Common Secondary Conditions to Back Pain: VA Claims

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Күн бұрын

Back conditions are some of the most common disabilities among Veterans and can result in a number of secondary service-connected disabilities. Tune in to learn common VA claims for secondary service connection related to back pain, how they are related, how you may be rated, and how to file a claim to receive VA disability benefits for your secondary condition.
READ the blog post here: cck-law.com/blog/va-secondary...
How VA Rates Mental Health Conditions: cck-law.com/blog/va-rating-fo...
How VA Rates Sleep Disorders: cck-law.com/blog/va-disabilit...
Contact CCK: cck-law.com/contact-us/
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Overview of Back Conditions
2:23 VA Disability for Back Pain Without a Diagnosis
3:55 How VA Rates Back Conditions
5:08 Secondary Service Connection and How to File
9:40 Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Radiculopathy Secondary to Back Conditions
11:30 VA Should Automatically Consider Radiculopathy
12:40 Myelopathy Secondary to Back Conditions
14:00 Urinary Frequency and Incontinence Secondary to Back Conditions
15:01 Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health Conditions Secondary to Back Pain
17:11 Insomnia, Other Sleep Disorders Secondary to Back Pain
18:58 Effects of Medications, Substance Abuse: Secondary Service Connection
20:07 Obesity Related to Back Pain and VA Disability
22:11 Closing Thoughts and Tips for Veterans
Feel free to ask questions, give us feedback, or request new veterans' law topics below! And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss future videos. Visit our website at cck-law.com.

Пікірлер: 115

@CCK_Law 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for tuning in! Find additional resources in the description.

@ianpatrick23 Жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation of secondary conditions to back pain. Thank you!

@usarmyinfantrymen4863 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you guys so much for the information is being given I am client with CCK. and the lawyer are working on my case for my back issues I have a CT scan of the lumber spine to send them.but the lawyer wants my doctor to also write a nexus letters. Witch should be related to my miltary service. But the Va denied me. This was before I got on board with CCK. But they want to get that done to try to get me the100% TDIU with my other issues thank you guys keep up the great work!

@07Convertable Жыл бұрын

It is amazing just how many things that I plan on doing and never do. I change my mind just as it is time to go. With my hearing loss and Spondylolisthesis and DDD in the L5/S1, I just figure that it is easier to stay home then go to someplace just to have a terrible time. Great conversation guys.

@quincyrobinson9100 Жыл бұрын

What an amazing video! Thank you!

@ginathompson8932 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the information 🙏🏽 😊. I'm 70% at 40%for my back.I recently filed a claim for radiculopathy and was denied. I don't understand 😕 I have had 3 bladder surgeries as well. I need help 😩

@fredtjack23 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so very much learned something new today.

@4thBn.Infantry5576 2 жыл бұрын

I don't know the team is actually working on my case for spinal stenosis not to optimistic because I don't have a Nexus letters I serve in a combat infantry unit. But keep up the good work I definitely enjoy the video you guys put out .

@domingoledesma7409 3 жыл бұрын

Wow i never thought about it, i am a client of CCK, and they are working my issues with my back, but also my neck hurts a lot and i had surgery in 2015,degenerative disk disease.depression yes, chronic pain drives you crazy, pain all the time drives you crazy,,,all the things youre saying is right on point...

@JohnWood-fq6ns 2 ай бұрын

This is all very good and important information for me to apply for the secondary conditions I'm experiencing.

@zackiinu7194 5 ай бұрын

You guys are awesome. Thanks for these videos!

@CCK_Law 5 ай бұрын

We value your feedback, thank you for tuning in!

@omarjones4553 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, for winning my BVA case 2012 for my back conditions, referred to the Appeals Court. Although the VA granted a 10% service connected rating, the VA included 4 other back diagnosis but did not give separate ratings for each condition and/or a higher rating.

@DaRealSonic 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the information, good video.

@CCK_Law 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for tuning in!

@jonroberts6518 Жыл бұрын

Information is helpful I do appreciate that, that's what I do have service connected is back issues. But the army and VA never really gave me opiates but one time Vicodin very briefly, and after that it was more ibuprofen, used to have pain management where was having some type of injections in the spine but they were not a steroid type injection all it was all non-steroidal, all since about 2008 since coming back from tour from Iraq. Then up in one day out of the blue May of 2020 was attacked by my first Grand-mal seizure ever in my life. My back is still an issue especially after I have the seizures, but now the muscle soreness is all over. I am now two years in with these seizures I am getting treatment the VA and I just haven't found out what the cause is, I am not aware of any head trauma or any severe concussions or mild concussions or any TBI incidences that would warrant any hospitalization. There was no prior history of seizure ever not even in my family. And this is now what I'm working on thanks for the information

@guregorihattofirudo2627 Жыл бұрын

I got a 20% rating for my back. I have numbness in my right leg and rather significant pain in my left hip. A recent MRI showed L3 & 4 Moderate/severe stenosis with impingement of exiting L3 Nerve roots. L4 & 5 are similarly screwed up. I have applied for radiculopathy on both legs. Should I be worried this won’t happen after missing a day of work to go to the exam? Thank you.

