I have what I think is a unique situation.
I suffered a compression fracture of L5 while on active duty in 1989. I was hospitalized for 6 weeks and on convalescent leave for 2 more weeks. I returned to duty and was stationed in Germany.
While in Germany, I was unable to perform duties because of the medications I was on. I was upset by this and made some bad choices and was honorably discharged with a personality disorder.
I went to the VA for an exam upon my discharge in October 1990. I was asked to walk across the room. The doctor said "you can walk, you're not disabled" and gave me a 0% rating. The entire visit was a nightmare!
Since then, I have been hospitalized, been to chiropractors, pain specialists, etc. I had a child but was told not to attempt to have more children because it could cause more serious damage including paralysis. I was unable to pursue the career I wanted because of my injury. I have also filed for depression because due to the injury and what happened after, it caused problems with my marriage and I ended up divorced.
I provided my VA rep with 19 years worth of medical documents for treatment for depression and my back injury.
My questions are:
Do I have a chance of getting a good rating?
Do I have a chance of retro compensation since I can show I have received treatment since my discharge for both conditions?
Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!
I suffered a compression fracture of L5 while on active duty in 1989. I was hospitalized for 6 weeks and on convalescent leave for 2 more weeks. I returned to duty and was stationed in Germany.
While in Germany, I was unable to perform duties because of the medications I was on. I was upset by this and made some bad choices and was honorably discharged with a personality disorder.
I went to the VA for an exam upon my discharge in October 1990. I was asked to walk across the room. The doctor said "you can walk, you're not disabled" and gave me a 0% rating. The entire visit was a nightmare!
Since then, I have been hospitalized, been to chiropractors, pain specialists, etc. I had a child but was told not to attempt to have more children because it could cause more serious damage including paralysis. I was unable to pursue the career I wanted because of my injury. I have also filed for depression because due to the injury and what happened after, it caused problems with my marriage and I ended up divorced.
I provided my VA rep with 19 years worth of medical documents for treatment for depression and my back injury.
My questions are:
Do I have a chance of getting a good rating?
Do I have a chance of retro compensation since I can show I have received treatment since my discharge for both conditions?
Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated!
