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calgon

Seaman
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Everything posted by calgon

  1. Thanks! I am currently service connected - 0%. This C and P was for an appeal of the original decision. I appreciate your insight and illustration. Makes good sense. Chuck
  2. Kinfolk what did you end up getting?
  3. Hello Everyone. Appreciate you all for your service to our country. Thanks in advance for your help. I recently had a C and P exam for a knee condition. Based on ROM, Meniscus, misc. notes below, could someone help me understand what this may mean as far as a rating? Chuck 1. Diagnosis ------------ a. List the claimed condition(s) that pertain to this DBQ: Torn Medial Meniscus, Chondromalacia femoral condyles, RIGHT knee b. Select diagnoses associated with the claimed condition(s) (Check all that apply): [X] Knee meniscal tear Side affected: [X] Right [ ] Left [ ] Both Date of diagnosis: Right */*/2011 MRI [X] Arthritic conditions [X] Arthritis, degenerative Side affected: [ ] Right [X] Left [ ] Both Date of diagnosis: Left */*/13 [X] Arthritis, traumatic Side affected: [X] Right [ ] Left [ ] Both Date of diagnosis: Right */*/2011 b. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the knee and/or lower leg? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, document the Veteran's description of the flare-ups in his or her own words: right knee pain goes to 9/10 5-6 days out of the week c. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the joint or extremity being evaluated on this DBQ, including but not limited to repeated use over time? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, document the Veteran's description of functional loss or functional impairment in his or her own words: Tries to avoid running when possible; has knee pain even when sitting, had to take a break 3. Range of motion (ROM) and functional limitation -------------------------------------------------- a. Initial range of motion Right Knee ---------- [ ] All normal [X] Abnormal or outside of normal range [ ] Unable to test (please explain) [ ] Not indicated (please explain) Flexion (0 to 140): 0 to 60 degrees Extension (140 to 0): 60 to 0 degrees If abnormal, does the range of motion itself contribute to functional loss? [X] Yes (please explain) [ ] No If yes, please explain: declines to flex knee more than 60 deg due to reported pain with ROM Description of pain (select best response): Pain noted on exam on rest/non-movement If noted on exam, which ROM exhibited pain (select all that apply)? Flexion, Extension Is there evidence of pain with weight bearing? [X] Yes [ ] No Is there objective evidence of localized tenderness or pain on palpation of the joint or associated soft tissue? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe including location, severity and relationship to condition(s): medial and lateral knee tenderness 13. Diagnostic testing ---------------------- a. Have imaging studies of the knee been performed and are the results available? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, is degenerative or traumatic arthritis documented? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, indicate knee: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both b. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary): */*/2011 MRI Right knee Impression: 1. Radial tear of the posterior horn medial meniscus near the root insertion, with extrusion of the body segment within the medial gutter. 2. Small radial tear of the posterior horn lateral meniscus. 3. Mild cartilage abnormalities of the posterior surfaces of the femoral condyles; small, focal high-grade partial-thickness cartilage defect of the medial femoral trochlea. 4. Bipartite patella with mild reactive edema the synchondrosis. */*/2013 Left knee Impression: Minimal retropatellar spurring. Otherwise grossly normal appearance of the knee. Patellar enthesopathy incidentally noted. c. If any test results are other than normal, indicate relationship of abnormal findings to diagnosed conditions: No response provided 14. Functional impact --------------------- Regardless of the Veteran's current employment status, do the condition(s) listed in the Diagnosis Section impact his or her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples: The right knee pain increases when he has to ride in a car after 20 minutes. Gets increased right knee pain after sitting 30 minutes, standing 30 minutes; walking 15 minutes
  4. What's interesting Vets is that when I went on the C and P for my sinuses increase, the doc said that he noticed in my records that I had sleep apnea. I currently have OSA on appeal secondary to PTSD and was not thinking much about it that day. He told me that my sinus problems most likely contribute to my problems. He said that he would put a note in the system but was unsure what the VA would do. Well based on his probably note, I filed for secondary service connection. The claim is in the PFD phase so I have my fingers crossed but somewhat expecting a denial. I have well documented sleeping problems throughout my SMRs and currently rated 30% for Sinusitis and 10% for Allergic Rh. I had the ACE C and P with a different doctor but he failed to provide an opinion? He justed basically reviewed the records and filled out the DBQ but did not give an opinion? Wouldn't the VA ask him to do so? What's the point in completing that C and P and not providing an opinion whether or not they think it is likely or least likely that my SC sinus problems contribute to or aggravate my OSA? If an opinion was provided I don't see it in the Dr's notes. It is my hope that the "probably" note holds some weight because it's the only medical opinion, (as weak as it may be) by a qualified person on the subject. I was hoping the VA would go back to the doc that said probably and ask him to elaborate but from what I can see, that was not done. In a wait and see approach like many of you. Will keep you guys informed. I am currently rated at 70% with 100% total in disabilities. The OSA would help me to reach 90%. Holding out hope. calgon
  5. GP, the ACE exam was a C and P where the doc reviewed my records and filled out a DBQ. I did not receive a phone call. The C and P for my sinuses increase was an in-person review. Chuck
  6. Thanks Buck. The doctor was a qualified M.D. specializing in internal medicine. I am so hoping his opinion holds some value because the ACE C and P examiner never even mentioned the word sinusitis or rhinitis in his review. I hate those ACE reviews with a passion. CHUCK
  7. Hello Vets and Vet supporters, I have the subjected claim currently in the final stages of completion. I received an increase for my sinusitis and allergic rhinitis service connections recently and the C and P examiner opinned: "Veteran also suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. His Service Connected Allergic Rhinitis /Chronic Sinusitis probably contributes or aggravates this. My question to the group is whether you feel that statement can be considered a Nexus for a connection between the two? I had an ACE C and P for the subjected claim but the examiner did not provide an opinion. I am confused as to why an opinion was not provided. With that being said, do you think that opinion from a previous C and P exam will hold enough weight to justify granting secondary service connection for OSA? Everyone have a safe 4th of July holiday weekend! Chuck
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