The board is required to consider all relevant evidence. So, yes. (The bigger question is what are you trying to show by the EMG).One follow-up question is whether the board takes MRI results into consideration (i.e., disc herniation and protrusion on the spinal cord)?
I requested a nerve study/ EMG from my PCM yesterday and he told me that it would be redundant based on the MRI already confirming the compression/irritation of the spinal cord.
I had a positive nerve conduction study then MRI which led to my dX of Multiple Sclerosis. The doctor informed me a nerve conduction study is helpful in all neurological diseases.
If you don't mind me asking, what showed up on the MRI that ended with the diagnosis of MS?
The MRI showed 3 demyelinating lesions. 2 on my brain and one on the spine. The lesions were active (meaning I was going through a relapse at the time) and were consistent with that of MS. Lesions on the spine are worse and affect the mobility of your limbs. Mainly your walking and balance. I think because mine were active at the time it was easier to dX.
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Was your MRI with contrast? I've had several spine MRIs without contrast and one brain MRI without contrast and they've all come back with several issues, but none mentioned lesions. I've wondered if contrast was required to detect something like that. I hope you're feeling good and good luck with your IDES process. I'm headed to DC on Tues for my formal appeal. I really can't wait until this is all over, this whole process has been ;ess than ideal.
Thanks and no worries. I'm grateful it was discovered fairly early. The MRI is always done with contrast when it comes to MS. Not sure why but it takes forever. 2-3 hours each time. My IDES process is moving at a decent pace. I just agreed to my NARSUM and it's been sent up to IPEB. I'm just ready to put the military behind me. I hope everything is going quickly with your process as well.
VERY NICELY PUT!!!!!!!The board is required to consider all relevant evidence. So, yes. (The bigger question is what are you trying to show by the EMG).
It is not unusual for there to be a "disconnect" between what evidence is needed for a medical determination and what evidence is needed for the legal/administrative disability evaluation system process. (And, there can be overlap, too).
What I mean is that if you have a spine condition, and the doctors suspect or believe you have radiculopathy and or related nerve dysfunction, medically, there is little need for additional exams, like the EMG. Why perform a test when the medical evidence needed for the diagnosis and the treatment will not change based on the results (and, taking into account that there are "false negatives"). Medically, the test is not needed. However, the picture changes when viewed through the legal/administrative lens. The EMG, if positive, can point to the need to evaluate and/or compensate for the nerve dysfunction separately.
So, going back to one of your earlier questions, no, the test is not strictly speaking "required." Other evidence, even opinion evidence from physicians may suffice in lieu of the EMG. However, an MRI is unlikely to show the nerve dysfunction (especially in a peripheral nerve/limb) and an EMG may well be the best evidence to show that the separate disability exists.
Doctors (maybe rightly so) get frustrated when non-doctors give medical advice/opinions. However, the same frustration is often felt by attorneys when non-attorneys (in this case, the doctor) is looking at the issues only from a medical point of view and are essentially giving legal advice/opinions. The disciplines and body of knowledge are different.
Hope this helped and made sense. Best of luck!
EMG will not help with Range of Motion. The EMG just shows what nerve involvement you have for your disability. The ROM is just that- what your ROM is.I had an EMG done after I was out with the V.A. and I'm trying to figure out how I get this added to my ROM which I was discharged for with 20%.
The V.A added it as a secondary condition to the ROM and listed it as service connected. I contacted the BCMR reading room where all of the dockets are posted and the POC responded to my email and is sending me the decision which I haven't seen yet.EMG will not help with Range of Motion. The EMG just shows what nerve involvement you have for your disability. The ROM is just that- what your ROM is.