where do i begin?

[sgtvonj]

I hurt my back while unloading freight in April. I continued to work as the pain went away after a time. One morning in November I found myself unable to get out of bed and stand for any given period on my left side. I am a veteran and was told that I have done some damage to my sciatic nerve. Now I am unable to work as it requires standing all day and an extreme amount of lifting. My employer is sending me for a medical exam from a private physician. How does this apply to workers' compensation?
Please advise.
Thank you.

[AQA]

I would ask if you are in the service, but you used the word employer. So are you a federal employee????

The reason for the question is that federal employees have different rules. Other than that, the state you live in would need to be known. For wc is state specific.

[CRABBY]

I would file a workman's comp claim on my own at this point...and go to your own doctor and get a referral from you personal physician if need be and it sound like you do need to see a specialist...I don't want to sound distrustful of your employer, but I don't trust any as far as I can throw them.....you also might want to consult with an attorney too...good luck....

[1171]

A lot can happen between april and november. You'll have to rely on a good medical opinion. make sure they take a good history (prepare one ahead of time and give it to the doctor) as well as have all your records. you may need an orthopedic specialist to make the diagnosis.
If the doctor connects your current problems to your job duties then you need to notify your employer to file a comp claim with their carrier.

[sgtvonj]

thank you so much. I'm off to the Dr. as per my employer's instruction. Post that I will begin with the advice I've been given here.