You’re welcome. Glad my videos are helpful. In the future if you need any advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Same here!

You’re welcome. Don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

You’re welcome. Don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

You’re welcome. Nice to hear my videos are helpful. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Glad to hear my videos are helpful. If you need any help, just fill the contact form at vamadness.com and I’ll be happy to advise.

So you got a rating right after you watched this video? Sure you did

@@johnandstephanie377 the knowledge I received from this video enabled me to increase my back rating from 20 to 40 it all I’m saying. You’re right, I could’ve worded that better.

@@AJMac1 My bad, I could have worded it better as well. I'm on my second attempt to service connect back after first denial. Had to file supplemental and continue treatment at the VA

@@johnandstephanie377 check out the video on filing and winning supplemental claims.

@@AJMac1 my exam is in the morning I’m at 20, hopefully I get 40!

Thank you for saying so. Don’t forget to check out my book about fixing the broken claim system: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

The DBQ is not important in getting a disability service connected. The VA C&P examiner will complete a DBQ, so you really don’t need one.

Ensure you watch all three spine videos to be fully informed on back claims. All claims require an event in service, so your report in service fulfills this requirement. You also need a current diagnosis. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Typically, denials aren’t about what going on now; they’re about how the current condition is related to service. Certainly, back issues can be caused by lower extremity issues; however, VA examiners routinely opine against such claims. Often the denial is not rooted in science. It’s all about the details. The If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

This response is not intended to be legal advice. I am not a lawyer or a claim's agent. Per my personal knowledge, painful motion (regardless of at what point the pain starts) is always worth 10%; however, painful motion is only awarded a rating if a ROM rating is not granted. In other words, you can’t get separate ratings for both limited ROM and painful motion.

ROM is the only way neck and back claims are compensated in most cases. Only veterans with ankylosis or Intervertebral Disc Syndrome are rated differently. Watch my knee video to learn about knee claims. Don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

Go to the RO and get a copy of the exam results. If the results are good there is no problem. If the results are not good, ask for a hearing at the RO to inform them that a new exam is needed due to the examiner not following the VA regulation requiring the use of the measuring tool. If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

If a goniometer is not used and you are dissatisfied with your rating and you are within your appeal period, you can file supplemental claim reporting the exam as inadequate. VA will likely order a new exam. If you are outside of your appeal period, you’ll have to file a new increase claim. At your exam challenge the examiner if a goniometer is not used.

You can ask for an increase at any time. Part 3 of my spine series says everything you need to know about back increases, so watch the video. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Claims for back, neck, knees and ankles are separate and distinct claims unrelated from a rating perspective. Having the most claimed type of arthritis (osteoarthritis) in all these joints means nothing from a rating perspective. All joints are rated separately per ROM, then possibly arthritis, and finally painful motion: the assigned rating would be the highest rating of the rating types which is typically ROM. Arthritis would never even be a consideration for a rating unless ROM was only 10%. A 20% ROM rating cancels out the possibility of an arthritis rating. The highest arthritis can be a 20%. Watch my arthritis video for a full explanation of arthritis ratings.

If have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

How did this work out for you?

An earlier effective date is dependent on the exact situation. My effective dates video explains the possibilities kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aN50jbdo1sqyqac.html. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

@@VAMADNESS I just want You to know that I really appreciate the time and effort that You put in to do the GREAT things YOU do. SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG.

Veterans do file this type of claim. The back and hip are connected so it stands to reason that one can affect the other. If you have a diagnosis for the hips, file a claim for hip secondary to the back. The outcome will depend on the VA examiner medical opinion. Some win others are denied. You can only try.

@@VAMADNESS thank you working on building evidence.