@jefferycooper3295 3 жыл бұрын

I have two bad hips the VA replaced the right side. Their diagnosis was AVN but I have a service connected back injury. Will I be able to claim secondary condition to back injury

@howellcp Жыл бұрын

Can you service connect knees because of a back injury? Meaning: You already have a service connected back injury and now you have knee issues. You mentioned the other way around but was curious.

@braceyourselvesfortruth2492 Жыл бұрын

I'm in the middle of finalizing a nexus letter from a PA to connect my knee pain to my lumbar radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease, and the literature cited certainly seems to imply it can go both ways. Good luck.

@josephrobinetteobidenjr.2971 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative. I have a lumbar spine injury herniated disk I have to limit how much water I drink because of my urination frequency is off the charts. Every single time I drink one small bottle of water I have to go urinate soon afterwards

@lindastewart9589 3 жыл бұрын

sounds like you have a secondary badder injury do to your back injury

@johns2590 Жыл бұрын

I have had a back condition since 2007 & another finally another back condition granted in 2016 along with Tinnitus and some other conditions, total overall 60% rating. I have chronic insomnia diagnosed, should I pursue insomnia as a secondary to my back pain or Tinnitus? Does one have a better chance than the other of getting approved/granted?

@michaelvaughn7137 Жыл бұрын

I was denied in 2017 on back pain one of the reason was that my symptoms were due to age. I also did not have a MRI at the time, we didn't realize that I could have one due to hernia staples. But once I had an MRI it revealed that one of the many issues of my back was Dural Ectasia which can be caused by five different things four of which are diseases that I don't have and the fifth is trauma! This will be used in my fourth coming appeal to lock the VA into their obligation of disability, as long as this DAV lawyer who's acting as a gate keeper for the VA doesn't fck things up ! The point of this comment is that Dural Ectasia can be used to prove a nexus to trauma as long as it's documented

@rubenguerrajr5833 11 ай бұрын

Hello, thank you for the info. I have a question. I wanted to know if i file a secondary claim of depression to tinnitus, can i file anxiety as a secondary claim to my back, already serviced connected at 10%? I can only file depression as a secondary claim once to any service connected claim, right?

@karenselby2476 Жыл бұрын

How do I get my hips, knees, ankles, and feet service-connected, as my back affects both of my legs? I have been diagnosed with bilateral radiculopathy, which I believe is a result of my back condition. I was diagnosed with back overuse syndrome and trapezius muscle strain and applied for service connection previously, but they were denied as service connections. Can you advise as to what action I need to take at this point?

@davidstephan3212 Жыл бұрын

Thank for the information. What do you charge for your service? Dave

@rickdoss220 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for all of the great info you have provided! I was recently awarded an overall 60% combined for GI issues, tinnitus, neck and back degenerative disk disease. However, at the time I filed that claim I didn't realize that my sleep disorder (PLMD) and depression could be linked and may be secondary to these other issues. Should I wait for my ITF to expire and then start a new claim or is there some sort of supplemental claim I can amend to my recent filing?

@CCK_Law 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for tuning in! For more information on supplemental claims check out our blog here : cck-law.com/blog/veterans-va-appeals-reform-supplemental-claims/

@janicecooper209 Жыл бұрын

@@CCK_Law o

@banderson5676 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks CCK! I have a 10% for lumbar Spondylosis. After 15 years it's got much worse and I have ridiculopathy now. Should I file for increase, or a secondary claim? Or both?

@elinino5275 Жыл бұрын

Both! But you probably should have filed for a back increase several years ago

@richardhogeland8597 Жыл бұрын

How hard would it be to connect neck and upper back to the lower back or plantar fasciitis either

@stevenrogers8892 Жыл бұрын

I have a service connected back condition and I also have Myelopathy in my neck and have had surgery to my C3 & C4 areas can I claim Myelopathy in my neck to my service connected back condition?

