. they view it as a treatment and there is no ICD-9 code that is associated with it. This was the explanation that was given to me. Good luck with your stim!!
 
ranger2992 said:
I am not going to go into a long dialog, but give you a pretty simple answer. If it were me, I would ask to be fixed. I know it is not what you want to hear, but it is the best route if you want to impact your life the least. While you are on active duty you collect a full paycheck, have access you care and the chance to maximize your recovery. They can suspend and pick your MEB/PEB once you recover. If you don't do this now, you have a good chance that you are going to have a tough go of it. Having to make money and survive takes precedence over getting fix. A civilian employer will not wait for you to get better.
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In my opinion, this is excellent advice that ranger2992 is offering! You shall have more opportunities for a better recovery while still on Active Duty (AD) collecting AD pay and allowances.

Moreover, I believe, your primary concern should be to obtain any/all medical treatment to improve your medical challenges prior to separation/discharge/retirement from AD.

If your medical condition(s) improve to where the "pain" is removed but you still have residual challenges; submit the DoVA application for compensation within 180 days of leaving active military service. Otherwise, it's probably time to go the DoD IDES MEB/PEB process route until reciept of a medical separation or a medical disability retirement.

Thus, I see it as a "win-win" situation but you shall have to make the ultimate decision. Please remember that having true knowledge is a powerful equalizer.

Best Wishes!
 
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