Nexus opinions are really only needed when medical science doesn’t support service connection. Generally, Service connecting a disability requires three elements; (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an event in service, and (3) a medical nexus (link) between the event in service and the current diagnosis. The nexus is typically provided at the C&P exam if the other elements are present. It does not appear you need a private nexus opinion. The back complaint in in service is your event. Hopefully you have a current diagnosis; if you do, then you can win this claim. Follow my advice offered in all three of my spine videos to give the claim the best chance of winning. If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com. Don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

@@VAMADNESSthank you so much for this breakdown, I would definitely reach out to you

If any part of your spine was injured in service and you have current problems related to that injury, then you have a claim. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

I'm not qualified to answer that question; however, a quick google search did not find any obvious relationships. In any event, do some in-depth research to see if there are any reasonable theories.

@@VAMADNESS thank you!

It is possible with a good nexus opinion.

Generally, Service connecting a disability requires three elements; (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an event in service, and (3) a medical nexus (link) between the event in service and the current diagnosis. The nexus is typically provided at the C&P exam if the other elements are present. As long as the issue started in service, symptoms continued after service, and you have a current diagnosis, the claim will likely eventually be approved. This is why a detailed statement is so important as it can explain the events in service as well problems that continued after service. Good statements win cases and ensure proper ratings. Statement examples are available at vamadness.com. Don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

Great, thank you.

Most veterans use a paid nexus service. Service connecting a disability requires three elements; (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an event in service, and (3) a medical nexus (link) between the event in service and the current diagnosis. The nexus is typically provided at the C&P exam if the other elements are present. From the VA’s perspective, stress either physical or mental in itself is not an event unless there are complaints in service medical records noting problems. A statement can establish an event; however, it may be offset by other evidence. If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Service connecting a disability requires three elements; (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an event in service, and (3) a medical nexus (link) between the event in service and the current diagnosis. All disabilities including arthritis must have evidence supporting all three elements to get service connected. If need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Most treating professionals won’t help as they do not want to be involved in legal issues and claims are litigation. Most veterans turn to the veteran services industry. Check out my last video about nexus providers as it at least provides a list of nexus/DBQ providers. If you want to help build a better VA, don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

We talk about both cervical and lumbar forward flexion as the main way backs/necks are rated. The forward flexion movement is the only way to get ratings above 20%. All other movements, including extension, are not individually ratable. Extension is part of the total ROM measurement used for ratings 20% and 10%.

While you are still active duty, all chronic medical conditions are directly related to service. Why you have any particular condition is not relevant; in other words, there are no secondary condition explanations required for claims filed in conjunction with retirement. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

Soon, as in a couple of weeks or a few weeks. Often money is in the bank before you get notified, so watch your account.

I had my C&P exam on Oct 7th for herniated disc. And received a decision and retro pay from my claim filling date on Oct 13th. 50% club as of right now, with additional open claims for Gout and Depression.

@@1slowass That is great news. Hopefully your other claims go as well. If not, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com and we’ll checkout your situation in detail.

@@1slowass 50% is a good rating; hopefully your other claims will win also; if not, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com and we’ll checkout your situation in detail.

90 to 120 days

If the claims is just for arthritis, then the schedule says "x-ray." I have never heard of the VA denying an arthritis pain rating because there was only MRI evidence. In any event, ROM is considered before pain. X-ray evidence is only relevant when ROM is good; thus, pain is considered for the minimum rating.

@@VAMADNESS Thank you very much

If you’ve been active duty your whole time in service, not guard or reserves, you don’t need to show an event. All diagnosed disabilities are considered service related. The key is you need a diagnosis; if they can’t find anything wrong, you don’t have a claim. If you want to help build a better VA, don’t forget to check out my book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.

​@VAMADNESS I did 11 yes Active Marines. Then out for 8. Back in the Army Reserve in 2009. Active Duty off amd on for 10 years with them. In 2019 I went Active Duty for the Reserve and it was that year I was diagnosed. It has been a problem thar keeps getting worse over the past 5 years.

@@usmcwag There is often a problem in cases like yours where there are gaps in service. You can’t really say you were having problems when you left the Marines as you served in the army reserves years later and you likely were accepted without any problems noted on the entry physical exam; thus, to establish an event related to a disability you need to have evidence related to your more recent service. Typically, an LOD is required; but witness statements from people you served with may do. If you are currently active reserves, you may not have a problem. It’s hard to say. All you can do is inform the BDD examiner of your condition history and hope for the best.

