Sorry, I keep asking questions, I guess I am nervous about reopening my husband’s claim and I want to make sure we have all the evidence to get through it the first time. Brief background: My husband shattered his c2-c7 during the Gulf war. They took a piece of his hip bone and fused c2-c7. He has very little movement (5 degrees left, right and up, no movement down). They also wrapped the cervical spine with 20 gauge wire for added stability. He has suffered through all these years but things are worse. (He did receice 60% and UI T&P in 1997) He has seen neurologists every 3- 6 months for the past 17 years. Neuro surgeons say there is nothing they can do to help (prognosis is not good). He has cervical spondylosis with myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy. He has very limited range of motion of his arms, wrists and fingers on both sides. He can no longer complete personal hygiene including bathing and restroom. He can’t dress himself and feeding is tricky but can be successful with adaptation but still messy. We are getting into the VA spinal cord center for further testing of bowel problems now, but I don’t want to wait much longer to file our claim.
We are looking at filing for loss of use: not sure if arms will reach eligibility (I can’t remember rom, but will look when I get the report) but very confident wrists and fingers will (little range, no feeling, and less than 20 on the strength test). The ROM test itself was so much strain he started twitching and tremors from exertion. What evidence do I need to summit to make this sail through? I have EMG report, C-Scans every year (can’t do MRI because of the metal in his neck) I have Physical therapist report (gait is effected but not loss of use). He is being placed in traction weekly to help release some tension on the nerves causing severe headaches. I have the Occupational report of Range of Motion. Our neurologist has filled out our aid and attendance form and is going to complete the DBQ form. Am I missing anything?
