Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease with multilevel disc desiccation

However, affordability is the big issue... I am not able to work right now which means that my only income is from 20% va disability compensation and going to school fulltime online... That just barely allows me to pay rent and utilities while still being behind on payments from when I was out of work for 4 months and trying to get enrolled into school because of this back problem... As it is, I have a 4k er bill from my back spasming on me and the VA wont even look at it, but its a bill caused by this back problem that the VA wont acknowledge is a problem... ...

I know you feel like your being kicked while your down bro. Hang in there, it will get better! One if the most difficult challenges is getting compensation from the VA. Breaking everything down for them to a 3rd grade level is the only way. Using their language is most important via IDC codes and wording. I realize that's not going to help immediately but it's all we can do. Breaks my heart the Dept of VA won't get you taken care of properly. As you realize your not the only one. You may consider contacting your Senators. I know of many that did and sending letters and documentation via the Senators fax really speeds things up. The pressure from the civilian ER visit I'm sure is intense but remember they can't really do more than that. Medical bill can't take your money or property. All they can do it threaten. When I was in that situation I mailed them a dollar a month and they finally quit bugging me. When I finally got money, I squared things away with them for a deducted amount. They will negotiate if you wait long enough. It's not right in the slightest what's happening to you via the VA. I wish I could help you more than just these words. You may consider writing a letter that you can mail out to different Veteran support originations. ie, chuck-e-cheese, I know for a fact that they help the ones who really need it. Sounds like you need it bro, it certainly can't hurt and costs a little time and a few stamps.

May I suggest you contact your local DAV or VFW to see if their Service Officer(s) might have a suggestion for a doctor/specialist that would work with you regarding costs?

I have been to a PT and they gave me a cane before my results of the MRI came in, had me see a PMR doctor who diagnosed me with this and then they told me that the only way I was able to continue using a cane or wheelchair was if I bought it out of pocket. This has been getting progressively worse and in 2012 when I went to my last IRR Muster duty and they did a full medical checkup they sent me a letter stating that I did not meet the medical retention standards because of my back pain, shoulder, and knee problems.

The first time I filed they had me scheduled to see a CMP evaluator before my MRI results were in. I was told they would include the MRI findings into the cmp however I do not believe that was the case because 2 days after my CMP and before the MRI results were in my claim was denied. Upon re-filling my claim they had me see the PMR doctor and he was the one who diagnosed my back.

Also, I have the DAV as my representative up at the Wichita KS VA hospital. I have been informed to contact other personnel to get assistance with this problem but I was unsure of my next move.

SPC Justin Phillips
I have some questions regarding that .... please contact me privately.