I'm about to head down the road of requesting an increase in my service-connected disability. I would like to ask opinions to see if my increase is deemed acceptable or if I'm crazy.

I was rated at 10% for degenerative disk disease in 1998 and the condition has since gotten much worse. I finally received an MRI from the VA in 2006 and was told I have a herniated disc. I needed to see a neurosurgeon but that would take at least a year to see.

I have good insurance so I started down the private practice road. I recently (last week) had another MRI done and I now have 2 herniated discs and will require a spinal fusion.

Is this worthy of a percentage increase? I can barely move anymore and can't do any physical activity. I can't even pick my kids up.

jc,

I know it's been a while since you posted this, but YES!! Apply for an increase. You will need to at least have your VA doctor note in your records how your condition has deteriated and that you are in much more pain than before. The fact that you have to have spinal fusion surgery that most likely won't help (sorry, but that's what I hear w/ that type of surgery) should at least make the VA check it out.

I would also recommend you let your doctor know of any depression you're having. As someone who also lives with chronic back pain, I know the depression it can cause - and I was recently rated an additonal 50% for my "mental problem". Typically, chronic pain and depression go hand in hand and it's a well known fact w/ medical professionals.

Along with your request, include letters from family and friends (in their own words), how they've seen you go down hill not only with your pain, but also your outlook on life. It really helps to have others back up your claims. Along with your doc making notes in your records as well. And here's something else that's great to say to the VA - "I have no quality of life anymore". That's one of the things they look for when deciding to increase or not. Make sure you give examples though, like not being able to pick up your kid, etc.

Hopefully by now you have already applied, but probably either haven't heard anything or have been denied. Don't let it go - appeal their decision. Contact your senator, find someone with the DAV or other vet organization and get some help. At some point - as long as you don't give in, the VA will get tired of dealing with it and go ahead and award your increase. Pestering the hell out of the VA also helps. I've done it and have had success doing so.

I hope it's all going well for you.
Laurie