Should I pursue reopening my disability case?

My service-connected disability was first diagnosed in 1987, and in 1989, it was classified by the VA as a "back strain" and rated at a mere 10%. In the 29 years that I have endured this condition, I have exhausted all reasonable, conservative interventions. You name it, I have done it - back brace, TENS unit, warm moist heating pad, lumbosacral support cushion for my car, physical therapy, chiropractic "treatment"; Pain school and pain psychology (cognitive behavioral therapy), MOVE program to lose weight (down 27 lbs in 23 months), and currently a referral to "Yoga for Pain"; various medications- Prednisone dose-packs, steroid nerve blocks, 29 years on NSAIDs-oral and injections (despite documented evidence of adverse cardiac, gastrointestinal, and liver effects from long-term NSAID use), brief treatment with low-dose opiates-hydrocodone and tramadol (believe it or not, this has been reclassified as a synthetic opiate), and very brief round of gabapentin. My pain has become chronic, and the impressions of my X-rays and MRI show STRUCTURAL spinal defects, bulging disks, nerve impingement, degenerative disk disease. HOW can this be classified as a back STRAIN?! Despite these findings, the interpreting individuals have consistently maintained a status quo of, "Major abnormalities; no attention needed." I am not bashing the VA in any way. I have received excellent care at some of their facilities. I just feel like I have been shuffled back and forth, and because I do not raise cane every time I see my doctor, I have fallen through the cracks, in an already overtaxed VA medical system.

The VA's nationwide implementation of the Opioid Safety Initiative (based on the CDC's Opioid Prescribing Guidelines) has created an unfair restriction of medications that could improve the quality of life for many veterans suffering with undermanaged or unmanaged pain. Those who go through an entire treatment regimen, but still ask for pain relieving medications, are judged, labeled, and stigmatized as high-risk, drug-seeking, addicts. I get it, there's a heroin and prescription drug problem in this country and among veterans. Is a complete ban the answer? Is it any wonder why so many resort to illegal/illicit drug use?

Granted, my disability has not left me completely crippled and unable to care for myself, but the chronic pain has negatively impacted my physical and psychosocial well-being, and I do not expect any improvement as I age. Since conservative treatment measures have only marginally helped, not helped at all, or even aggravated my condition; my condition has worsened since initial diagnosis; there is no possibility of improvement; my doctor has deemed my condition does not warrant surgical intervention; and the VA is moving to "wean people off of these medications," should I pursue reopening my case for reevaluation, reclassification, and an increase in my rating?

Any constructive input and advice is welcome.