@stevenminor4028 Жыл бұрын

I have been diaignosed with spinial stenosios, and i have rupsured L2L3 And L4 in my lower back.. I cannot get any one to hear my claim. What should I do?

@allamericanveteranaav5234 2 жыл бұрын

What is an inferred claim and how does it relate to secondary claim as it pertains to back pay

@richardhogeland8597 2 жыл бұрын

What would neck and back pain be diagnose as

@OperatorT101 2 жыл бұрын

How would you connect cervical strain secondary to low lumbar DDD? My neck now has degenerative changes and osteophyites and I know my neck pain are from my back and posture changes

@solvend Жыл бұрын

Would think it would be easy to do so. Lumbar DDD causes body to carry weight different and forces unfused disc's to be stressed more and wear them out quicker. Should be slam dunk id think

@rubenguerrajr5833 11 ай бұрын

in reference to Radiculopathy, do i go ahead and file a claim or do I need to get outside medical records showing I have that condition? I looked on my award letter from the VA on my 10% lower back claim and I don't see that it is notated that i have that condition.

@thepoboy9698 3 жыл бұрын

I got service connected for sciatica radiculopathy and spondylolisthesis, so do you think that I will need a nexus letter to go along with my claim for depression and anxiety because of the constant pain that I experience on a daily basis... and yes I see a therapist and have been for over a year.

@elinino5275 2 жыл бұрын

No, just file depression secondary to back

@hernandezcordovajanice6140 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you guys.

@CCK_Law 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for tuning in!

@garyraines9839 6 ай бұрын

Hi guys, I have 40% for degenerative disc disease 20% for right leg radiculopathy 20% like ridiculous and a 70% depressive disorder right leg instability 20% and 10% for right leg arthritis of course more so about the back in my MRIs it says I have formal stenosis. Can I put that in as a separate claimand for the radiculopathy I’m getting a nerve test done. My doctor believes I have severe radiculopathy so I put a secondary claim in for that trying to get those to 40 that way I could be 100%.

@richardmendez1527 Жыл бұрын

I would like to ask.. I have a firm out of California that is supposedly fighting for me to get disability for my cervical and lumbar issues. I wanted to ask if I should also get the firm to file for all my secondary conditions which I have also found out that I have PTSD that also be part of my issues going on. I need to get that on file but it's been about 22 years after my discharge. Should I file it now since I have one claim under appeal of my issues that I have written on.

@livininmexico3811 3 жыл бұрын

I fell and hit my lower back on a bottom steel door frame on a ship in service. Recently I was diagnosed with Bilateral Foraminal Stenosis at L4 - L5, L5 - S1 and DDD at the same. Could there may be a possible connection? Being 100% P&T with SMC(L) Aid & Attendance I am Permanently Bedridden and it's making this said condition worse. ???

@mivery20 Жыл бұрын

Same exact injury to me. I have 2 bulging disc in my l4-l5 and in l5and s1 disc and ddd and bilateral pinched nerves I was wondering what happened with your claim if you don't mind

@caperr2 Жыл бұрын

What I’m asking is, do VA decision makers look thoroughly through VA records? Or am I supposed to do that leg work for them?

@DSLACA Жыл бұрын

Lower back pain is affecting my job as a crane operator and causing tingling in my right leg. How do I file for this???

@sharkbites9977 Жыл бұрын

Do a segment on knees

@ramirosaucedo8626 2 жыл бұрын

I have lower back pain and ptsd. Can I still claim depression. I'm irritable and depressed due to the constant pain.

@MH-il1lk 2 жыл бұрын

Went to VA to get a MRI and the radiologist stated I had mild stenosis. I took the x ray to a civilian orthopedic surgeon and he stated I had radiculopathy and sciatica. My VA primary doctor disagreed with that diagnosis. I wonder why? I had 10% for lumbar back spasms, raised to 40%, applied for TDIU, C&P examiner stated I healed (I had it for 20 years and he stated i healed in 2 months?). They decrease back to 10%, I submitted evidence for my limits of bending, the raised me to 20%. The VA seems to play games. Just been diagnosed for depression by the VA due to my digestive disability and back.

@elinino5275 2 жыл бұрын

Damn that sucks!

@Bababui69 Жыл бұрын

I had the same problem. I had to go to a civilian doctor to get the MRI for evidence.

@dwightphillips1143 Жыл бұрын

I've been to 5 recommended va doctors and it seems too be a not what they VA want too hear are read .

@michaelvaughn7137 9 ай бұрын

How do you know which condition should be listed as primary and which should be secondary thirdary fourthdary ...... I've got a whole list on my back !!!!

