Civilian or VA doctor?

Question:

I am a retired E-7 since 2005 and I have overall 30% disability rating with 10% for degenerative disks from a training accident (a very hard helicopter hard landing). My back has been really painful, and my back got worse over the years with sciatic down left leg to left toe. Going to get steroid shots in my back as a temp fix but will eventually have to get 2 vertebrae fused. My question is should I have a civilian doc do the surgery? If I do will the VA give me convalescent/temp 100% disability? Going to work with DAV but wanted to get your 2 cents. Thanks in advance.

Jim's Reply:

Wherever you choose to have the surgery done you'll be eligible for a 100% temporary convalescent rating while you recover. If the work is done at a VA facility, the raters at the regional office have access to all your paperwork and if you choose a civilian provider, you have to get the papers to VA yourself. VA should get the civilian medical records for you but I always urge vets to DIY that...records can be elusive. Otherwise...VA or Tricare, your call. Good luck.