Always pursue any valid claims regardless of a current rating. VA can and does reduce 100% P&T ratings, so it’s best to have as many ratings as possible to ensure your rating does not get reduced. Also, special monthly compensation (SMC) may be a factor in the future as you age or have more events.

@@VAMADNESS outstanding point. That’s what I thought, some say don’t poke the bear but im like if I feel I deserve it and it was denied improperly why not. I’m 100 but my back, knees, ed, and chronic fatigue was denied and migraine 0% when I gave them symptoms for 50%.

@@User-tsf49kje3apsi thanks I have to check out the C&P exam dbq to see what these clowns put down because i told them it’s so sever I have to lie down

To check out C&P DBQ, you must send request to Evidence Intake Center in Wisconsin

Watch and pay attention to all three videos in the spine series to learn exactly what you need to do win and get properly rated. If need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

To be awarded service connection for a back and/or neck disability a diagnosed disability is required. Scoliosis is a disability and if service connection is granted, it is rated the same as any other back condition per ROM limitations. Only a diagnosis of ankylosis receives special consideration on the rating schedule. As noted on the video, radiculopathy is considered as part of a back/neck claim. Just file an increase to get it considered. Ensure you file a statement using my increase example statement as a guide. For the upper extremity radiculopathy, you need to be service connected for your neck. If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

@@VAMADNESS Sir, are you saying a Nexus Letter would not necessarily be needed for an already rated back scoliosis condition…if I’m filing for an increase? I have numerous Dr medical evidence of my Radiculopathy in legs and left arm and had an exam from a private Dr…which he put YES on a back DBQ.

@@lumpygrits2895 Claim decisions are two parts: (1) a service connection determination and (2) a rating determination. You are already service connected, so that part is done for good. Once service connected, you never have to justify the condition again. The only question that remains is a proper rating. Since you have lower extremity radiculopathy currently diagnosed, it will be easily added to your rating once you file the increase. Ensure you watch the spine increase video and file a statement using my increase example statement as a guide. If you are not service connected for your neck, you’ll need to file a neck claim to get the upper extremity radiculopathy considered. The neck claim may or may not require an outside the VA nexus, depending on your evidence. If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

@@VAMADNESS Thank you Sir. I am SC rated for chronic neck strain and had a neck exam DBQ completed with Radiculopathy added for left arm. I will watch your video Sir. Great knowledge!!

Yes MRIs can most certainly but a diagnosis is different from a rating the rating schedule specifically says x-ray evidence under the actual rating for arthritis code 5003

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine

@@VAMADNESS that’s what I have scoliosis, I got x-ray and a closed mri done from an outside doctor

@@Puertoricanmarriedtofilipina Are you having problems service connecting your back problems? If so, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com and hopefully I can help you sort through your situation.

@@VAMADNESS ill keep you in mind definitely because now I’m at 100 % Individual unemployability with P&T and just in case the VA hospital ever ever try to decrease my rating I’ll be contacting you first

Sorry, I only speak and read English.

Anklosing spondylitis can cause favorable or unfavorable ankylosis; however, often it does not lead to ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, entire thoracolumbar spine, or entire spine as the rating schedule requires. If a person has anklosing spondylitis, I suggest going outside the VA for an opinion on the severity of the condition in reference to the rating schedule; keeping in mind the entire cervical spine, entire thoracolumbar spine, or entire spine must be involved and not just segments.

VA disability group is no longer one of my sponsors; however, I'd like to hear the exact issue. Send me an email at vamadness@gmail.com.

All claims backed with the proper evidence will win service connection and be rated properly: eventually. It may take several tries over years, but that’s the nature of the beast. If you have questions or need any specific advice, just fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

I certainly understand the thought. If you want to know how we can fix the VA, read my book. Check it out: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPTNRMD8.