Ira Brown

I had already applied for IU with a combined rating of 90% and was denied and didn't bother to appeal. The knee replacement was also part of a deformity reconstruction which is not likely to get any better, which will actually raise my rating for the replacement and top me off at 100% combined...which I evidently have to wait on till after my appeal.

My apologies, I worded this wrong. I filed for TEMPORARY DISABILITY(CONVALESCENT), and this is how it is worded on the actual claim. I spoke to a representative and was told they have not denied it but can't grant it because it was "bundled" with the knee replacement and attached to the old appeal for knee locking and instability from 30 months ago.guess that is where I'm thrown off. How can they "suspend" a new claim for knee replacement and temporary disability (convalecent) pending the outcome of an appeal. Seems really unnecessary to postpone either for another 30 months.

That is absolutely terrible. My issue isn't really the time of appeals, but to have an operation and know that I'm due the temporary 100% but get the "bundled in appeals" line is rediculous. Its some, I had a total knee replacement and need time to recouperate which is usually 13 months at 100%...but instead they put it in a 30 month old pile of nonsense. I was told by VA docs and workers that it is always granted but doesn't look that way to me. Just don't see how TDIU can be put into an appeal.

I have a serious problem understanding how 30 months ago I filed an appeal (NOD) for a rating on my left knee. Since then my knee has had to be replaced due to the extent of pain and instability. I filed for TDIU after surgery along with the knee replacement. They have everything the need to verify the knee condition and surgery. The did not necessarily deny them but instead bundled them with the appeal on the knee. Been told it will be about 420-560 days to complete. Why can't I get my TDIU during recovery? And how does this effect the decision later. Will I ever see any compensation for my recovery? Seems as though they are waiting for the TDIU to run out before they even contact me about the appeal. Which is still at originating office. Please explain!!!??

I have a serious problem understanding how 30 months ago I filed an appeal (NOD) for a rating on my left knee. Since then my knee has had to be replaced due to the extent of pain and instability. I filed for TDIU after surgery along with the knee replacement. They have everything the need to verify the knee condition and surgery. The did not necessarily deny them but instead bundled them with the appeal on the knee. Been told it will be about 420-560 days to complete. Why can't I get my TDIU during recovery? And how does this effect the decision later. Will I ever see any compensation for my recovery? Seems as though they are waiting for the TDIU to run out before they even contact me about the appeal. Which is still at originating office. Please explain!!!??

Hello lucido386...did your ratings change on the Ebenefits page? My claim was closed yesterday and my rating remains 90% after a total knee replacement beginning of MAY, but Ebenefits says nothing about it on listed disabilities. Seeing if Ebenefits is just slower than going to local Caro.

Had an existing claim while needed left knee replaced. Added knee replacement to claim and went to exams a few weeks later. Examiner said he couldn't make a determination of knee since it was so recent. Claimed was CLOSED yeaterday. All ratings stayed the same but have pending claim for left knee subluxion and locking of the joint. What happened to my knee replacement rating?!?

I was told that the knee replacement would get me 100% for around 13 months while the existing claim Was decided...which is almost guaranteed to be bumped to the 100% anyway. Have been going through process since 2011. Does knee replacement still fall under regular timelines for wait period? 13 months will be up before they make a decision.

Rated at 90% (70% PTSD 20% for left knee 20% for right knee and a few at 10%) Had open claim for increase to 100%. While claim was still in gathering evidence stage(9 months in) had total knee replacement and filed for the temporary 100%. Somehow my existing claim and knee replacement claim got added together.I watched the progress all way to pending decision approval and estimated completion of 6-30-2016. Just checked and status changed to gathering evidence and completion of 11-15-2016. How is this possible for a total knee replacement? Please advise. 9 hours ago

I am rated at 90% since 2014. It consist of 70% PTSD and 20% left 20% right knee conditions and other conditions at 10%. I filed for unemployability soon after that. I haven't been able to work due to severe pain and my PTSD. While my claim was being processed (9 months in) I had to have knee replacement surgery. I immediately filed for the tempory 100% but it was added to my initial claim. I have watched the progress and it has gone from gathering evidence all way to pending decision approval, now it is back to gathering evidence. What happened to my 100% rating for my total knee replacement and why do I have to wait another 4-7 months?