So helpful!!! I've paid for a company to help me file my claim, but I regret it. I've learned so much more watching your videos than what they've provided. Thank you!!!!

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

@josephfusco8854

Жыл бұрын

Same here!

Another great informative video. Thanks for all you do.

This was great.Thank you so much for the details.

@VAMADNESS

3 ай бұрын

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

Thanks Eugene!

What a great video. Thank you both

@VAMADNESS

2 ай бұрын

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

Thanks for an informative video.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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

This video is the reason I’m rated at 40% for my lumbar spine.

@johnandstephanie377

Жыл бұрын

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

@AJMac1

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@johnandstephanie377

Жыл бұрын

@@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

@AJMac1

Жыл бұрын

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

@DaRealSonic

Жыл бұрын

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

Excellent talk and slides

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

Outstanding thanks

Thank you!!! Very helpful..

@VAMADNESS

8 ай бұрын

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

I’m still having g constant pain when ever I do any chores or even trying to tie my shoe laces it hurts my back also trying to brush my teeth the pain is on my lower back and mid back and upper back

Great video even for a VA medical examiner ❤

@VAMADNESS

2 ай бұрын

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

Hi. Thanks so much for the video. I've been out over 20 years. Recently did an MRI and saw the pain management doc said I have a history of lumbar & cervical radiculopathy (but not sure if that qualifies as an official diagnosis). The doc ordered epidural shots for me beginning next month .. I was looking at the DBQ for back and neck because I plan on going to a civilian orthopedic doctor and have him fill out. It seems so technical to me that I'm not sure the doc will feel comfortable filling it out. Did you have the DBQ filled out by a civilian doc or is that mainly for the C & p examiner? Thanks.

@VAMADNESS

10 ай бұрын

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.

🤠🤠

Howdy, I'm a veteran that hurt his back coming off of mess duty. I returned to my unit after a month on mess duty. Started physical training with my unit. After stretching we went on a run, during my run I heard a pop, a few seconds later I felt heat from the bottom of my feet, to the base of my skull. My while left side went numb. Went to medical, I tried to tell the core man about it. He insisted that it was muscle spasms. Shortly afterwards I begin to gain weight, then I got a page 11 entry. I tried to file a primary claim and it was denied. A few years later I tried to file a secondary claim and was told that I never served in the armed services. November of 2023 I filed a claim after I had an MRI. I have 2 bulging disc.

@VAMADNESS

5 ай бұрын

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.

@karlamcqueen2011

5 ай бұрын

Great, thank you.

I hear the goniometer is required a lot in these exams. But I have had multiple C&P exams, for my knees, my back, my elbows and it was NEVER used. I mean NEVER!! How can you do a proper exam if you don't use a tool that is required? Can that ever be questioned? Especially after finding out it is a required tool?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

I filed for Lunbar strain but was denied due to not having a nexus . But in the years of being seen for my back va has said I have right sided radiciathrapy along with degenerative disk and bulging disk and a pinch nerve and alll of this is seen on multiple mri test I’m in the process of getting a nexus from my chiropractor what else can I do? And what is a secondary cause that I can claim. Example I filed for plantar fasciitis but was denied but in my decision letter I was I have pes planus and ankle antrhitis in my left ankle.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

9;06 I just claimed secondary and primary at the same time. But I saw another video that said you have to be service connected before you file a secondary. I felt so defeated. Lol. Let's see what happens

@VAMADNESS

10 ай бұрын

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

@maydawg7060

9 ай бұрын

How did this work out for you?

I hurt my back in the Army went to sick call was given pain medicine and told by the military doctors to use a bed board should this document information help to with a lower back pain claim.I also seen a doctor about my back after service.and given several treatments along with accumpture along with pain meds.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

I was rated 10% on my LBP, then I went back and I got 10 more. Last November, I had a relapsed while I was cutting my toe nails and I was in pain for the whole week until I had lumbar decompression. My MRI shows I have degenerative lumbar disease and two bulging disc. My question is this, can I file to get an upgrade for my lower back.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

In 1975 I suffered a T.B.I. Along with Lumbar Spine. In 1980 I was placed on the P.D.R.L. at 30% where I remained until 2015 when I finally was changed to 100% P&T. Do I have a case for back pay?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

An earlier effective date is dependent on the exact situation. My effective dates video explains the possibilities kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZKx4vLZwoce0qdY.html. If you need any specific advice, fill out the contact form at vamadness.com.

@rooseveltrugless4658

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

I get that ROM is important at the exam for the rater. However, I've worked really hard to ensure I stay flexible because I was fused at 60. What is your opinion on how my examiner would conduct the eval when I've had a cervical fusion C3-C7 and another T10-Pelvis fusion? My "compensating" gait from my service connected knee injury from 1999 has played a huge part since 1999 when I was medically discharged.

@VAMADNESS

3 ай бұрын

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.

My recent back claim c&p appointment my doctor did not use a measurement tool. What should I do?

@VAMADNESS

9 ай бұрын

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.

