Winning VA claims: The SPINE (Back & Neck Claims) - Part 1

Everything you need to know to win your back and/or neck claim. This video features a conversation with attorney Shana Dunn a Founding Partner at the law firm West & Dunn. We discuss direct and secondary service connection theories and back & neck ratings.

[rickdel]

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!!!!

[AJMac]

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

[Puertoricanmarriedtofilipina]

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

[kjb]

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

[tommarinevet]

Another great informative video. Thanks for all you do.

[thecharlesfrench]

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?

[jaleelmuhammad]

You are the best, my brother!! So well informed!

[JayYoung-bo]

Just got my 100 p n t thanks for all you do for us

[everhappy]

Great video even for a VA medical examiner ❤

[karlamcqueen]

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.

[TrueCrimePsychic]

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.

[JohnRodriguez-zngf]

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!

[rooseveltrugless]

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?

[thomasl]

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.

[TrueCrimePsychic]

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

[jaxyzumba]

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.

[doylemarkham]

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

[edwardperez]

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.

[christolentino]

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?

[JamesWilliams-dgjw]

I was hurt in the USMC now I have rods in my back but it has been some time since then!what should I do??