@anthonygrant2902 Ай бұрын

Service Connections after service is this still connection even though your out of service when granted a rating?😮

@caperr2 Жыл бұрын

When it comes to medical evidence, If you receive all of your care from the VA and have been treated for everything your claiming then the rater will be able to see this right?

@donaldhollingsworth3875 2 жыл бұрын

I was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1991 for medical reason for repeated hernias at a 10% rating. Now I have arthritis in the lumbar of the spine,Ll5 - L3 vertebra bones grinding against each other . I believe it is due to lifting all the heavy equipment & artillery shells. I was enlisted in the Marine Corps from 1988 - 1991. Would I have a possibility for filling a new claim? I also have major depression for several decades.

@sargentking2436 2 жыл бұрын

Did you go to Desert Storm??? or any other conflict/war

@donaldhollingsworth3875 2 жыл бұрын

@@sargentking2436 Yes, Desert Storm.

@teeybannister 2 жыл бұрын

I would definitely file. All they can say is no, it’s better to put your claim in and get covered then try to wait later when you start feeling the pain

@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517 2 жыл бұрын

File a claim. Call these guys...... description box.....show more!

@robertdavis6339 2 жыл бұрын

@@teeybannister Oil be ok MMO pmmml no m M y I

@jamesbauer6361 2 жыл бұрын

I'm 100% prostate cancer stage 4 and now have bone cancer they told me to file for secondary connection can I get additional compensation for that and if I can what would that possibly be?

@teeybannister 2 жыл бұрын

Usually to get more than 100% requires you having a traumatic brain injury so you could get SMC ( special monthly compensation) there’s different levels of smc too. There’s several videos on Smc see if you fit but just Prostate cancer i don’t think is enough, i could be wrong.

@desertcamel3573 8 ай бұрын

I did A va appeal and they notified me on 11/29/2023 about waiting on effective argument? What to do?

@wesleycrider6734 2 жыл бұрын

I already have a service connected lower back injury. It has worsened. I also have some secondaries now that I would like to pursue. Are you saying I need a doc to issue a nexus letter to tie those to the original claim or does that happen at the c and p exam and that serves as the nexus?…

@CCK_Law 2 жыл бұрын

Mr. Crider, This blog post from our website may be able to answer your question: cck-law.com/blog/what-is-a-secondary-service-connected-disability/#:~:text=Below%20are%20some%20of%20the,to%20Parkinson's%20Disease%20or%20Cancer

@elinino5275 2 жыл бұрын

I got to 90% and never used nexus letter. Don't know why these lawyer KZfaq pages always mention nexus letter. 99% of doctors won't sign it due to liability. In you case just file fir all the secondary conditions. Of its in your VA medical records they should be valid claims

@doylemarkham1010 7 ай бұрын

Do you guys do dbqs & nexus

@mikelambertson7929 3 жыл бұрын

Was on USCG USCG Duane from 75 till 77 ,, we hit a garbage barge off new York in the middle of the night, i was slammed up against the bulkhead , i have had headaches and back problems since. I did ok had a small home in the woods , 2 great kids finally retired , decided to tke the easy way out, spent a week in. A mental ward. Now I'm being treated for anxiety depression and sleep, would I be eligible

@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517 2 жыл бұрын

File a claim

@teeybannister 2 жыл бұрын

Omg.. you should of file years ago. Get back in the game and file for ( TBI since you hit your head, neck, back, shoulders, adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, tinnitus) … if you can’t go to the nearest VA hospital and get a VSO to put your claim in for you, it’s free. Also,type : combat craig on the search bar, he has some great tips.

@bamagrl26 2 жыл бұрын

I was chapter from the Army as a overweight failure, and it was after I was involved in a Vehicle accident while deployed in Bosnia. Can my obesity be linked as a Secondary to my back as well?

@criticalwealththeory Жыл бұрын

sounds like a yes...

@marcusbennette8454 Жыл бұрын

Definitely. If your back injury prevented you from being able to do PT exercises then just about every health issue that's related to being overweight is secondary service connected to your back.

@teddynall4158 Жыл бұрын

I'm at 40% for lower back. If I have arthritis in both hips, knees, and neck, and entrapped ulnar nerve, and have diagnosis for these, along with insomnia and sleep apnea will these secondary conditions get me to 100%

@joshuaphifer9746 Жыл бұрын

70% for sure

@mariomojica1184 2 жыл бұрын

Can you connect back pain to you being a jumper "parachutist " while in the service

@CCK_Law 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mario, This blog may help to answer your question: cck-law.com/blog/va-disability-ratings-for-low-back-pain/

@teeybannister 2 жыл бұрын

Short answer, yes! Put the claim in, remember anything you feeling you didn’t have before joining the service is a “claim”. Now even if you had it before service, if you say the military “aggravated “ the problem i had, boom you good.

