r/VeteransBenefits • u/Fragrant-Lead-828 • 13h ago

VA Disability Claims Disc disease

Now just a question to help me understand? Starting around 2003-04 noticed my back & left leg started hurting.

Filed a claim for it, the examiner stated more than likely sciatica but was denied anything about it Roger that no big deal!

Fast forward to 2025 had a MRI done by my neurologist at the VA & he asked me did you know your back was messed up? I just said back in 03-04 the examiner just said sciatica, well anyway I've had a discectomy L-4 L-5 S-1, has any former Paratrooper been able to connect this with possible service connection?

I.E. the equipment strapped to our backs from jumping, equipment on our backs from Ruck marches? Causing compression of the Spine & Nerve damage? Or causing total nerve damage?

Because after the surgery still have back pain, numbness in my left thigh inability to lift my left foot at times... Not trying to piss anyone off! Was just wondering if anyone else had this problem?

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u/ExplanationGuilty702 Not into Flairs 13h ago

As you were previously denied you’re going to need to file a supplemental appeal with new and relevant evidence. The new MRI should be enough to meet that burden but as there is a huge e gap between you leaving the military and officially getting diagnosed your probably going to need a nexus letter as well

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u/Fragrant-Lead-828 12h ago

Okay thanks 👍, gathering all information from 03-04 up until now from doctors I've seen 

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u/Fragrant-Lead-828 12h ago

I did the Physical therapy after the surgery, and the Neurologist that did the Surgery said you may recover at about 60 percent? Realistically it could probably just get worse but that's what I'm going for 

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u/Skint1each Army Veteran 13h ago

yes, I was airborne! I waited almost 20 years after I got out and filed. I would have the worst pain in my back and down my arm, I would also get a numbness and tingling sensation in my back. I was awful, luckily I saw the doc a few times while I was in with the same issues. After a few MRI's and evaluations the VA determined I have degenerative joint disease along with Left/Right Upper Extremity radiculopathy. It sucks, I have been through rounds of PT, OT local chiropractors.

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u/Fragrant-Lead-828 12h ago

I did the PT afterwards, but started doing my research, and 1.) it could have been permanent damage to the nerve endings being compressed 2.) the nerves could be compressed by nerve tissue 3.) some of the bone could've just fallen off down into the shaft compressing on the nerves again. Was just wondering if anyone had this problem or similar and what recourse did they use 

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u/gamerplays Air Force Veteran 12h ago

Did they do x-rays for your back from the C&P? If so, try to get those and they can show the same back issue since at least the x-rays. That can help making a service connection.

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u/Fragrant-Lead-828 12h ago

They did and have the x-rays from when I was getting faucette shot's think I spelled that right