Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hello all, this is the nurse from Ca. who was dx with Cervical, Thoracic Spondylosis with myelopathy. Disc bulges at C4-5, C-7, T1-2 and T2-3

To recap, was turned down for MRI of lumbar due to increasing pain in lower back and mild to severe pain in left buttock and leg. Originally w/c refused to authorize the MRI and then decided to approve after having MRI done through my own doctor. Lumbar MRI showed at L5-S1 bilateral facet degenerative changes supporting the presence of a pars articularis defect. Compression deformity of both exiting L5 nerve roots within the neural formamen. Also stated decreased disc height and signal and unroofing of disc material at L5-S1. What is unroofing? Dose anyone know?

Also was orded to return to work in Aug. modified duty. Could not return because of the pain. My doctor kept me out until I am seen by personal Ortho doc on the 29th of this month.

I received a letter from w/c yesterday stating," Although liability for your worker's comp injury has been accepted I cannot authorize industrial disability leave or pay you TD benefits at this time because Modified work is available but you are off work for non-industrial medical issue".

I spoke to my attorney's assistant prior to receiving the w/c denial letter, and she said that the issue with the lumbar not being part of my original injury complaint would be brought up when I see the AME in Feb. Although the work comp doc stated in the records, that he thinks that my leg pain is a result of my falling several times due to my original injury.

I have applied for SSD benefits, however it is very disheartening, to go down this road alone. I have appreciated all the kind words and information from you guys and will continue to keep you posted.

I'm not Familiar with Ca. Laws, but it Seems that if You are going to get anything, You are Going to have to Fight for it. Make Sure You have Trust in Your Attorney, and let them handle the Legal Part, and You Concentrate on getting Better! Dealing with the Stress of w/c is Most Times as Bad as Dealing with the Injury, and Stress only Lengthens Your Healing Process!! I Wish You the Best, and Please Keep Us Informed!!

By the Way, Your Lower Back Pain is the Result of the Disc Height lessening, and Causing Pressure on Your Nerve Roots going to Your Sciatic Nerves to Both Legs. As Far as Unroofing of Disc Material, it Sounds as if You May have a Disc sliding away from the Vertebrae. You May need to Speak with Your Dr. to be Sure, and whether this is Degenerative or Caused by Injury is going to be Up to the Courts to Decide!! Again, My Best!!