I'll keep this short. I joined when I was 18 in 2004. I was 6'1 tall. Got back from tour #1 in 2006 and went back to civilian work and noticed some back issues doing normal stuff or being in one position for too long. I went to the VA, someone spent 5 minutes with me and gave me a prescription for naproxin to deal with the pain.

went on tour #2 in 2008, got back, ETS'ed in 2010, and got out of IRR this feb.

I'm now 26 years old and 6 foot tall. I have constant back pain that keeps me from sleeping, sitting, standing, bending or anything else without extreme discomfort. I got my second appointment with a chiropractor to review my xrays and whatnot on Monday.


Do I have a shot at getting with the VA for disability still, or is it too late, or what all should I do before doing so (like see a civi doctor first with evidence that im effed up) and who should I poke and prod at the VA?

 

im not sure what to tell you, i received a combat injury, which thanks to an army doctor have a 70% loss of movement in my left ankle,walk with a limp and can tell you when there's a cool front coming because i can barely walk when the weather is changing.
bottom line...it wasn't until i was diagnosed with ptsd and had an episode, then they wanted to talk with me. ive been in therapy for a little over 2 and a half years. the only thing ive gotten from the va is a big hassle and an opiate addiction

 

Do you still have your medical record showing you went to them with a back issue? Did you go more than once for your back? If you only went once (in 2006) and they only gave you meds, than it is not looking good for you. There is no harm in contacting your local va office and see if you can get an appointment. Worst case scenario, they say no, and you are left in the same condition as you already are. Honesty, I would not expect them to cover you (unless you have proof that you were experiencing back pains while enlisted). They are getting very strict about what they cover. If you are going to pursue this, you need to do it as soon as possible. The farther you get away from your release date the harder it will be to fight.