Possibly TL:DR...

Had a C&P Exam last month for my back and I just got the report today...Was diagnosed with IVDS (degenerative arthritis; mild scoliosis; Lumbosacral strain; Spondylolisthesis; radiculopathy in right leg only, paraspinal muscle spasms). My IVDS has no bed rest issues with it as my doctors have never prescribed bed rest...they always told me that getting up and exercising will help the issue.

My only issue is that when I went to sick call in the military, they put down that I injured my back, but when i got out, it only specified in my records that my lower back was the only part that was notated as being injured. The injury for my upper back and lower back were caused by the same event. It was just documented later on as only a lower back pain issue...

From my C&P Exam:

Cervical review:

Rationale: The veteran service treatment record is silent for supporting a cervical spine (upper back) complaint or condition while serving on active duty. The veteran contends that the neck injury occurred at the same time as the low back injury when carrying a generator and falling down stairs when moving a couch. While, there is service treatment records documenting the low back complaint dated xx/xx/xxxx there is no notation of the veterans neck complaints. The veteran states he mentioned the neck complaint to the medical personnel at that specific visit. Unfortunately, there is no documentation. The veteran reports he did not visit medical at any other time for a neck (upper back complaint) while serving on active duty. Consequently, it is less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness.

Lumbar Spine review:

The claimed condition was at least as likely as not (likelihood is at least approximately balanced or nearly equal, if not higher) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness. The veteran has service treatment records dated back while serving on active duty dated xx/xx/xxxx with complaints of low back pain x 2 weeks. These can be found in VBMS Folder 4 pg 23-24. Consequently, it is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness.

[X] Involvement of L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (sciatic nerve) If checked, indicate side affected:

 [X] Right

[ ] Left

[ ] Both

[ ] Other nerves (specify nerve and side(s) affected

Just a question...if I am denied for my upper back, does it look like I might have a shot for a secondary claim for it?