I have tibial nerve paralysis of my left leg with weakness and foot drop from shrapnel wounds in war which accord in 2009. I experience back and neck pains frequently due to balance issues and nerve pain. I was diagnosed once before I left service in 2012 for low back pain and a few months after separation in a local VA but for many years I did not get treatments until the last last year. Would I be able to get service connection without a nexus or is a nexus needed in my case?

@VAMADNESS

6 ай бұрын

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.

@christolentino6153

6 ай бұрын

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

Excellent, on the goniometer, I am in pain without even starting to bend forward. Would that be considered over selling that, even though I am in pain 24/7 without bending? Depends on the day and time as to how much pain.

@VAMADNESS

2 ай бұрын

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.

I’m confused on the arthritis claim, if I have arthritis in multiple joint, back, neck, knees ankles, will that be a separate rating from pain, or range of motion of the back.

@VAMADNESS

5 ай бұрын

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.

Please help.I am service connected for Lumbar strain with sciatica and also cervical strain. I have been living with thiese conditions well over 20 years. I noticed on my c&p that the doctor noted abnormal gait due to cervical and lumbar, also noticed my hips get sore for no apparent reason. Have you ever heard of the va granting hip conditions secondary to Back injuries?

@VAMADNESS

4 ай бұрын

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.

@Impeachobama1776

4 ай бұрын

@@VAMADNESS thank you working on building evidence.

Thank you…terrific report. Could Cervical & Lumbar Radiculopathy, (Sciatica) also cause Narcolepsy? Restless Leg Syndrome?…respectively?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

@gideon33

Жыл бұрын

@@VAMADNESS thank you!

What about T-12 compression fracture? Don’t have really any great documentation… am I screwed?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

How do we get a doctor to do a DBQ & Nexus for us with severe pain in lower back & extremities?

@VAMADNESS

16 күн бұрын

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.

I had c&p exam Aug. 5 ,2022 Vso said results were more likely than not. primary is circumcision, pain residual .secondary is anxiety, sleep apnea, kidney disease, gout, and ED .about how long should I expect a rating decision. thank you

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

@1slowass

Жыл бұрын

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.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@larrow35

Жыл бұрын

90 to 120 days

Arthritis can be confirm with an MRI not just x-rays.

@VAMADNESS

2 ай бұрын

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

Do you have to worry about secondary if you are retiring?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

How do you service connect arthritis of the lumbar?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

You talk about forward flexion rating but what about cervical flexion-extension?

@VAMADNESS

6 күн бұрын

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%.

If arthritis is confirmed by MRI, does that suffice in place of the x-ray from anything you've seen with previous vet situations?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

@stom3998

Жыл бұрын

@@VAMADNESS Thank you very much

Do you have to be a member of the Medicaid Medicare 25 police claims

I never once heard either person say “Scoliosis”…I have 20% due to Degenerative Arthritis in Lumbar and Thoracic Spine with Scoliosis. Now I’m getting both cervical and lumbar Radiculopathy.

@VAMADNESS

9 ай бұрын

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.

@lumpygrits2895

9 ай бұрын

@@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.

@VAMADNESS

9 ай бұрын

@@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.

@lumpygrits2895

9 ай бұрын

@@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!!

Im Active now. If I have a neck injury but no understanding of one single event to how it occurred, would a statement need to go with it on my BDD?

@VAMADNESS

15 күн бұрын

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.

@usmcwag

15 күн бұрын

​@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.

@VAMADNESS

13 күн бұрын

@@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.

I need help, I had 16spine surgeries!

Would you close pending claims when you get over 100% P&T?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

@teeybannister

Жыл бұрын

@@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%.

@teeybannister

Жыл бұрын

@@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

@60eyewatcher

Жыл бұрын

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

How is it possible for Veterans to obtain "Nexus" letters when the VA doctors refuse to write Nexus letters. I believe, my military service occupation (MOS) duties should be a substitute to over come the requirements in needing Nexus letters!

@VAMADNESS

7 ай бұрын

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.

I've had 3neck surgery And 2 back surgery. Can you help.

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

With the shades he looks like Logan Roy, RIP.

Can you claim a cervical neck condition secondary to Degenerative Disc Disease of the back?

@VAMADNESS

3 ай бұрын

It is possible with a good nexus opinion.

Anklosing spondylitis

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

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.

What about Scoliosis?

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine

@Puertoricanmarriedtofilipina

Жыл бұрын

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

@VAMADNESS

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@Puertoricanmarriedtofilipina

Жыл бұрын

@@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

Va disability group left me hanging....im fighting to stay afloat cause of these*#@*

@VAMADNESS

9 ай бұрын

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.

I need help but have to be in Espanish

@VAMADNESS

3 ай бұрын

Sorry, I only speak and read English.

That doesn't work... I have x-rays, amd MRI's..turned in to VA.. and hadn’t heard anything. All was down loaded in the system.

@VAMADNESS

9 ай бұрын

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.

What about Fungus of the bungus?😂.The VA sucks!!!

@VAMADNESS

3 күн бұрын

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.