Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Military & Veterans Board VA Ankylosing Spondylitis Ruling

Yes, 5292

I am guessing you have not been rated since 2003. In 2003 they changed the criteria for rating disease and injury to the spine.

This link goes to the VASRD. It will show you the current criteria.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=d741c52f7d5b47cff93ecd0ec686fc0a&rgn=div5&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5&idno=38

You should search for code 5237 or 5243.

Mike

I have a lot of reading to do. I was last evaluated in 2001. I currently have a 40% disability and I understood that they could not take that away from me since I have had it since 1971. Is that true?

Wonder what made the VA change it's rating system for back injuries? Is there no longer a 5292 rating?

I have been having a lot of problems since my last c&p exam so that's why I went in for another exam. Is it next to impossible to increase my rate?

John,

Contact the DAV and have them do the new claim for you. They will be good enough to get you 70% with out blinking an eye. Took my rep a short 2 years for me to go from 40-70-100.

Ken,

I was told that it costs $230 to join the DAV and after being put out of work by the PA at the VA Hospital on Feb. 1st, my financial situation is really bad. Do you know if they have a sliding scale for those of us with financial problems.

I have a VA rep but I really don't think he is doing much more than just sending paperwork in.

Thanks, John

A life membership may very well cost $230. But, the DAV must represent all Veterans, and do. There is no requirement to be a member. They will take your case.

I contacted the DAV - they have an office in my VA Hospital and I have an appointment to bring all my stuff in and talk with them on March 28th. I also found out that I could pay $40 and pay on the installment plan. I was encouraged to find out that they are completely funded by members and donations - no government connection. I have to thank you very much for your help - and I'll let you know how I make out. John

John,

Did the DAV rep lead you to beleive you had to be a member of the DAV? I sure hope not. I know allot of them push membership for the wrong reason. They get recruiting $$ from the National HQ.

I stress that ALL veterans can use the DAV to file a claim and DO NOT have to be a member.

Yes, I am a life member. But I joined years ago.

No, Ken, he did not. But if I can pay as I go, I will. My wife tried to get me to join years ago but I never did. He was real helpful - my wife talked to him. Said I needed to get all my medical reports together and meet with him. That's why I don't have an appointment until the 28th, my doctor will be getting my report to me next week and my primary care doctor has been putting me off for 4 weeks getting his report. So I'm hoping I'll have that week too.

All these years, I have mostly been self-treating and being real careful not to hurt my back - gave up all sports when I was hurt in Vietnam but I've been able to manage and you get used to being in pain all the time. At least I'm still around. John

Ken,

I just received my medical report back from my orthopedic surgeon and there is something that I don't understand - he states in his report that I have Grade I Spondylolisthesis which is the least. He does report that since my exam I'm totally disabled. I know I'm not able to move around at all but Grade I doesn't seem to equal how I feel. Can you be Grade I and be totally disabled?

I realize that you're not a medical doctor but I could use some insight in this. thanks, John