@CertifiedClapaholic Жыл бұрын

So if insomnia is secondary to my back pain, do I still need my DBQ to be filled out by a psychiatrist/psychologist? Should it be acceptable for my insomnia to be diagnosed by (and thus have my DBQ filled out by) my physical therapist?

@rubenguerrajr5833 11 ай бұрын

i am in the same boat for that question.

@CertifiedClapaholic 11 ай бұрын

@@rubenguerrajr5833 my VSO told me to go to a mental health professional for this. In my case, she she told me that we _could_ use a DBQ filled out by my physical therapist but it would only be able to be submitted as like supporting evidence to open a C&P exam instead of a diagnosis that the VA will recognize. I suggest you contact your local county VSO for advice on how to handle your specific case because they cost nothing out of pocket and they don't charge you a percentage of your backpay like a VFW or attorney might. Good luck on your claim 💪

@rubenguerrajr5833 11 ай бұрын

is anxiety and depression two different claims?

@anthonygrant2902 Ай бұрын

VA gave me 20% right leg and 20% left leg and denied me for upper body my hands, arms, and shoulders hurt with numbness , tingling, and stiffness.

@toptennews4737 Жыл бұрын

Hello Jordan I am on va age pension age 69 Vietnam era veteran.,I get the basic single pension 133 can I claim for something else and get my age pension based on my limited income upgrade .,thank you

@antonioreyes2692 3 жыл бұрын

Why is it near impossible to service connect sleep apnea to service connected back pain via intermediate connection at the RO level???

@playboiquez 3 жыл бұрын

Mine is connected as secondary to lumbar strain. Lumbar strain caused me depression along with other MH diagnosis. Depression caused me to overeat and become obese. While obese, I was diagnosed with SA.

@Shamar2013 2 жыл бұрын

@@playboiquez I filed for SA for the first time and got my decision letter today - denied. I tried to claim SA secondary to somatic symptom disorder. I tried to explain to my doctor that because of my lower back pain and knee pain, my movement was limited and resulted in weight gain, which resulted in SA. He wrote the nexus letter claiming SA as secondary to Somatic Symptom Disorder. He did include weight gain but the VA denied my claim. I should have gone secondary to back pain instead. Good to know!

@playboiquez 2 жыл бұрын

@@Shamar2013 file a higher level review

@antonioreyes2692 2 жыл бұрын

@@playboiquez, do you have any MH diagnosis SC?

@playboiquez 2 жыл бұрын

@@antonioreyes2692 Depression, Anxiety and PTSD

@Impeachobama1776 4 ай бұрын

VA Disability Rating for Hip Pain Secondary to Back Injury Posted by Berry Law on October 6, 2023

@sabribasinski7866 3 жыл бұрын

im rated by va at the 100 p&t for multi,_conditions...do i need to file for more secondary conditions for my lambar spine?..tks

@royzellcooper8397 2 жыл бұрын

Why would you when your 100% ? You can’t go past 100% 🧐

@OU_Grad 2 жыл бұрын

Additional disabilities are significant for DIC payments to designated family members if you were to die from a rated disability. For example, if you were later diagnosed with sleep apnea secondary to a service connected disability, the designated family member could file for DIC. Also remember, although rare, your rating can be reduced for a number of reasons, so the more rated disabilities you have the better.

@teeybannister 2 жыл бұрын

@@OU_Grad good point, also remember you can still get back pay if a claim get approved that you been waiting months for. But it’s a tough call cause the VA can open up all your claims if you file new ones so you have to decide if you want to poke the bear. 🤣

@criticalwealththeory Жыл бұрын

would you put in the claim as secondary to Lower back.. urinary frequency..

@josephklepper4800 Жыл бұрын

No Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Or Fibromyalgia mentioned ?

@MrTyson-cp4iz 2 жыл бұрын

I am rated 30% for Cervical spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, strain, and degenerative arthritis with radiculophy in both arms (20% each) I have had sleep apnea for as long as my neck has bothered me but only recently formally diagnosed with it. Is it possible to link my sleep apnea to my neck issues for a secondary service connection ?

@broadcastdave 2 жыл бұрын

F*** F*** F***, youre telling me that all this time my left leg neuropathy should have been rated separately along with my back condition (Lumbosacral strain with left L5 ridiculopathy)?